Utah Slot Canyons
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Slot Canyons
of Zion National Park
Many of Utah's incredible winding, wind blown tunnels of sandstone are hidden in colorful East Zion. In the Mount Carmel area alone there are three majestic slot canyons to explore: Red Cave, Red Hollow and Peek-a-Boo. Spring Hollow is found in Glendale, not far from one of the entrances into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Nature's spectacular creations do not get any better than those found in Zion National Park and just east of the park. Experience Southern Utah; visit the National Parks and National Monuments, but take the time to explore the hidden slot canyons of the Southwest. While in Zion National Park be sure to see the Zion Narrows and Orderville Canyon. Both magnificent slot canyons that begin in East Zion. |
Plan your trip with our "Canyon Country"
Vacation Itinerary
The Zion Narrows is a topic of wonder for so many of us. This trail takes you literarily wading through the Virgin River for much of the hike. This trail can be taken three ways:
(1) Hike up the canyon for a couple of miles. Here, where the walls come closer together, you will see the junction into Orderville Canyon. Hike into the narrow slot canyon and explore this gorgeous area. You will see a waterfall and a deep pool. This is as far as you are allowed to go in this direction without a permit for Orderville Canyon. When done exploring, return to the Riverside Walk Trail.
(2) Hike from Chamberlains Ranch in East Zion to the Riverside Walk. This is a 2 day hike and you will need to obtain a a backcountry permit.
(3) Hike through Orderville Canyon into the Zion Narrows. A backcountry permit is required for Orderville Canyon.
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Without a doubt the slot canyons are a Southwest treasure. Millions of people will visit Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks each year, but few will venture into the narrow towering walls of the slot canyons. Many will stand at post card racks and wonder where they can see these amazing creations. Zion National Park is home to the most famous of all the slot canyons, the Zion Narrows. Inside Zion National Park there is also the Subway, Echo Canyon, Orderville Canyon and Pine Creek. The Riverside Walk is the easiest hike in Zion National Park and it leads to the trailhead for the Zion Narrows.
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Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Private vehicles can travel SR-9, from Zion's south entrance, out the east entrance (or visa versa) to the junction of SR-9 & US-89 year-round, 24 hours a day. See tunnel restrictions for Oversized Vehicles.
In summer, the only access to the Scenic Zion Canyon Drive is via Zion's shuttle, but during the winter private vehicles can travel in the canyon. Exact dates the shuttle runs may vary
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 Nature Notes
Beautiful Echo Canyon is part of what is often considered to be one of the best backpacking adventures in Utah, the East Rim Trail. This spectacular hike is a 10-mile strenuous, day trip or an overnight backpack. The East Rim Trail runs alongside Echo Canyon for much of the way. During the East Rim hike you will get a look at a section of the slot. A spur, if dry, allows a bit of exploring, but you cannot hike in there without a permit. Always check weather conditions before going into a slot canyon, and remember that a storm far off can cause a flash flood in the canyon you are in.
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