Jul 26, 2017

By: Mo Edwards

Making decisions is hard, #amirite? There are so many choices in this modern world! “Should I diversify my IRA or bury it in the backyard?” Depends on your short-term goals. “Should I get a turtle or a dirtbike?” Could go either way. “Should I hike a slot canyon this year?” That one is simple: Yes!

At 6,080 feet in elevation, you’ll enjoy epic views of the canyons, basins, and distant mountains. From the scenic overlook, you’ll hike a little under a mile along the southern ledge of the Island in the Sky to another epic viewpoint. You have the option to hike all of the way to Sheep Creek. However, the slot canyon ends at 1.4 miles. Beyond this, the canyon widens and even though its scenic, it can get monotonous. If you do not have a GPS with you, once you get to this gigantic rock in the creek, the slot canyon portion of the hike is over.

Southern Utah has more tiny, narrow cracks than a shattered iPhone screen. Some are deep, some are wide, some are wet and some are dry, but none of them will shove tiny glass shards in your texting fingers.

Slot Canyons Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utah’s layered sedimentary deposits. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. Slot canyons are more common in the San Rafael, Robbers Roost area southwest of Green River, about 90 minutes from Moab. A good one for beginners is Little Wild Horse Canyon near Goblin Valley. No guide is necessary. You're into the first slot within 15-20 minutes of hiking. From road UT 128, which links Moab with Cisco, near I-70, and 3 miles northeast of the turn-off to Castle Valley, a good quality gravel track (Professor Valley Road) heads southeast for 2 miles, past a cluster of ranch buildings. The road ends at a shady parking area right next to the creek, which is wide and meandering at this point.

Slot canyons are nice because you don’t have to make very many decisions in them. Carved by wind, water and dinosaur tears, slot canyons can be hundreds of feet deep and so narrow you have to cram yourself through sideways. (There’s one near Zion called Fat Man’s Misery.) Another benefit, among many, is that their unique shape and basic astrophysics means slot canyons are shady all but a few minutes a day, making them a pleasant respite from the relentless summer sun!

A word to the wise: Slot canyons can be as dangerous as they are beautiful, much like Kevin Bacon. Much like a giant, bloodthirsty sandworm, flash floods can sneak up on you quick. Rainwater collects from the non-absorbent plateau and drains into these canyons creating an instantaneous wall of water.

DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON IF IT IS RAINING, IF IT HAS RAINED IN THE PAST 24 HOURS OR IF RAIN IS FORECASTED.

Flash flood warning signs:

1. Sudden heavy rains
2. Clear creek water begins to turn brown and muddy
3. Debris such as twigs, leaves or needles appears in the water

Seek high ground immediately! Don’t worry about foot vibrations; just get out of there. Even climbing a few feet could save your life. Check the weather and talk to the appropriate park/BLM authority before you go. And finally, plan an alternative itinerary in case the weather turns against you. If you reeeally want to gamble with slots, go to Vegas. That’ll ruin you too, but more slowly.

Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead)

• Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab.
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Best for: Families can totally do this slot.
• Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round.

The entirety of Buckskin Gulch canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. Or so proclaims the internet. And the internet is always… interesting? ...a spectrum of truth and falsehoods?

Really though, to hike the whole thing would take a few days, a precious permit and some technical gear. Sounds fun! Maybe not with the kids though. Try this: Buckskin Gulch via the Wire Pass trailhead. Wire Pass winds through a spectacularly striated little slot canyon to Buckskin Gulch. There are a few obstacles to toss the kids over (don’t toss the kids; that’s a joke, an internet falsehood, fake news), but nothing prohibitive and round trip it is only 3.5 miles! Do-able for a sturdy five-year-old. Look for petroglyphs at the junction of the two canyons. Bask in the real truthiness of it all.

Little Wild Horse

• Location: South-central Utah near Goblin Valley
• Distance: 8 miles for the full loop, but many just go as far as they like and turn back
• Best for: Ideal for families, but fun for all
• Best time to go: Spring and fall

This place is perfect for all the wobbly little foals in your life. A stone's throw from Goblin Valley — a Burning Man of strange and playful sandstone goblins — Little Wild Horse is a strange and playful sandstone canyon. Smaller in scale than, say, the Narrows, its dry, sandy wash is friendly to all abilities. The kids will naturally propel themselves along the twists and turns with nary an expletive from parents. The entire loop (up Little Wild Horse and down Bell Canyon) is about eight miles — a liiiittle too long for kids who aren’t a pre-Prefontaine, perhaps — but families can explore at their leisure until it’s time to return to the car for more fruit snacks (or kale, or spelt, or gluten-free chia pet seeds, or whatever kids eat these days). If they’re having too much fun galloping about and ignore your call to head back, tell them you’ll call the BLM about some little wild horses in Goblin Valley that need to be immunized. “The feds are coming! With the vacciiiiines!! RUUUUUNNNNNNNN!” Threats don’t work with kids but it doesn't hurt to try.

Spooky and Peekaboo

• Location: On Hole-in-the-Rock Road, 26 miles south of the town of Escalante.
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Best for: Claustrophiles (is that the opposite of claustrophobes?); robust children and adults unafraid of tight curves and a few drop-offs. Broad-chested, pregnant, or otherwise girthier people might want to skip this one as the paths are extremely narrow.
• Best time to go: Year-round

Have you ever wanted to be bear-hugged by the earth? A nice, firm, sandy squeeze that lingers so long it becomes awkward. “Earth!” you say, “I like you, but… I don’t like-like you.” “Oh,” Earth says, a little embarrassed. “I just thought… maybe you and I—” “No, Earth. No. Our kind cannot be together. We would destroy each other.”

If you’ve never had this conversation, dear reader, you’ve never been to Spooky Gulch. Located along Hole in the Rock Road in Escalante Canyons country, Spooky and Peek A Boo Slot Canyons make a great half-day adventure. Start at the bottom of naturally sculpted Peek A Boo and climb up, passing under a few arches and over a few potholes (usually dry). From the top, follow the cairns over slickrock and sand to the entrance of Spooky. Leave your backpack behind. Shed any unnecessary layers: “fun” hats, push-up bras, ironic mustaches, fanny packs, babies in baby carriers, the ticket to Tremors 7 in your front pocket... Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope and nope. Slide sideways through this narrowest of the earth’s crevices and ponder how a canyon can taper so. Kids love this part! Finally an activity they can accomplish more swiftly than adults. Send them to get help when you find yourself trapped hard in Earth’s awkward embrace.

Furniture Draw

• Location: Along Buckhorn Wash Road in Emery County
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Best for: Families or anyone looking for an easy hike
• Best time to go: April to October

Sometimes you just need a calm, dependable slot canyon. No 10-inch-wide walls closing in on you, no frigid water to wade or swim through, no rappelling or scrambling or climbing. Like a nice hallway. Furniture Draw is the family-friendly slot canyon you’ve been searching for. Bring sunscreen.

Zion Narrows

• Location: Zion National Park
• Distance: Variable up to 16 miles
• Best for: Anyone at least four feet tall can hike out-and-back hike from the bottom; at least some hiking experience and endurance are required to do the whole thing top-down.
• Best time to go: Later spring and summer yield lower water levels in the river.

The Narrows in Zion National Park is the one slot canyon to rule them all. The grand dame of gorge-ous divisions. The Citizen Kane of sightly crevasses. The head honcho of heavenly chasms. The Patti Labelle of parted pathways. The Phil Collins of fault-less canyons. The Beyoncé of handsome breaches. In some places the walls rise 1,000 feet above you and the canyon narrows to 20 feet across. It’s almost as dramatic as the rise of Kevin Bacon (the Meryl Streep of actors).

There are a couple ways to go about the Narrows:

1. Start from the bottom at Temple of Sinawava and mosey upstream in the Virgin River. No, not along the river: IN the river. Bring (or rent from local outfitters) some great water shoes and a walking stick for stability on slippery rocks. Sometimes vintage walking sticks au naturel (aka discarded branches) can be found at the beginning of the hike. Continue up the river for two or three hours and arrive at Wall Street, the narrowest section of the canyon. Gawk. Go back from whence you came. Or amble on for a bit; the farther up the canyon you go, the fewer humans you’ll share it with.

2. This hike can also be a 16-mile multi-day trip from the top, granted you are lucky enough to win a permit and popular/rich enough to arrange a shuttle. It's worth a try!

Box Canyon Hiking Trail in Maple Canyon

• Location: Near Fountain Green, Utah
• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Best for: Anyone who can handle some rock scrambling/basic bouldering
• Best time to go: April to October

This out-and-back trail is short, but don’t think you’re getting off easy. It’s all boulders, all the time. You’ll be walking between boulders and towering rock walls, scrambling over boulders, even climbing between cracks in boulders that fell from the cliffs at some point in time. (Don’t think too hard about that, but don’t not think about it either. Falling rock is a risk here.) Boulders, boulders and more boulders.Kids can totally take this trail, but there is one spot where a generous previous hiker secured a rope to a 15-foot boulder that you will need to scale. Your options are to loosen up that protective instinct and let your offspring give it a try, or hit the gym starting now so you can lift them up to a trusty partner who has braved the rock first.At the end of the trail is a lovely waterfall that has yet more boulders and a rope to climb it, but climbing this spot isn’t recommended unless you come prepared with rock-climbing gear.Note that this trail is on private property, but the public currently has permission to scurry and scramble their way through. Check before you go to make sure that’s still true and also that there isn’t water in the canyon.

Slot Canyon Hikes Moab Utah Rv Parks

Zebra Canyon

• Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Distance: 5.3 miles out and back
• Best for: Moderate to more experienced hikers
• Best time to go: April to November

Zebra Slot Canyon delivers exactly what it promises: some really cool zebra-ish stripes on its narrow walls that are sure to make you the coolest kid on Instagram. That is, if you’re tough enough to earn them. You’ll enjoy a roasty walk through the desert and Harris Wash to get to the slot canyon, which does not take too long to slither through. (And slithering is about what you should expect — at one point the canyon focuses down to a 10-inch gap. Suck it in!) There are watery spots as well, and while you may see people leaving their shoes at the entrance, you’d be better off hoisting your kicks aloft as you ford the chilly pits. There are places in the canyon that you might not be able to do barefoot. And then you won’t get those Instagram shots of the zebra stripes at the end. And then you’ll be sad. However, do leave your backpack at the entrance as there’s no room for that baby. If you really want to go for the gold, you can keep going through the zebra stripes to the dry fall on the other side where the canyon opens back up again, but this is no small feat and most people treat that trek as an out-and-back. But if you’re still feeling un-slot-isfied after Zebra Slot Canyon, you can head back to Harris Wash and continue on your merry way to nearby Tunnel Slot Canyon.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon

• Location: Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, near Cannonville
• Distance: About 3 miles out and back
• Best for: Everyone
• Best time to go: April to October, but summer is very hot

Willis Creek is one of those unexpected, under-respected kinds of places. Nearby, flashier neighbors like Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Basin State Park steal all the thunder. Because who can top colorful sandstone spires or golden arches shining in the sun? Willis Creek Slot Canyon, that’s who! Or maybe top isn’t the right word. Complement. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is the perfect complement to its fabulous canyon friends. With its trickling creek and gorgeous canyon walls, Willis Creek is the friend you almost forgot to invite but turns out to be the life of the party.

The trail starts out through brush and trees, then takes a turn down toward Willis Creek. After that, you’ll follow along with the creek the rest of the way. Your feet will get wet so plan accordingly. The canyon walls start off low and comfy but the farther you go, the more they close in on you until you’re snuggled in the earth’s warm clutches. (“No” means “no,” Earth!) The hike is fun for all and great for kids, who will enjoy skipping their way through the creek. Check conditions before you go. Rain can cancel the viability of not only the slot canyon but also Skutumpah Road by which you access it.

The Subway (Top-Down Route)

• Location: Zion National Park
• Distance: 9.5 miles
• Best for: Experienced climbers
• Best time to go: Later summer through early October

Zion National Park is home to more than one slot canyon. While the Narrows may be the Preciousssss, the Subway is still a classic, like Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Casablanca or the first Star Wars (the original one, before George Lucas discovered CGI). But be aware that the Subway will kick your booty into next week and you shouldn’t underestimate it. It’s a tough, semi-technical journey, especially leaving the canyon when there’s nothing to look forward to but your job and the melted fruit snacks in your car. But on the way in, you’ll be looking forward to one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Utah.

The top-down route is the classic way to get to this classic canyon. This route involves wading, scrambling, slip-sliding, climbing your way down the Left Fork of the North Creek. Expect a long, hard 6–10 hour day with a few rappels, down-climbs and a couple surprisingly chilly swimming sessions. But all work and no play makes Jack/ie a dull climber, so take plenty of time to use all your senses. The reward for all your work: the tubular — in both senses — rock formations that give the hike its name. They’re just a smidge photogenic.

If technical climbing isn’t your bag of gummy worms, you can also start and end your climb at the Left Fork Trailhead, which is about 8.2 miles up the Kolob Terrace Road from Virgin, Utah. This route is not technical and you can still see some waterfalls and the lower Subway formations. It’s still a slog, though, and you’ll be hiking for 5–9 hours, and the scenery is not nearly as great as the top-down route.

Note that you will need a permit as this hike has become so popular that visitors are now limited to 80 per day. You can get a permit from the National Park Service a few months in advance through a lottery process, or cross your fingers for a last-minute drawing two to seven days before you’d like to go.

Burro Wash

• Location: Capitol Reef National Park, 7.8 miles down Notom-Bullfrog Road
• Distance: 8 miles
• Best for: Experienced canyon-country hikers
• Best time to go: Spring and fall

Slot Canyon Hikes Moab Utah Lodging

There are a few slot canyons in Capitol Reef National Park but Burro Wash gets the most action. This canyon requires some skill and, depending on how far you go, can give you an excuse to slide your butt cheeks into a climbing harness.The hike starts with a two-mile trek through an open wash before you get into the canyon. Once you’re there, expect a slot chock-full of chockstones — giant boulders that fell in/conveniently into your path. Bonus: Sometimes you get to approach them from a pool of water. Some of the chockstones in Burro Wash have ways you can bypass them, while others require Spider-Man web-jets (or climbing gear in a pinch). After several of these chockstones, you’ll reach a set of not one, but two of them near the end of the trek. If you can get past these babies, the hike ends soon after at a pour-off about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. Unless you’ve got mad technical skills and a shuttle, this is an out-and-back hike.

The 17 Best Hikes in Moab, Utah

Are you looking for the best hikes in Moab? I’ve put together a list of the best hikes in Moab that are not in a National Park so you can visit these hikes for free!

I’ve also put together a list of the best hikes in Arches National Park and hikes in Canyonlands National Park so check those out if you are looking for even more hikes near Moab.

Remember to bring water, sunscreen and a hat on these Moab Hiking Trails. Many of the trails are exposed with little shade and Utah gets hot in the summer and temps will soar over 100 degrees. Try to go early in the morning and make sure you are carrying enough water.

17 Moab Hikes that are not located in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks

Here are my favorite Moab Hikes that are free and only require you to use your own two feet. These offer iconic views and all hikers will love taking in the stunning view. There is hiking at almost every turn in Moab that is a unique experience.

Culvert (Dragonfly) Canyon

Culvert Canyon offers an incredible hike and it actually leads to a beautiful jeep-shaped arch which is the perfect spot to take that killer social media snap.

The trail itself first goes along the bottom of the Canyon and then upwards for some amazing views at the top. It is advised to hike this area when it is mild in temperature because there is very little shade so will be a struggle during the searing heat.

Hidden Valley

One of the best Moab hikes for adventurers in the area is definitely Hidden Valley. There are actually two trails to be explored on this hike, the first one is rocky and rough, climbing almost 600 feet!

This then goes onto another trail as you enter the hidden valley, which is quite the expedition. It might be a tough one but when you reach the top, you will be presented with the most amazing scenic views and you will see why it is one of the most popular Moab hikes.

Left Hand Fork Trail Loop

This particular hike is around 4.5 miles in length and it is known as a hike that is not too difficult but not easy either. The trail is marked pretty well and actually starts at Settlement Canyon Road, the path widens around half a mile in and it takes a right turn at Crossing Hollow. A rocky uphill climb follows which is the most difficult part of the hike going onto a golden plateau. Following on from here, the hike “loops” on itself and you will eventually end up right where you started.

Corona Arch

Becoming more and more popular with traveling as Moab hikes is the hike to Corona Arch. The hike is only 3 miles long and the end result is an amazing arch which is sometimes called the rainbow bridge.

It is pretty easy to follow the trail, with the last part before you reach Corona Arch being the trickiest section. The arch is 140 feet across and 105 feet high and many hikers like to lay beneath it.

Morning Glory Arch Canyon

At the end of the amazing Negro Bill Canyon is the Morning Glory bridge trail and it makes for a pretty amazing hike. It is a 4.65 mile trail that starts at the banks of the Colorado River. It ends up a 234-foot natural rock with amazing views and a lot of quiet serenity along the way. Out of all the Moab hikes, this one is a little tricky but it is definitely worth it.

Tower Arch along the Klondike Bluffs Trail

This remote hike is actually only 2.5 miles in length but it feels longer due to the ups and downs including somewhat unsteady terrain in certain places. Tower Arch is a secluded arch that is found just northwest of Arches National Park.

It offers some pretty amazing views and the overall trail itself is pleasant but the “in the middle of nowhere” nature of this trail means you should be very clear where you are going and don’t forget to take plenty of water.

Primitive Loop Trail

This is more commonly known as the Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop Trail but don’t let the name put you off. This is a hiking experience that you will never forget and will allow you to see the most beautiful rock formations and arches that you could ever imagine.

The first mile of this trail is pretty easy but it does get more difficult after this, where there are some obstacles and Slickrock that needs to be clambered over. While not recommended for beginners, this is one of the Moab hikes that you should definitely consider working yourself up to.

Broken Arch

This is a pretty simple trail for all different skill levels and is actually recommended for beginners looking to take one of their first hikes around the area. At just 1.7 miles in length, the trail is clearly signposted and along the way, you can expect to see many beautiful wildflowers and other appealing pieces of nature.

Funnel Arch

This is a super short hike but really rewarding with a beautiful arch at the end, which is where many people like to take a photograph underneath. There is one tricky part on this trail which involves a tricky maneuver around some rocks but on the whole, this hike is moderate and recommended for newbies and pros alike.

Fisher Towers Trail

The Fisher Towers are stunning rock formations that have eroded into interesting shapes over the years and these are very popular amongst photographers. This trail will take you to that spot and it is around 4.7-mile round trip that has many gorgeous views along the way. If you are looking for leisurely Moab hikes that has something breathtaking around every corner, this could be the right one for you.

Dinosaur Tracks Trail

Best Slot Canyon Hikes Moab Utah

This is a short and easy hike that takes you to unique dinosaur trackway just above the Colorado River. Red Fleet State Park will make your search for your reward on this trail and it will definitely be worth it when you come across the truly amazing dinosaur tracks in the rock. The trail is just a short trip on a dirt road and is popular amongst whole families looking to discover something new on Moab hikes.

Amphitheater Loop

This is another short hike and one that loops through a natural amphitheater just off the Colorado River. The trail is signposted and will initially involve you going towards the Moenkopi Cliffs, you will go right at some point before looping in a counterclockwise direction. As the trail begins to loop, you will be able to see the most breathtaking views over the river.

Dellenbaugh Tunnel

In the rimlands above Spring Canyon is Dellenbaugh Tunnel, which is an amazing elongated arch. This is a pretty easy hike where you basically just follow a ridge of beige Slickrock across the desert. You will soon come across the entrance to the tunnel at a jeep road. This is not technical at all and perfect for hikers of all different skill levels looking to try their hand at Moab hikes.

Juniper Trail

This trial is only 1.7 miles in length but it’s a very enjoyable hike that offers scenic views and is also popular for dog walking in the area. It’s a great little trail that loops around and takes you right back where you started and it is fully signposted too. It’s perfect if you have not got much time but still want to try something new and exciting.

Ken’s Lake Trail

This trail is accessible all year round in Utah and is used for a number of different purposes by tourists and locals alike. It is 2.6 miles in length and features an amazing lake, amongst other scenic views that you are sure to love. The trail takes you around the lake, it is a great hang out spot and it is perfect for fly fishing and simply enjoying life. It is ideal for those new to hiking because it is not tricky at all.

Longbow Arch Trail

Slot Canyon Hikes Moab Utah National Park

In the Poison Spider area of Utah is the Longbow Arch and is one of the popular Moab hikes. It starts at the trailhead near the Colorado River and goes along Potash Road before making a climb along Slickrock and going through a gap in the cliff above. The hike continues over Slickrock domes where you will then arrive safely at the unforgettable Londbow Arch.

Moab Rim Trail

Last but definitely not least on this list of the best Moab hikes is this one. It is less than one mile but it is definitely not one to skip. It’s pretty easy to follow and at the end of it, you will have the most amazing views over the Moab Valley below. Be sure to bring a map for this trail because there are a few different ways to do it.

Conclusion – Best Hikes in Moab

I know a lot of people will be visiting Moab to go to the National Parks but the hikes in Moab are worth it as well. Its not like the landscape in the National Parks stops at the border of the park. You will see the same landscape throughout this region of Utah.

Most people spend a few days in Moab and I think it is worth a few extra days as well. Yes, you can do Arches in one day and Canyonlands too if you want to hurry but to really see the beauty of this area you need to get out of the car and go on some hikes. Its a great way to break up all of the driving!

As all of these hikes are outside of National Parks you do not need a National Park Pass.

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Slot Canyon Hikes Near Moab Utah

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