The Slot Canyons of Utah are among the most unique Utah hiking trails you can experience. These narrow canyons, carved by water through rock over centuries, offer a sense of wonder and adventure around every twist. In this guide, we’ll explore a mix of popular slot canyons in Utah – from family-friendly slot canyons suitable for kids and beginners to more challenging slots for seasoned hikers. For each canyon, we highlight the difficulty level, best seasons to visit, what to bring, and safety reminders. Whether you’re planning Southern Utah hikes with your family or looking for a rugged desert adventure, this guide will help you prepare with practical tips and an emphasis on desert hiking safety.
Desert Hiking Safety Tips
Slot canyons are beautiful but demand caution. Keep these essential safety tips in mind for any canyon hike:
- Watch the Weather: Never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast or if it has rained recently. Flash floods can fill narrow canyons in minutes, even if the storm is far away.
- Stay Hydrated: Always carry plenty of water. The desert is dry and you’ll need to drink more than you think.
- Time Your Hike: Midday summer heat can be intense, while inside a deep canyon it might feel much cooler. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures.
- Permits/Fees: Some popular canyons require permits or have entrance fees. Always check if you need a permit (for example, Kanarra Falls and some Zion routes) and obtain it in advance.
- Gear Up: Wear sturdy shoes with good traction. If water is expected, use shoes or boots you don’t mind getting wet and consider neoprene socks for cold water. Bring sun protection for open sections and a headlamp for any dark passages. A small first aid kit and a map or GPS are also good to have.
By following these safety guidelines, you’ll be well prepared for a safe and enjoyable slot canyon adventure. Now, let’s look at some specific canyons across Utah and what you should know about each one.
Little Wild Horse Canyon (San Rafael Swell)
Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of Utah’s most accessible and family-friendly slot canyons. It’s located near Goblin Valley State Park in the San Rafael Swell area of central Utah. The hike can be done as a relaxed out-and-back into the narrows or as part of an 8-mile loop with Bell Canyon.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Most of Little Wild Horse is a gentle, winding path through beautiful narrow walls. No ropes or technical climbing are needed. There are a few spots where you scramble over rocks or squeeze through tight passages, but kids and adults in decent shape can handle it with a little help.
Best Seasons: Spring and fall offer mild weather. Summer mornings are okay too (the canyon provides shade in many sections), but avoid afternoons in July/August when thunderstorms could cause flash floods. Always check the weather – this canyon, like all slots, can flood if storms roll in.
What to Bring: Good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. Sun protection is important for the exposed sections near the trailhead, though much of the canyon itself is shaded. It’s also wise to carry a backpack with essentials like a map and first aid kit, but you won’t need any special gear.
Safety Reminders: This is a popular hike and often busy on weekends. Still, don’t let the popularity make you complacent – stay aware of weather conditions. Let someone know you’re hiking here, as cell service is unreliable. Watch children closely; they will love exploring the narrows, but it’s easy to lose sight of them around a bend. With a little preparation, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a fun and memorable adventure for beginners and families.
Buckskin Gulch (Kanab Area)
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world (about 20 miles). It’s a truly spectacular canyon with towering red rock walls. Because of its length and remote setting, Buckskin Gulch is a much more serious undertaking than other slots in this guide – but you can sample a portion of it on a day hike.
Difficulty: Ranges from moderate (for a short in-and-out walk) to very strenuous (for the full traverse). Many hikers access Buckskin via the Wire Pass Trailhead. This route is mostly flat and lets you see a few miles of Buckskin’s stunning narrows before you turn back. This shorter day hike is fairly family-friendly and manageable for most – the canyon floor is mostly flat and sandy in that section. Hiking the entire Buckskin Gulch, however, is a serious endeavor usually done as an overnight backpacking trip (permit required). The canyon has some rock obstacles, occasional deep pools, and with almost no exits for many miles (meaning it’s only for very experienced hikers).
Best Seasons: Spring and fall are best for Buckskin. In summer, the flash flood risk is high and the heat in exposed areas can be extreme. In winter, cold temperatures and icy water can make the canyon very risky. Always check recent conditions and weather before you go – Buckskin often has lingering water or mud from past floods.
What to Bring: For a short day hike, bring standard day-hike gear: sturdy shoes (expect mud or water), ample water, snacks, and maybe a trekking pole for balance. Overnight trips require a permit from the BLM. Day hikers must pay a small day-use fee at the trailhead. If you plan a long hike or overnight, also carry navigation tools, extra food, and gear to stay warm and dry in case you encounter water or need to spend an unplanned night out.
Safety Reminders: Flash floods are the biggest danger in Buckskin. Never enter if rain is in the forecast, and turn back if you see signs of stormy weather. Buckskin’s immense walls and beautiful passages make it a bucket-list hike, but it must be approached with caution and respect for the canyon’s power.
The Narrows (Zion National Park)
The Narrows is one of the most iconic slot canyon hikes, found in Zion National Park. This trek involves hiking in the Virgin River itself, as the water flows through a deep sandstone gorge.
Difficulty: Moderate. There is no climbing, but hikers wade through water over slippery rocks for most of the journey. You can choose how far to go – many hikers venture a few miles upstream from the starting point (the Temple of Sinawava trailhead) and then turn around. Walking in water makes it more tiring than a normal trail, but people of varying skill levels (including fit beginners and older kids) can enjoy at least the easier first sections.
Best Seasons: Summer and early fall are the most popular times, when the river’s flow is lower and the water is warmerv. Spring snowmelt often makes the water too high in early summer, and the park may close the Narrows then. Always check with park rangers for current conditions and flash flood risk. Avoid entering if storms are expected, since flash floods can be life-threatening in the Narrows. Perhaps try Glamping in the area during your trip.
What to Bring: Wear shoes with good traction that can get wet (or rent special water hiking shoes and a sturdy walking stick from local outfitters – these help a lot). Use quick-dry clothing; in summer, shorts and t-shirts are fine, but in colder months you’ll need insulating layers or even a wetsuit. A dry bag is smart for keeping phones or cameras safe from water. Bring plenty of drinking water and some snacks even though you’re surrounded by water (you shouldn’t drink from the river unless purified). No permit is needed for the bottom-up day hike, but you will need to pay the Zion National Park entry fee.
Safety Reminders: Check the weather forecast and the park’s flash flood advisory before you start. While hiking, keep an eye on the water color and flow – if it suddenly turns muddy or starts rising, that’s a warning sign to get to high ground or leave immediately. The canyon walls are very high, so there’s limited escape if a flood comes. Also, the water can be chilly, so watch for signs of your group getting too cold. With proper preparation, the Narrows is an unforgettable experience of walking through a cathedral-like canyon of stone.
Conclusion
Utah’s slot canyons provide adventures for every level of hiker. By choosing a canyon that matches your skill, checking the weather, and packing smart, you can safely enjoy these unique hikes. Start with the easier trails if you’re new, work up to more advanced canyons as you gain experience, and always respect the power of nature. With preparation and a sense of wonder, you’ll create unforgettable memories exploring Utah’s hidden sandstone passages. In addition to the canyons described above, there are many others to discover – from the easy stroll of Willis Creek to the fun challenges of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch – each with its own special character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a slot canyon?
A: A slot canyon is a very narrow canyon formed by water eroding rock over a long time. Slot canyons often have high walls and are much deeper than they are wide. Some are so narrow you can touch both walls with your hands. They are special because they let you walk through a “slot” in the earth, often with beautiful light and colors. Southern Utah has many famous slot canyons due to its soft sandstone that water can carve easily.
Q: Are slot canyon hikes safe for kids and beginners?
A: Many slot canyon hikes are great for kids and beginners, but it depends on the canyon. Easy ones like Little Wild Horse Canyon are generally safe and fun for families – they have minimal hazards and no technical climbs. Kids love the adventure of walking through the winding passages. More challenging slots like Buckskin Gulch or very narrow ones like Spooky Gulch would be too difficult or claustrophobic for young children. Always research the canyon beforehand to know what to expect. If your child is afraid of dark, tight spaces, stick to the wider canyons. With proper preparation (and by avoiding times of higher risk like bad weather), slot canyon hikes can be a wonderful experience for beginners and families.
Q: What should I bring for a slot canyon hike?
A: Bring the basics you’d take on any hike: plenty of water, some snacks, and sun protection (hat and sunscreen). Wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction. If you expect to wade in water, wear shoes that can get wet (and consider neoprene socks if the water is cold). A walking stick or trekking pole is very helpful for balance on uneven or slippery ground. Also, carry a small first aid kit and a headlamp, especially for longer or remote hikes. In short, pack for safety, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the conditions.
World Traveling Blogger, Social Media Expert and Nerd who has a passion for Adventure and Fitness.