A Hiker's Guide to Utah's 18 Best Slot Canyons

A Hiker's Guide to Utah's 18 Best Slot Canyons

Willis Creek Slot Canyon and Waterfall Hike 

There is a unique kind of magic found only in the deep, narrow, sculpted walls of a slot canyon. Utah is blessed with some of the most incredible slot canyons in the world, each offering a different adventure—from easy, family-friendly strolls to challenging, technical scrambles. This has been one of my most popular posts over the years, and it was in need of a serious facelift! I've updated my list of favorites to create the ultimate guide to help you find your perfect slot canyon adventure.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: The number one rule of slot canyons is **ALWAYS check the weather forecast.** A sunny day where you are means nothing if there's a thunderstorm 50 miles upstream. Flash floods are the single biggest danger. If there is any chance of rain in the wider region, do not enter a slot canyon.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO A SLOT CANYON

This post features many different VR Getaways! To give you a taste of the adventure, here is the video for Little Wild Horse Canyon, one of the most fun and family-friendly slot canyons on the list. Grab your VR headset and step inside the narrow, winding walls!

Shauna's Top Picks for Every Adventurer

• 👪 Best for All Ages: Willis Creek Narrows & Singing Canyon. Both are easy, beautiful walks perfect for the whole family.
• ✨ Most Unique Adventure: Antelope Canyon by Paddleboard. A stunning combination of a water journey and a classic slot canyon hike.
• 🚗 Quirkiest Canyon: Catstair Canyon. Where else can you find a slot canyon that ends at a wall of classic 1960s cars?
• 👑 The Longest & Most Famous: Buckskin Gulch. One of the longest slot canyons in the world, this is a true bucket-list adventure.

My Favorite Slot Canyon Hikes in Utah

Here is my detailed list of favorite slot canyons, from easy family strolls to challenging, technical adventures. Each one offers a unique journey into the heart of Utah's incredible geology.

1. Willis Creek Narrows Slot Canyon

A definite favorite of mine, this is a great slot canyon for all ages. It has grand, tall walls but is wide enough to be comfortable. The small trickle of water is easy to avoid but makes the hike interesting. A beautiful and not-overcrowded choice. (Easy)

Read the full Willis Creek blog post here.

2. Red Hollow Slot Canyon

This is a fantastic, short slot canyon near Orderville with gorgeous, vibrant red colors. The main section is very easy and family-friendly. It ends at a climbing obstacle; experienced scramblers can continue further, but the beautiful main narrows are accessible to everyone. (Easy)

Read the full Red Hollow post here.

2. Singing Canyon

Located right off the beautiful Burr Trail Road, this canyon is known for its incredible acoustics. It's a very short, easy walk into a massive, amphitheater-like alcove. It's the perfect spot for a family picnic and, as its name suggests, to test out your singing voice! (Easy)

Read about Singing Canyon in my Burr Trail guide here.

Singing Canyon Slot Canyon - Burr Trail Utah

3. Catstair Canyon (The Stacked Cars)

This is one of Utah's most wonderfully weird and clever roadside stops. A short walk down a wash leads you into a pretty slot canyon that ends abruptly at a wall of stacked 1960s cars that were used to build the highway above! It's a fantastic, quick, and memorable adventure. (Easy)

Read the full Catstair Canyon guide here.

Catstair Slot Canyon

4. Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

This is a super cool and very popular kid-friendly slot canyon in the San Rafael Swell. The narrows are fun to squeeze through, and it offers a great adventure for the whole family. It can get busy, so try to go early. (Easy to Moderate)

Read the full Little Wild Horse blog post here.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

5. Dry Fork Slot Canyon

Nestled in an area with more famous slots (like Peek-a-boo and Spooky), this is the one that ALL members of your group can definitely do. Once you get down into the wash, this slot is easy, cool, and beautiful. (Easy)

Read the full Dry Fork post here.

Dry Fork Slot Canyon - Easy Starter Slot Canyon

6. Maple Box Canyon

A journey into a place that feels like something out of Middle-earth! This canyon is carved from unique conglomerate rock and features fun, technical bouldering obstacles and a waterfall at the end. (Moderate)

Read the full Maple Box Canyon guide here.

Maple Box Canyon- Utah

7. Waterhole Canyon (by Paddleboard)

This incredible slot canyon is best accessed from the water on the famous Lees Ferry to Glen Canyon Dam paddle trip. You can beach your kayak or paddleboard and take a beautiful, adventurous hike into the stunning, sculpted narrows. (Moderate)

Read about the paddle trip to access Waterhole Canyon here.

Waterhole Canyon - Colorado River Side

8. Antelope Canyon (by Paddleboard)

This is one of the most epic adventures you can have. It starts with a multi-mile paddleboard or kayak trip from Lake Powell into the stunning, water-filled portion of Antelope Canyon, followed by a hike into the dry, sculpted narrows. (Moderate to Strenuous)

Read the full Antelope Canyon by Paddleboard guide here.

Antelope Canyon Entrance from Lake Powell Side

9. Crack Canyon

This is one of my personal favorites for its uniqueness. It features enormous walls and incredible formations in the San Rafael Swell. It's a long trail, but the first few miles into the best part of the slot are an easy, level 2 hike. (Easy to Moderate)

Read the full Crack Canyon blog post here.

Crack Canyon Slot Canyon

10. Moonshine Tanks (Little Spotted Wolf Canyon)

A very cool slot canyon in the San Rafael Swell with a fun history of bootleggers. It has unique vertical columns and a hidden natural arch high up in the walls. (Easy to Moderate)

Read the full post here.

San Rafael Swell Reef Rising up out of the ground.

11. Frog Canyon

Another gem found off the Burr Trail, this is a fun, off-the-beaten-path adventure. As described by Road Trip Ryan, it's a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure with some fun scrambling and beautiful narrows. (Moderate)

Read about Frog Canyon in my Burr Trail guide here.

12. Zebra Slot Canyon

Famous for its beautiful striped walls, this is a stunning, short canyon. The hike in has some amazing "wave-like" rock formations. Be prepared for cold water, which is often waist-deep. (Easy to Moderate)

Read the full Zebra Slot post here.

13. Tunnel Slot Canyon

This one is an amazing adventure if you can find it! The trail can be tricky to navigate. The highlight is a long, dark tunnel that you have to wade through (often in hip-deep water) to get out of the canyon. (Moderate)

Read the full Tunnel Slot post here.

14. Peek-a-boo Gulch

An incredibly fun and popular slot near Escalante. The entrance requires a fun climb up a 12-foot wall. It's often paired with Spooky Gulch for a fantastic loop. (Moderate)

Read the full Peek-a-boo post here.

15. Spooky Gulch

This one lives up to its name! It's an extremely narrow slot canyon, often less than 18 inches wide, requiring you to walk sideways. It's dark and thrilling. Not for those who are claustrophobic! (Moderate)

Read the full Spooky Gulch post here.

16. Buckskin Gulch (via Wire Pass)

This is the big one—one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. The easiest way to experience a piece of it is by hiking in from the Wire Pass trailhead. Thanks to a new ladder, the tricky drop is much more manageable, making this epic adventure accessible to most hikers. (Moderate to Strenuous)

Read about the journey to Buckskin Gulch here.

17. Kanarraville Falls Slot Canyon

An incredible canyon, but you must be willing to get your feet wet! You hike directly up the stream, which is a super cool experience. The payoff is a beautiful waterfall with a fun ladder climb. Requires a permit. (Moderate)

Read the full Kanarraville post here.

Kanarraville Slot canyon

18. Ding & Dang Canyon

This is a tough, technical loop that should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are comfortable with exposure and scrambling up high ledges. It's an amazing adventure if you are prepared, but don't underestimate it. (Difficult)

Read the full Ding & Dang post here.

Ding and Dang Slot Canyon

Conclusion

Utah's slot canyons are a gift from the earth, offering a chance to walk through corridors of sculpted stone and connect with deep time. From easy, sandy washes to challenging, technical scrambles, there is a slot canyon adventure for everyone. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect one for you and that you experience the unique magic that can only be found between those narrow, winding walls.

Happy Hiking!

Shauna from VRGetaways

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A definite favorite of my.  This slot canyon has enormous walls, really unique formations in the walls, and it is just a fabulous adventure.  I made a scavenger hunt to go along with this hike on my following post that hopefully can make this hike even more enjoyable. It is important that you download a google map of the area before heading here, and I would also have an external GPS.  There is no cell service here, and the dirt road to get here is a little tricky and bumpy.  I got here in my RAV4 so the roads are not awful, but you are definitely backroads to get here. 

Link To Crack Canyon

VIDEO OF MY FAVORITE SECTION OF CRACK CANYON

 Need to click on it for the Video to come up.  

A

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3. KANARRAVILLE WATERFALL SLOT CANYON - Kanarraville 

• 4 hours South of SLC - 20 min South of Cedar City
• Costs $8 per PERSON
• Great for ages 8 and above
• Love that you just have to walk up the stream to enjoy the slot canyon.  Super cool.  
• 4.3 miles round trip
• About 730 feet elevation
• Moderate Hike - Level 2

This canyon is incredible, but not for those wanting to keep their feet dry.  It will not happen unless you have waterproof socks.  An epic adventure you must try when the water is warm enough to not get too cold of feet.  Not for tiny little ones, but probably 8 and up could handle this.

 Link to Kanarraville Slot Canyon

360 Trail Through Kanarraville Slot Canyon

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4. LITTLE WILD HORSE SLOT CANYON

- San Rafael Swell

• 5 hours South of SLC - 1 hour min South of Bryce Canyon
• Great for ALL Ages
• Very Entertaining Slot Canyon.  Took my kids when they were little and they loved it.   
• Around 2-3 miles  if you just do the first 3 slots.  11.2 round trip if you do Bell Canyon also. 
• About 1620 feet elevation
• Easy Hike - Level 2

Super Cool and Kid Friendly Slot Canyon.  Great for all ages.  Only draw back is that it can get busy.

  Link to Little Wild Horse Canyon

WALK WITH ME THROUGH LITTLE WILD HORSE - VIDEOS

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5. MOONSHINE TANKS NORTH 

or 

LITTLE SPOTTED WOLF CANYON 

- San Rafael Swell

First Section of the Moon Shine Tanks or Little Spotted Wolf  Slot Canyon.  I love the vertical Column on the left. 

• 4 hours South of SLC - 1 hour min South West of Green River
• Great for ALL Ages
• The San Rafael Swell is unbelievably amazing and inspiring.  It was a treat to find this Slot Canyon in such a gorgeous area.    
• Around 1-2 miles  depending on how long you want to go.
• There is a natural Arch up high in this slot canyon you should search for. 
• About 1620 feet elevation
• Easy Hike - Level 2

I have had long debates with hikers over the name of this canyon, and have even contacted local the San Rafael Swell Park.  Moonshine Tanks might be the general area name, for I know there is also ANOTHER slot canyon also called Moonshine Tanks that is the next canyon SOUTH. Some say this is called LITTLE Spotted Wolf Canyon (Which is extremely confusing for there is a Spotted Wolf Canyon 30 miles north east of this canyon.), but I could not get that verified from the San Rafael Parks service.  Regardless this is a really cool slot canyon with a fun history of Bootlegging and Moonshine creations of Spirits hiding out in this canyon.  Check my blog post to help you figure out this location and find out more about this amazing area.
 Link to San Rafael Swell  

360 Degree Walk by the Miniature Rock Village and into the Moon Shine Tanks Slot Canyon

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6. PEEK A BOO SLOT CANYON  - Escalante

Peek A Boo Slot Canyon - Escalante Utah

• 4.4 Mile Round Trip if paired with Spooky.  Otherwise Shorter.
• 5.75 Hours from SLC, 2 Hours from Bryce Canyon.  To get here it  has a long wash board section. You Might want to check with Park service before heading in.  First time it was rough even with a 4 wheel drive vehicle.  Second time it would have been fine in a car, but the hour long section of wash boards is always brutal.
• Heavily Trafficked.  Might want to get their early.  Most people go in Peek A Boo and out Spooky.  It makes it really rough if you go the opposite direction for the trail is often only 18 inches wide.
• Moderate Hike (just because of Entrance)- Probably Level 3
• Suitable for Ages 6 and above. 

This canyon is narrow, but not as narrow as Spooky Gulch.  It is a very cool adventure doing the 3-4 slot canyons in this area.  If you want Slot canyon Extravaganza, this is definitely your spot.  To find out more and see more of this hike in 360 degrees click on the link.
Peek A Boo Slot Canyon

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7. DING & DANG SLOT CANYON - San Rafael Swell

• 5 hours South of SLC - 1 hour min South of Bryce Canyon
• DO  NOT TRY THIS CANYON UNLESS YOU ARE AT LEAST A LEVEL 4 HIKER.  It is tough.  Many people get stuck in here  
• Epic Adventure IF You Can Conquer It!
• Around 8.5 miles.  
• Bring lots of water. 
• About 830 feet elevation
• Very Difficult Hike - Level 4

Ding and Dang is not to be attempted unless you are a Level 4 Hiker, you are not freaked out with heights, and you can  get up ledges that are tummy to chest high.   If you are a very capable hiker with a support group to hike this with you, this is an amazing adventure, but don't be mislead, this is a tough hike. I definitely want to do this hike again, but I have decided that I will pay a San Rafael Park Ranger to take me safely through this.  It makes a huge difference if you have an experienced person helping you get through the many rough sections of this hike. Check it out here.

  Ding and Dang Slot Canyon

360 Google Earth Trail in Ding and Dang Slot Canyon

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8. TUNNEL SLOT CANYON- Escalante

• 5.5 hours South of SLC - 1.5 hour min South East of Bryce Canyon
• Not Overcrowded
• Ages 8 and Above
• Slot Canyon is hard to find unless you have good navigation tools.  
• Tunnel can be filled with water (For me it was up to my hips in February) so be prepared to get wet.      
• About 6.6 miles round trip
• About 442 feet elevation
• Easy Hike - Level 2

Tunnel is one of those canyons that if you can manage to find it, then it is amazing, but finding it is the trick part.  It definitely makes for a super fun adventure for it is not well marked, but if you have the right gear it is definitely doable. The colors in the slot were really unique greens and reds.  We went before it had really warmed up, so the water in the tunnel was cold, but it definitely is a very cool adventure exploring that amazing slot canyon and then having to walk through that tunnel to get out. 

Tunnel Slot Canyon

VIDEO OF GOING THROUGH TUNNEL 

in TUNNEL SLOT CANYON.  

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9.  ZEBRA SLOT CANYON- Escalante

• 5.5 hours South of SLC - 1.5 hour min South East of Bryce Canyon
• Not Overcrowded
• Ages 8 and Above
• Slot Canyon is short unless you do Stemming or Chimneying (using your back and feet as braces to move further into the slot. )    
• About 3 miles round trip (6.6 if you combine with Tunnel Slot)
• About 442 feet elevation
• Easy Hike - Level 2

This slot is short unless you are willing to wiggle through by pressing your back against one wall and your feet against the other called Stemming up higher on the slot walls.  If you are willing to do that, then this canyon goes pretty far.  Even if you are not, the walk into Zebra has some of that amazing Wave like formations that it is a stunning hike just for that. 

 Zebra Slot Canyon

360  Trail of Hike Toward Zebra Slot Canyon

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9. SPOOKY GULCH SLOT CANYON- Escalante

Spooky Gulch Slot Canyon - Do You Dare To Go In?  

• 4.4 Mile Round Trip if paired with Peek A Boo Slot.  Otherwise Shorter.
• 5.75 Hours from SLC, 2 Hours from Bryce Canyon.  To get here it  has a long wash board section. You Might want to check with Park service before heading in.  First time it was rough even with a 4 wheel drive vehicle.  Second time it would have been fine in a car, but the hour long section of wash boards is always brutal.
• Heavily Trafficked.  Might want to get their early.  Most people go in Peek A Boo and out Spooky, for it is easier to drop into Spooky Gulch, then try and get up out of it.  It makes it really rough if you go the opposite direction to pass people for the trail is often 18 inches wide. or smaller.  ( had to hold my backpack and walk sideways.
• Moderate Hike (just because of  DROP SPOT)- Probably Level 3
• Suitable for those not claustrophobic and freaked out in tight spaces.  Also need to be able to do the drop below.  

Todd Descending Into Spooky Gulch Slot Canyon - Escalante

So it is one thing to have Spooky Slot Canyon be so narrow.  You add to that the fact that Spooky is also darker rock, and gets little light, and yes there are people who get claustrophobic in here. For those who can handle this, it is pretty amazing adventure.

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I found Dobby the House Elf  from Harry Potter Stuck in this Rock! WHAT HAS VOLDEMORT DONE!

10. WIRE PASS SLOT CANYON

 -Vermillion Cliffs

• 6 hours South of SLC - ONLY ACCESSABLE TO HIGH CLEARANCE 4 WHEEL Vehicles (Unless you come from the Arizona side.)
• Not Overcrowded
• Ages 15 and Above
• Slot Canyon is short unless you conquer the 14 foot drop down (Connects to Buckskin Gulch which is an INCRDIBLE SLOT CANYON!--TOP SLOT CANYON  IF YOU CAN MAKE IT DOWN THE DROP!) 
• Short 1-2 miles if you don't get pass the drop above. otherwise it is 20-30 miles long.  It goes 
• If you detour off east of this path there is these amazing Tee Pees that are such a fun bonus on this hike.  
• 
  
•   Wire Pass Slot Canyon

Wire Pass Tee Pees on the Rock Staircase Pass Wave Trail

• About 200 feet elevation
• Moderate Hike - Level 2 (Except for that drop that is level 3)

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11. DRY FORK SLOT CANYON

 - ESCALANTE UTAH

5 hours South East of SLC - 1.5 hour min South of Moab

Not Overcrowded

Great for ALL Ages

About 2 miles round trip

About 100 feet elevation

Easy Hike - Level 1

This Easy Hike is Nestled in an Area of 4 slot canyons.  Of the 4 in this area, this is the slot canyon that ALL in your group can definitely do from tiny to very old.  Once you get down to the slots, this slot is easy and cool.  

Dry Fork Slot Canyon

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