Ask a hiker who loves exploring the wilderness in southern Utah and he’ll eventually start talking about hiking the slot canyons that are prevalent there. Ask climbers about rappelling down those same slot canyons and they’ll likely have a giant smile on their faces.
Slot canyons are narrow cuts in the Earth’s crust formed by wind, water, and eons of time. Many of these gorges are wide at the top, but they get much narrower as they drop, often to 100 feet or more. Imagine squeezing through a gap between the walls where you have to suck in the bowel –– or push your pack through the fissure first –– in order to get through. It is not for the claustrophobic, however walking through the canyons can be a very rewarding experience.
If you’ve never experienced what it’s like to slide down the side of a canyon wall, there are companies, especially in Moab and other parts of Utah, that will even never ever take you on hikes that include rappelling in slot canyons. Technical climbers have long hiked and rapped in incredibly narrow slot canyons in remote locations around the world, often finding remote locations for an adventure as a result.
Slot canyons to challenge in Utah
The Navajo sandstone rock in southern Utah is soft enough that the forces of nature have created many slotted canyons. You’ll find them in Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Paria Canyons, and the Lake Powell region. There are several canyons here that are unique, wild, and fun to explore as long as you are in the area.
Definitely not for the claustrophobic, Spooky Gulch is a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike. At its narrowest points, the barrel becomes so tight that it is actually dark at the bottom. However, this loop route is only 3.5 miles in length, making it a great option for those looking for a day trip.
The rolling rock formations at Capitol Reef’s Sheets Gulch in the Waterpocket Fold canyons have some narrow grooves for strolling. Once you enter the curved red sandstone walls it is nine miles to the end, although despite the distance it is a relatively easy hike. Some visitors prefer to take a shorter round-trip hike, sampling the beautiful topography as they go.
Zion National Park is reported to have more slot canyons than anywhere else in Utah. The most famous adventure is the walk through the Zion Narrows. The Virgin River flows through this canyon, which has cliffs that extend more than 2,000 feet overhead. Walking upstream may be possible during part of the year (Yes. You will get wet), although you will want to check with the park office for details, conditions, and permits before heading out.
You have many other options in the park. Climbing the Sand Wash to the Red Cave is a much easier way to explore the beauty of the Zion slot canyons.
As the name implies, the Kanarra Creek slot canyon does feature quite a bit of water, so bring your matching shoes. This is easily one of the most beautiful canyons you ever traversed and includes several spectacular waterfalls along its 3.5 mile length. However, due to some challenging water crossings, this is a moderately challenging hike, so be careful when strolling down the path, which can be slippery at points.
The truly adventurous may want to take on Buckskin Gulch, which is a continuous slot that stretches for more than 15 miles. If you want to see it all, you’ll want to spend two or three days hiking, but hikers can get a taste of what Buckskin has to offer by entering the Wire Pass trail, which includes a look at ancient petroglyphs.
For a list of slot canyons and information on hiking or exploring them, click on the slot canyons page of the American Southwest website. Always check with your local Park Service office or qualified premises to see if it is safe to hike through any slot canyon on any particular day. Flash flooding that begins in areas far from the gorges themselves can turn the experience into a nightmare, so be careful when heading out.