Guide to Hiking Slot Canyons

Everything You Need to Know: A Beginner's Guide

Utah’s world famous sandstone slot canyons are true works of art. They offer a once in a lifetime kind of adventure you're unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world, and most importantly, they CAN BE safe and fun, even for beginners.

Ummm slots can be for beginners? If you’ve watched the movie 127 Hours, you could be forgiven for thinking that Utah’s slot canyons automatically = death in the desert. In that true story, adventurer Aaron Ralston finds himself stranded in a deep and narrow sandstone canyon after a boulder crushes his right arm and pins him to the wall. He escapes only by cutting off his arm above the wrist with a pocketknife. Aaron's injury happened in Bluejohn Canyon (don't worry -- NOT included in this list) and he was brought to the SAME hospital where I currently work after his injury, as stated in the attached article. This was long before I moved to the desert but feels surreal it happened here! Read about Aaron HERE

But that is the exception of all exceptions. In reality, slot canyons can be totally appropriate—and safe—for beginners, and diving into their shaded and glowy corridors is one of the most unique adventures one can have in the Desert Southwest. This beginner's guide will hopefully provide you with everything you need to get started to exploring one of my favorite past times.

What is a Slot Canyon?

Slot canyons are narrow, deep gorges formed by water over millions of years, found in deserts worldwide. They are known for their stunning beauty and unique features, making them popular for exploration. In most slot canyons, the height is ten to one hundred times the width and primarily occur in areas of sandstone. Did you know that Utah has over ONE THOUSAND slot canyons and the highest concentration in the world.

Are Slot Canyons Safe?

Approached with the right knowledge, preparation and gear, slot canyons are a great and safe adventure for nearly every hiker. The biggest risk when is comes to slots is flash flooding. Do your research and watch the weather before visiting slot canyons, especially if you hike without a guide. The narrow canyons can quickly fill with water after a rain, and the water typically contains a lot of debris. Flash floods can be deadly, so do NOT enter any slot canyon if rain is forecasted anywhere in the vicinity. It does NOT have to be raining where you are to flood.

Another important detail to notice -- If you hit an obstacle you’re not comfortable with, TURN AROUND. if there’s an obstacle you doubt your ability to climb on the return, DONT RISK IT.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me in a Slot Canyon?

Always come prepared with the 10 hiking essentials when venturing in a slot canyon, and best practice is to never go alone.

1. Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger. I personally use GAIA and for each trail you will find either attached AllTrails or a GPX for you to download.

2. Headlamp: plus extra batteries

3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen

4. First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)

5. Knife plus a gear repair kit

6. Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove

7. Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy)

8. Extra food Beyond the minimum expectation

9. Extra water Beyond the minimum expectation

10. Extra clothes Beyond the minimum expectation

How do I Utilize this Guide?

For each canyon, you will find the following information:

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

• HIKE NAME:

• DISTANCE: (roundtrip)

• ELEVATION GAIN:

• RESTROOMS:

• DOG FRIENDLY:

• PERMIT:

• FEE:

• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2wd vs 4wd

• TRAILHEAD COORDINATES:

• MAP PROVIDED IN WEBSITE: (either my personal GPX or link from AllTrails for the popular ones)