Slot Canyon
Category

Photospot

Message from Hello Mallory

*Photos in collaboration with Kristen May -- her Instagram can be found HERE: @kristenmayx

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

  • HIKE NAME: Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon

  • DISTANCE: 1.5 miles RT to the fourth obstacle and back

  • ELEVATION GAIN: 300 feet (mostly on the return in sand and its a miserable slog)

  • RESTROOMS: No

  • DOG FRIENDLY: No - due to multiple 6-12 foot obstacles

  • PERMIT: No

  • FEE: No

  • VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2wd, parking right off paved highway 89

  • TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: 37.194686, -112.661029

  • MAP PROVIDED IN WEBSITE: Yes, Gaia GPX

Trail: From the parking area along Hwy 89, follow the 2-track (stay left) until you see power pole #316 in front of you. The sandy trail continues straight to the right of this pole. Follow the footprints and trail down to the bottom of the wash. Once to the wash you will hang a RIGHT and continue to the slot canyon entrance. There are other small canyons to explore, but stay in the wash for the main attraction.

WOW. This is such a fun slot and trail. There are three obstacles that require stemming to get up and down, and its just enough adventure to make it not only fun, but challenging. THIS IS NOT ONE THAT I WOULD CONSIDER BEGINNER FRIENDLY. The fourth obstacle will be a 20 foot dryfall that is doable to stem, however we stopped here due to being unsure how to get back down. If you bring rope, you can likely continue further.

Two of the Three obstacles are pictured and would guess they range 6-12 feet. They're underwhelming in photos but each will require stemming to go up and over.

FUN FACT -- This slot is in the same wash as Belly of the Dragon. If you continue in the wash for another 1.8 miles after you exit the Belly of the Dragon, you will come to this slot canyon.

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