A majority of the slot canyons in Utah that we know and love today were found by adventurous explorers. Using a map and compass, they scrambled over boulders, down canyons, and across riverbeds to squeeze into slot canyons. Thankfully, the Utah slot canyons on this list are pre-explored, making them well-known and recommended among slot hikers. Jenny’s Canyon is located within Snow Canyon State Park about 20 minutes north of St George, Utah. To get there, you’ll head north on Bluff Street from St George. Take the Red Hills Pkwy/Snow Canyon Pkwy exit and turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway. Water Holes is a branched drainage that forms several beautiful slot canyons, cutting through the red Navajo sandstone rocks around Lake Powell. It is only a few miles from Page and flows into the short section of Glen Canyon that remains intact; as with nearby Antelope Canyon, the watercourse extends either side of a main road ( US 89) and becomes much deeper downstream, with a number of sheer.
These are classic examples of slot canyons which typify the canyon country of southern Utah: deep, narrow, secret places within the Waterpocket Fold. The routes are largely unmarked. A few rock cairns may mark key points; carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons during flash flood season (typically July-September).
All three slot canyons are difficult hikes and only experienced canyon-country hikers should attempt these routes. All contain obstacles in the form of dry falls and chock stones (large boulders wedged in narrow slots) which must be climbed over. The canyons are extremely narrow in places; most people will have to work their way through sideways. Often there are pools of water that may require deep wading or short swims.
Beginning at the Notom-Bullfrog Road, Burro Wash and Cottonwood Wash can be done as long day hikes. Sheets Gulch can be done as a long day hike or an overnight, depending on where you turn around. Free backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Water Slot Canyon Utah National Park
Slot Canyon Utah Map
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. DO not rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
A PDF version of this information, including maps, can be downloaded and printed.