Blarney Slot Canyons

Who doesn’t enjoy a little slot canyon fun?!

…Not far from Hanksville, Utah is this 1-mile round trip hike to one of Utah’s less visited slot canyons. Although Blarney Canyon is generally known for its canyoneering route, you can follow either the West or East Fork wash to get to the slots. You’ll only be able to hike up to a certain point, so once you take the short hike to the slot canyons, and you reach a point where you hit some vertical walls, you’ve now reached the canyoneering route. 

If you have the gear, you can continue, If not, you’ll head back the same way you came. The West Fork wash to the Blarney slots is (in my opinion) a little more aesthetic than the East Fork wash…but don’t take my word for it and check them both out for yourself! It’s short, but its straightforward approach makes it a fun hike for anyone. The canyon is usually dry, so unless there was recent rain, you shouldn’t have any issues with puddles or getting wet. What’s also cool is this little canyon sits right in between the popular Shillelagh & Leprechaun Canyon, so make the time for those canyons as well.

GETTING THERE
Take the 95 South from Hanksville. To make it easier, from “Outlaws Roost” (a Mexican cuisine restaurant) to Blarney Canyon it’s 28 miles. So, you may want to set your odometer that way you can properly keep track of your mileage, because there’s no signage for this canyon and the pull off is easy to miss. Once you’ve driven the 28 miles, look for a small, very short dirt road on your left-hand side! The short dirt road is distinguished by a separated pillar against the rock wall, so look for that if you’re not sure. If you do, you’re in the right spot. If no vehicles are parked there, then you know you have the canyon all to yourself! After you’ve parked and are ready to go, hike up the canyon wash. The canyon splits in an open area, but THIS IS NOT the East Fork, so continue hiking up the canyon until the canyon starts to deepen. The canyon then splits again, which is the East & West Fork split. Check out the slots and then make your way back. Again, this trail is great for canyoneering and hiking, but it’s unlikely you’ll encounter another person while adventuring, so enjoy it!

As always, never stop exploring and pack out what you pack in! Stay gold!