There are not a lot of beautiful, accessible slot canyons in the USA, let alone on the planet. But if you would like to explore some of them, you need to set aside some time to see the slot canyons in the US state of Arizona. Sit back, grab a pen, and get ready to take notes as we present the most incredible slot canyons in Arizona.

The Most Incredible Slot Canyons In Arizona

Antelope Canyon: The Upper, The Lower, and The X

Arguably the most popular slot canyon, Antelope Canyon is also the most famous in the US and maybe even on Earth. Antelope Canyon can be found near the city of Page. It’s situated within the Navajo Nation.

Regular readers may already know that the only way to visit this slot canyon is by booking an official tour. Due to the canyon’s growing popularity, and an increase in tourism, you really must make reservations well in advance. Here at Antelope Canyon, you can explore two different slot canyons, the most visited and well-known Upper Antelope Canyon and the less frequented and more challenging Lower Antelope Canyon.

There is also a comparatively unknown third area known as Antelope Canyon X. This area includes two distinct slot canyons, the North and the South. While it is located a few miles away from the more popular areas, it still is considered a part of Antelope Canyon.  

If you enjoy beautiful slot canyons but would like to avoid crowds, this is an exceptional alternative. In fact, there are additional slot canyons in this area. You can book tours to explore three other slot canyons all within proximity of each other.

Other Alternatives

Owl Canyon  

Owl Canyon is named after its iconic resident great horned owls. Veteran visitors say it’s “fun to see” but it’s not especially narrow or photogenic. The most memorable area is at the end. Tour guides are required here too but it is more likely you will be able to spend more time here than elsewhere.

Rattlesnake Canyon  

Some say Rattlesnake Canyon is the most interesting canyon to tour. It is officially a portion of the Upper Antelope Canyon’s wash system. Aptly named for its serpentine aspect, it includes winding passages and a few very narrow places.

Mountain Sheep Canyon 

Interestingly, the canyon wall formations in rugged Mountain Sheep Canyon are said to be significantly “groovier.” Exploring Rugged Mountain Sheep Canyon involves a more strenuous hike than the other slot canyons mentioned here. It is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike.”

This tour includes a lot of ladders to scale. They are all well-secured to the rock, of course, but a few of the climbs could be steep enough to make travelers a tad nervous, especially those who travel with younger children.

Waterholes Canyon

Also known as Water Holes Canyon, a number of visitors claim this slot canyon is the very best alternative to Antelope Canyon. It is beautiful and quite similar. Perhaps more importantly, fewer tourists know of this place so you have a better chance of fully enjoying your tour. As this goes to press, visitors must book their tour “on-site.” That could, of course, change by the time you sit down to make your plans as these canyons continue to grow in popularity.

Arizona Hot Springs

Last but certainly not least, is the Arizona Hot Springs. You will find this slot canyon in the popular Lake Mead Recreational Area, south of the well-known Hoover Dam. Your journey begins on Highway 93 at the hiking trail’s parking lot which is less than three and a half miles south of the distinctive dam.

The hike itself out and back is a total of five miles. You will hike roughly 0.38 miles from the parking lot trailhead before coming to an obvious fork in the road. Two separate trails begin here.

The Hot Spring Trail And The White Rock Canyon Trail

Both the Hot Spring Trail and the White Rock Canyon Trail start here. They almost form a loop trail on the Colorado River’s banks. The former is shorter in length and includes an elevation gain of almost 720 feet.

The elevation change can be tiring. So be sure you are up for this hike. Most of the hike will take you along a large slot canyon. Of course, what really makes this slot canyon hike unique is the curious yet spectacular “Hot Springs.”  

In this case, these hot springs are little man-made pools of hot water constructed between the slot canyon’s towering walls to ensure that too much water does not flow along the trail. The water gets hotter the closer you are to these springs. It has been known to get as hot as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Once you pass the artificial pools, you will see a ladder that can be used to continue on the trail to the Colorado River’s banks. You may even spot people canoeing in this area. Most importantly though, don’t let the shortness of this hike fool you.  

Be Prepared

Keep in mind that if you plan on hiking this trail, you still need to be prepared and ready for the heat. During the summer months, the heat here can be notably dangerous here. In fact, the heat is so dangerous that from May 15th through September 29th, a lot of the trail is considered to be “closed.”  

Most of the trail is not shaded, thus you will be in the sun most of the time. Last but not least, you also need to be careful when you swim in the pools. At press time, scientists had discovered an amoeba known as Naegleria Fowleri in the water.

In the most serious cases, it can not only cause infection but also death. You may see warning signs posted along the trail. Be careful not to let any of the pool water get in your mouth or nose. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

There you have it, the most incredible slot canyons in Arizona. Have you been to any of them? Let us know!

The post The Most Incredible Slot Canyons In Arizona appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

Are you a fan of slot canyons? Are you traveling in the USA? If you answered yes to those questions, then you really should consider visiting the state of Utah. While slot canyons can be dangerous during rainstorms, they are great for adventurous, scenic hikes. Based on the personal experiences of a small panel of travel writers, here, from bottom to top, are the top 12 slot canyons in Utah.

The Top 12 Slot Canyons In Utah

Kanarra Falls, Kanarraville

Kanarra Falls is unsurprisingly located close to Kanarraville. Although this is a relatively short hike in terms of distance, it is a water hike and thus can present a challenge to anyone unable to hike with caution. It is famous for a pair of small waterfalls and aluminum ladders that one must climb to complete the hike.

If you are visiting Zion National Park, keep in mind that Kanarraville is close to the park so this would make a great day trip. A permit is required here. Remember, you will get wet!

(Continued on next page)

Peek-a-Boo Gulch, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This slot canyon is located in the Escalante area, best known for a pair of little arches at the entrance. Here the canyon can get very narrow but that just makes it more fun. There’s even a 10-foot scramble in order to enter. Here you will also often come across unavoidable water pools, so dress knowing that you will get wet. The best time to hike here is early in the morning when it is cooler. You’ll avoid any potential crowds as well.

(Continued on next page)

Leprechaun Canyon, Glen  Canyon National Recreation Area

You will find lovely Leprechaun Canyon off the beaten path, north of the gorgeous Glen Canyon. It is a notably deep canyon and if you hike it you will discover a notably beautiful endpoint. In fact, if you choose the family-friendly option, you will not encounter any dangerous sections. Additionally, it only takes a short hike to reach it. It’s close to the Colorado River crossing at the remote Ranger District of Hite, which is exceptionally scenic.

(Continued on next page)

Spooky Gulch, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

While you’re in the Peek-a-Boo Gulch area, why not check out its neighbor Spooky Gulch. This is actually one of the narrowest slot canyons on this list. It also includes some lengthy portions where you have to hike sideways in order to squeeze through. Indeed, this can sometimes create “traffic jams” during busy periods. Again, the best time to start this hike is early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

(Continued on next page)

The Subway, Zion National Park

Without ropes, you can only see a small portion of the Subway. What you can hike, however, is incredible. The hike to the Subway is a bit long but reportedly fun and enjoyable. Here you will see a number of slanted waterfalls and an even larger one at the canyon’s end. You will need permits in order to hike here. They are available at the park’s visitor center or even online.

(Continued on next page)

Little Wild Horse Canyon, San Rafael Swell

Little Wild Horse Canyon is said by some travel journalists to be quite an impressive slot canyon situated in the popular San Rafael Swell region. This slot canyon is narrow and long which makes for a noteworthy hiking experience. Take a loop hike via Bell Canyon or hike out and back. Take some time to visit nearby Goblin Valley State Park.

(Continued on next page)

The Zebra Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

The Zebra Slot Canyon is a local favorite of a number of travel writers and experienced hikers. It’s marked by zebra-like stripes within the sandstone. This 300-foot-long slot canyon generally has water in it and can be as narrow as 10 inches too.

In fact, some hikers have turned back because they actually get claustrophobic. The canyon’s tapered floor can make it difficult for some hikers to easily navigate. Be prepared to get wet.  

Dress accordingly. Start your hike at Hole in the Rock Road then slowly descend into Harris Wash. It is there that you will eventually come to the mouth of the canyon.

(Continued on next page)

Little Death Hollow, The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

At first, Little Death Hollow, in the Escalante area, is deep and wide. However, as you progress in your hike, it slowly converges into a slot where you must hike single-file for miles. Additionally, you will find fewer people here than at Peek-a-Boo or Zebra. The rich sandstone here comes complete with exceptional color and textures too.

(Continued on next page)

Paria Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Paria Canyon is located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Thus, you might also consider it an Arizona slot canyon too. The canyon features many miles worth of towering walls. 

It is also the second-largest slot canyon on this list. Again, prepare to get wet as the mighty Paria River runs wall-to-wall in many areas. You will be doing some river hiking. Get a permit and go backpacking along the Paria all the way out to the rushing Colorado River at majestic Marble Canyon.  

(Continued on next page)

The Joint Trail, Canyonlands National Park

The Joint Trail is unique. It is unlike the other slot canyons of Utah. Most slot canyons are the result of water erosion. This one, however, was created by huge layers of sandstone that actually cracked beneath their own weight. This, in turn, left a great grid of multiple slot canyons with caverns and perpendicular intersections. You will need a full day of hiking within the Needles District of Canyonlands in order to reach your destination.

(Continued on next page)

Buckskin Gulch, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Beautiful Buckskin Gulch is one of the world’s longest continuous canyons and has a total of 13 miles of narrows. It actually leads into the previously mentioned Paria Canyon. You can think of the bottom entry line spot as a detour from Paria Canyon’s “Whitehouse” Trailhead. If you would rather not hike too far, you can see the upper entry point of Buckskin Gulch at the “Wire Pass” Trailhead. Get a permit and go backpacking through both Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon in one trip.

(Continued on next page)

The Narrows, Zion National Park

Regular readers may already recognize The Narrows. As previously mentioned elsewhere on this website, visitors to Zion National Park will find a number of different hiking trails here that vary in levels of difficulty. The Narrows, however, is hands down the most popular hike to do here in the park.  

The Narrows is the biggest canyon on this list. The walls are more than 1,000 feet high and only 20 feet wide in some places. If you want to see the deepest and narrowest parts of the canyon, do a day hike up the Virgin River.  

Do you enjoy camping? Speak to the Park Service personnel and get an overnight permit. Then hike The Narrows top-down.    

The best time to hike any popular canyon is as early in the morning as possible in order to avoid any potential crowds. You can even try this hike in the fall or winter but then be sure to check on the weather and water temperature. Mind you, if you forget your waterproof gear, you can rent some here in the park. How’s that for convenience?

The post The Top 12 Slot Canyons In Utah appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.