Best Slot Canyons???

[Rot Box]

If you could hike ANY of Utahs slot canyons which ones would they be?

I'm planning on heading South this coming weekend to do some hiking. I've heard that Utah's Slot canyons are awesome, but I'm not sure which ones to head to because I've never been to any of them

San Rafiel Swell looks like fun and so does Kannara Creek in Zions... Anyway what do you think or recomend?

 

[kbjames]

The one in Zions is really nice....goes for miles.

 

[Greg]

The Narrows in Zions is well known. It's also pretty well traveled and touristy being in the NP, so you may have company. IMO the only way to do it is top to bottom. You'll have to get a permit early in the morning, they only allow a certain amount of people per day. You can take a shuttle to the top so you don't leave a car up there. It will probably be a bit chilly this time of year because you're in knee-deep water 90% of the time. There's spots where it's deeper, when I hiked it we had to swim at one point. It's 16 miles long, not super difficult but the rocks get slippery and you'll need good boots w/ ankle protection. It will take a long day to get thru. A walking stick is a good idea. Once you get within a few miles of the end, you'll start seeing lots of people who came in on the bus that are hiking up.

Or if you have a couple days to spend you could camp in Goblin Valley and check that place out, which is awesome in itself, then hike 2 slots that aren't far from that area. Little Wild Horse and Bell canyon and the Ding and Dang canyons. you could do one a day. The Swell will probably be less crowded, less money and funner camping. This time of year ought to be great for hiking that area. I want to make it to Ding and Dang this Fall.

We did Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop on Christmas morning last year, it was really nice. Nobody out there and decent weather. Here's some pics from that trip-

 

[Paul R]

I haven't hiked the swell slots, but I want to do that soon. My wife and I were hiking in the narrows and loved it there other than being way over crowded.

The Narrows:

Another areas of slot canyons are in Escelante NM. There are a ton of great slots though, it will take a bit of research to find out which one will fit your skill levels and desires. Whatever you decide always make sure to check the weather and take extra precausions. Drowning, while far from your mind while in the desert is a very real possibility.

I really like the dry fork slot canyons:

Spooky Gulch:

 

[Medsker]

Or if you have a couple days to spend you could camp in Goblin Valley and check that place out, which is awesome in itself, then hike 2 slots that aren't far from that area. Little Wild Horse and Bell canyon and the Ding and Dang canyons. you could do one a day. The Swell will probably be less crowded, less money and funner camping. This time of year ought to be great for hiking that area. I want to make it to Ding and Dang this Fall.

We did Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop on Christmas morning last year, it was really nice. Nobody out there and decent weather. Here's some pics from that trip-

These are my favorites as well...mainly because I love playing around in Goblin Valley. I have this identical photo of my wife

 

[Paul R]

You've probably already seen this but it is a good reminder.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=4235265

 

[Rot Box]

Awesome pics!

Looks like I should have taken more time off--they all look fun!

What is the camping at the Narrow's like? I'd like to camp away from the crowd... Are there restrictions or designated pay sites? Or is it fairly open? Thanks for all the responses

 

[Greg]

Awesome pics!

Looks like I should have taken more time off--they all look fun!

What is the camping at the Narrow's like? I'd like to camp away from the crowd... Are there restrictions or designated pay sites? Or is it fairly open? Thanks for all the responses

There's camping areas in the Zions National Park grounds, they're nice but there's people all over. You have to pay to get into the park and I think campgrounds are first come, first serve. Most campgrounds are pretty close, have fire pits, tables, etc. There's a herd of deer that are so used to people they wander from campground to campground begging for food. I touched a big buck!

More here!- http://www.nps.gov/zion

 

[Greg]

These are my favorites as well...mainly because I love playing around in Goblin Valley. I have this identical photo of my wife

Do you really? How funny!

 

[Medsker]

Do you really? How funny!

At least it is similar

 

[Greg]

At least it is similar

Cool!

 

[waynehartwig]

I have nothing to contribute, but love the pics!!! Keep 'em up!

 

[Paul R]

Just so you know i think it is $25 to get into Zions NP if you decide to go that way.

 

[WayneXJ]

Crack and Chute canyon are also near Goblin Valley.
http://climb-utah.com/SRS/crack.htm

 

[Brett]

Cody, Erin, and I hiked Little Whild Horse and Bell back in March. Fun time, and a good hike. There were a lot of people near the beginning, but half way though, I think that there were a total of three groups that had kept on going?

There's pics near the end of this thread, worth your time to check it out.

http://rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=53909

 

[Cody]

www.climb-utah.com

done and done.

I was trying to get more into canyoneering this year, but a slow summer at work prevented me from picking up the ropes and trianing I needed to. Hopefully next spring. I really want to do Quandry, Alcatraz, and some of the ones down in the Robbers Roost area.

Like Brett said, we did L. Wild Horse and Bell, and I went and did Lower Black Box a few weeks ago. I think black box is still doable, but you would probably want a wet suit to keep you warm once it starts to cool down.

 

[Rot Box]

Sounds like a good time! Supposidly I have now have a big audit coming this weekend so who knows if I can go now

But if I do I think I'll head to Goblin Valley!

 

[EROK81?]

If one was to do the Zions Narrows, what time of year is the best time to go?

 

[Cody]

If one was to do the Zions Narrows, what time of year is the best time to go?

depends on your gear and desire to deal with cold. I would say this is the tail end of the perfect time to do it. Mid august to mid september.

It's easiest below 50 cfm's, but this time of year I would deffinately bring a wet suit or some warmer clothes in a dry bag that you an use when the temperature drops in the late afternoon.

 

[allterrain]

If one was to do the Zions Narrows, what time of year is the best time to go?

I have done it in late June (high water- some swimmin' in the deep spots) and the weather is a little cooler for camping and I just did it this year in late August. Low water, easy walking. Don't miss Orderville Canyon when in the Narrows. It was a blast this year with several swims across pools and log scrambles that you had to do.
For a bigger challenge with ropes, you can try Water Canyon which is outside Zion's above Hildale. You'll see Plygs o'plenty going through town!
You hike up the side of a narrow canyon and then go down through the middle.
Several swims and repels but there are anchors and webbing in place.
Just did it with my kids right before school started.