Zion Slot Canyons

Some of Utah’s main attractions are Zion’s slot canyons. Zion National Park is known for many unique and exciting adventures including hiking Angel’s Landing and backpacking in the Zion backcountry, but exploring the twisting, narrow slots in Zion is an experience not easily forgotten. 

Zion National Park has countless slot canyons some of which are easily accessible while others are more remote and take quite a bit of effort to get there. The most famous of Zion slot canyons is The Narrows. The Narrows was formed by the North Fork of the Virgin River and is just 20 to 30 feet across at some points. The Narrows is a popular hike within the park and is admittedly difficult to experience without crowds of tourists. Since the water and shade in The Narrows offer refuge on hot summer days, many people flock there to cool off. If beating the crowds is important to you, the earlier in the morning you visit, the better. 

If you are the more adventurous type and are looking for technical slot canyons in Zion, you will find plenty! Zion is considered by some to be the mecca for technical canyoneering. Deep slots offer numerous big rappels and grand views of the Zion backcountry. Take, for example, Imlay Canyon, one of the most technical Zion slot canyons. It boasts countless rappels and pothole escapes with a natural beauty not found anywhere else. 

Mystery Canyon, Zion, is another technical slot that offers gorgeous views above The Narrows before descending into The Narrows at the last rappel. Mystery canyon is a very popular technical canyon in Zion and can prove difficult to attain a permit for. While most people seek out permits for the more popular Zion slot canyons, there is a handful of routes that are often overlooked. Some which are overlooked are Lodge Canyon and Telephone Canyon. Obtaining a permit to descend these canyons is much easier. The best part is that you will still have an amazing Zion experience doing these canyons. 

Don’t forget that slot canyons are also abundant outside of Zion NP. Birch Hollow is a great beginner to the intermediate technical canyon. It’s located on the east side of Zion and is good for a half-day outing; no permit is required. All in all, Zion slot canyons need to be at the top of the must-do list when visiting Utah. You can find specific beta and more information on slot canyons in Zion National Park on our Canyoneering Zion page.