Utah Slot Canyons
Utah boasts a plethora of slot canyons located all over the southern and southeastern parts of the state. These gorges in the earth are aptly named for their narrow width. These thin canyons are located in some of Utah’s most remote locations, while others are located in the most traveled parts of the state. Some of Utah’s slot canyons can be easily accessed from roads and short trails, while many narrow slots are very remote and can only be accessed by more adventurous means off the beaten path. Those that are accessed by traveling off the beaten path are often permitted and sometimes even require a canyoneering guide. Some well-known slots in Utah are Leprechaun Canyon, Yankee Doodle, and Mystery Canyon. Slot canyons provide adrenaline-pumping fun for more adventurous souls or can simply provide amusement and wonder!
What makes slot canyons so unique?
Well, these canyons can range in width from yards wide to inches across. This means that these canyons can make for some fun (or not-so-fun) squeezing and squishing as you are making your way through them. If you are traveling through a slot canyon in Utah you might take notice of the shadows, lighting, and colors as they change over the course of the day as the sun passes overhead. Because Utah slot canyons experience flash flooding occasionally it is not uncommon to find large rocks, logs, or other debris lodged in between the walls of the slot.
These obstacles can also present fun and unique challenges throughout a canyoneering adventure. With the right gear and skills, getting past canyon obstacles can make for a memorable time. A great example of an obstacle that frequently occurs in Utah’s slot canyons is potholes. Potholes (when dry) can be extra hard to escape from and it is important to have a competent team with you. Check out the images of these potholes in Wonderland Canyon and Imlay Canyon.
Another factor that makes these narrow slits in the earth so unique is that they are ever-changing. They are one feature of the earth’s landscape that can look completely different from one day to the next. This is mostly due to rainfall, but even from one season to another Utah slot canyons can offer a different feel and experience. Large holes that contained mounds of sand may be completely empty and 10 feet deep the next time you see it due to flooding. Large rocks or logs may become wedged in between the walls overhead demonstrating the level and power of the water that comes rushing through these canyons.
How were Utah’s slot canyons formed?
Utah’s geological composition makes the state a great place for the formation of slot canyons. The brittle sandstone that is much more easily eroded by flowing water has allowed countless slot canyons to form over years and years and years of water flow and flash flooding. The type of sandstone that you will come across in the state’s canyons is Navajo Sandstone, which is white or even red in color.
Technical vs. Non-technical
Slot canyons are typically classified as either technical or non-technical. Technical canyons consist of obstacles that require rock-climbing, ropework, and canyoneering skills to travel through them. Some technical canyons even require swimming. Non-technical canyons can simply be traveled through by walking/hiking. The level of technicality of a slot canyon can also vary. The technical class of a canyon is denoted by the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 4 according to canyon rating systems. Each number rating correlates with certain technical skills required to complete the canyon.
Safety in Slot Canyons
Many dangers can present themselves in Utah’s slot canyons. Flash flooding is one of those dangers and so it is necessary to be aware of the signs of flash flooding before you go visit a slot canyon. Learn more about flash flooding here. Since many canyons are in remote locations in the Utah desert, food and water become important safety features of your trip. Depending on the technicality of the slot canyon, other dangers may present themselves.
Locations
Slot canyons can be found in an area called the Colorado Plateau, which covers almost all of eastern and southern Utah. Moab, Zion National Park, St. George, and Capitol Reef are all places where slot canyons can be found. Discover canyons in these locations and more.