Utah's Slot Canyons

Utah possesses probably the world’s finest concentration of slot canyons, deep and often absurdly narrow gashes in the mountains, plateaux and high tablelands, their walls brightly coloured and water-smoothed into beautiful shapes. Exploring them is unforgettably exciting.

You must take in one while in the area – and, you should be able to fine one nearby wherever you go.

Here are some of the best.

Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, on the Utah/Arizona border, the Grand Canyon tributaries. Two of the very best, marvellous multi-day walking.

Zion Narrows and Left Fork/the Subway, Zion NP’s famous offerings.

Various slots in the Needles area of Canyonlands NP. Blue John Canyon made famous in the film 127 hours.

Willis Creek and others in Grand Staircase-Escalante NM. 

This can be tough walking in dry, remote canyons with uncertain weather. Some are decidedly wet and some require significant canyoneering skills and equipment – research carefully. Come fully prepared, and carry enough water. See detailed pages for some of the risks – flash floods are a particularly deadly problem: make sure you will be safe.

There are excellent books on all these areas. Find relevant books on Amazon.

Our friends and partners Responsible Travel have a selection of walking and other holidays in South-west USA. You should get good ideas, perhaps for something you hadn’t thought of…