Utah slot canyons: Complete guide to 11 must-visit spots
These are the best slot canyons in Utah, from beginner-friendly trails to challenging technical routes for experienced hikers.
Utah slot canyons offer some of the world’s most spectacular narrow passageways, carved by millions of years of water and wind erosion. Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, with over 1,000 formations scattered across the state’s southern desert regions.
These geological wonders range from family-friendly walks to technical routes requiring specialized equipment. Whether you’re planning your first slot canyon adventure or seeking your next challenging route, this guide covers Utah’s most remarkable slots with current permit information and safety tips.
What are slot canyons?
Slot canyons form when water carves narrow channels through soft sandstone over millions of years. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. The Colorado Plateau’s geological uplift accelerates this erosion process, creating passageways with towering walls that can reach hundreds of feet high while remaining just feet apart.
Flash floods during heavy rains continue this carving process today, making these formations both beautiful and potentially dangerous.
What are the best slot canyons in Utah to explore?
1. Buckskin Gulch
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: 21 miles (full route)
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, and believed to be the longest slot canyon in the world. The trail follows a wash for about 1.7 miles before entering Buckskin Gulch, where towering walls and deepening narrows stretch for miles.
Shorter Option: Most hikers start at Wire Pass Trailhead for a 3.5-mile round trip that enters Buckskin Gulch. Just inside Buckskin, you’ll find petroglyphs etched into the rock — look low on the right as you enter.
Permits Required: A $6 day-use permit covers hikes like the popular Wire Pass route, available through Recreation.gov.
2. The Zion Narrows
Location: Zion National Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Up to 16 miles (full route)
The Narrows is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flowing through it. This iconic hike involves wading through water for the entire route.
You can hike as far as you’re comfortable and turn back – no permit needed for bottom-up day hikes. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. If you’re really intent on seeing the Narrows without crowds, I’d recommend getting a permit and hiking it from the top down.
Gear: Waterproof shoes and walking stick essential. Local outfitters rent equipment.
3. Peekaboo and Spooky Gulch
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5-mile loop
On this hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you can see two slot canyons: Peekaboo, which is one of the most beautiful slot canyons you’ll ever see, and then Spooky Gulch.
These canyons feature narrow passages requiring tight squeezes and some scrambling. Spooky Gulch lives up to its name with extremely narrow sections.
No permits required
4. Little Wild Horse Canyon
Location: Near Goblin Valley State Park
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 8.5 miles (with Bell Canyon loop)
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a classic, as well as the perfect introduction both to non-technical canyoneering for just about anyone in decent shape. The canyon gradually narrows as you progress, offering beautiful winding passages perfect for beginners.
Can be combined with Bell Canyon for a longer loop or hiked out-and-back for a shorter option.
5. Willis Creek Narrows
Location: Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.4 miles round trip
Two beautiful, 10-foot waterfalls are the highlight of this slot canyon trip that is perfect for travelers, though be prepared to get wet while crossing numerous canyon creeks. Features striking black and tan striped walls.
Family-friendly with multiple creek crossings. Family-Friendly: Yes, for kids 7 or 8 and older. Be prepared to cross sometimes-knee deep water.
6. Kanarra Creek (Kanarraville Falls)
Location: Kanarraville, Utah
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.4 miles round trip
You have to pay for a permit to do the Kanarra Creek hike because of its popularity, and there are a limited number of permits available per day. These sell out often, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Features two spectacular waterfalls accessed through slot canyon sections. Permits are required and it’s strongly suggested you reserve online ahead of your visit.
7. Zebra Slot Canyon
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.2 miles round trip
Features unique striped rock formations resembling zebra patterns. Requires some scrambling and possible water wading. The distinctive banding in the rock creates one of Utah’s most photogenic slots.
8. Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Short trail leading into Buckskin Gulch, featuring petroglyphs and beautiful narrows. You will need to purchase a permit to hike this trail. You can either do it in advance online, or you can purchase one at a local BLM station.
Often combined with Buckskin Gulch exploration.
9. Red Hollow Canyon
Location: Orderville, Utah
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 mile round trip
It’s a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids. Features one tight section perfect for learning chimneying techniques.
Short but scenic option near Zion and Bryce.
10. Jenny’s Canyon
Location: Snow Canyon State Park
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Jenny’s Canyon is a family friendly little slot canyon in southern Utah that’s perfect for the kids. You can reach it in just 5 minutes of walking. The rock walls are full of photogenic little caves and cavities that the kids can play in.
Perfect introduction for young children with minimal walking required.
11. The Joint Trail (Chesler Park)
Location: Canyonlands National Park (Needles District)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 11-mile loop
The entire walk around Chesler Park is a moderate 11-mile (17.7-kilometre) loop, with a small amount of elevation gain. Features unique narrow passages through vertical rock formations.
More remote option requiring longer approach but offering spectacular desert scenery.
Which Utah park has the best slot canyons?
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument contains the highest concentration of accessible slot canyons, including Buckskin Gulch (the world’s longest), Peekaboo, Spooky Gulch, and Zebra Canyon. While Zion National Park has the famous Narrows, Grand Staircase-Escalante offers more variety and fewer crowds.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March-May)
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Temperatures: 60-80°F
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Potential for crowds during Spring Break
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Some higher elevation trails may have snow
Fall (September-November)
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Comfortable temperatures with warm days, cool nights
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Fewer visitors than spring
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Stable weather conditions
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Best overall season
Summer (June-August)
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Extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F
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In the summer months of June-August, the desert is very hot, but it can feel 25 degrees cooler in the canyon
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Risk of thunderstorms and flash floods
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Best to hike early morning or late afternoon
Winter (December-February)
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Cooler temperatures (35-60°F)
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Fewer crowds
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Possible snow and ice on trails
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In winter it is very cold in the shade but pleasant in the sun. It also snows in winter
Do I need a permit?
Many Utah slot canyons now require permits due to increased popularity:
Zion National Park:
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Narrows (top-down): Advanced permits required
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Narrows (bottom-up): No permit for day hikes
BLM Areas:
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Buckskin Gulch/Wire Pass: $6 day-use permit
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Paria Canyon overnight: Separate permit required
State Parks:
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Snow Canyon (Jenny’s Canyon): State park entry fee
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Capitol Reef: National park entry fee
Recent Changes: Those planning to explore some of Southern Utah’s most remote and technical slot canyons will now need a permit – Several technical canyons in Garfield County implemented new permit requirements in 2025.
Check specific locations before visiting as permit systems change regularly.
Check specific locations before visiting as permit systems change regularly. For current conditions and detailed trail information, check AllTrails before your trip.
Safety considerations
Flash flood risk
Critical: Never go into a slot canyon if it has rained in the past 24 hours or if storms could be in the forecast as canyons are at a high risk of flash flooding.
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Check weather forecasts for the entire watershed
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Never enter during monsoon season (July-September) without careful planning
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Know exit strategies and high ground locations
Essential gear
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Water: In the summer heat of 100+ F, you will need many gallons of water
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Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
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Proper footwear with good traction
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Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
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First aid kit and blister care
Clothing tips
Dress in layers irrespective of weather so you can add or remove layers as temperature rises and drops.
For water hikes: If you’re planning to hike in a canyon with water, I recommend taking good water shoes.
What are the best beginner-friendly slot canyons in Utah?
Start with these accessible slots:
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Jenny’s Canyon – 5-minute walk, perfect for kids
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Willis Creek Narrows – Easy creek crossings, family-friendly
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Little Wild Horse Canyon – Classic beginner route
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Red Hollow Canyon – Short but photogenic
Technical routes for experienced hikers
Advanced slots requiring canyoneering skills:
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Pine Creek Canyon (Zion area) – Requires rappelling
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North Wash Canyons – Now require permits and technical skills
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Burro Wash (Capitol Reef) – Involves climbing obstacles
Responsible recreation
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Stay on established trails
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Pack out all trash
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Respect petroglyphs and archaeological sites
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Use established restroom facilities
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The rise in slot canyon popularity has brought an uptick in damage, from graffiti on petroglyphs to improperly buried waste
Planning your visit
Research First: Try to narrow down what kind of experience you’re after — short and scenic, longer and challenging, guided or solo. Check with local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices, visitor centers, outdoor shops or guide services for advice and current conditions.
Have a backup plan: “Have a Plan B. Nature gets the final word,” advises one Utah guide.
Consider hiring a guide: For technical routes or first-time visits, professional guides offer safety and local knowledge. Many slot canyons have guided tour options available.
Utah’s slot canyons offer unforgettable experiences for hikers of all skill levels. With proper preparation, respect for the environment, and awareness of current conditions, these natural wonders provide some of the most spectacular hiking in the American Southwest.
For more Utah outdoor adventures, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Utah or learn about the scenic Zion Mount Carmel Highway that connects many of these slot canyon areas.
