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Arizona’s Lesser-Known Slot Canyons Worth Exploring
Our recent travels took us across the state, where we explored numerous top slot canyons in Arizona. This included the popular Antelope Canyons in Page, as well as some lesser-known hikes that are off the typical tourist routes, even for locals.
Check out these great Arizona slot canyons, including some easy hikes for families and more challenging options. Here’s our comprehensive list!
Slot Canyons: A Brief Explanation
What is a slot canyon and how is it formed?
Utah Boasts the World’s Densest Collection of Slot Canyons, but Arizona and Nevada Offer Family-Friendly Options for Beginners as Well.
Important reminder: Check the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Avoid entering if there is a chance of rain, even if it’s not in your immediate vicinity. Flash floods can pose a serious risk in slot canyons.
Top 15 Slot Canyons to Explore in Arizona
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon, located on Navajo tribal land near Page, AZ, is Arizona’s most renowned slot canyon.
The Increasing Popularity of Upper Antelope Canyon and its Impact
The main attraction of Upper Antelope is its stunning sunbeams that illuminate the dust in the air as they shine through the narrow canyon roof. While many people find this effect impressive, as a photographer, I personally believe it is somewhat overrated.
Lower Antelope is likely a better option for most people, especially first-time visitors, despite the fact that it is a lovely slot canyon.
Exploring Antelope Canyon: A Comparison of Upper, Lower, and X Tours
Reserve Your Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Now
Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon: A Stunning Section of Arizona’s Iconic Slot Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon Requires a Tour for Visitation, but Offers a More Relaxed Experience than Upper Canyon
The Lower Canyon boasts beautiful colors and is filled with winding pathways and captivating rock formations that make for excellent photo opportunities.
We found the Lower Canyon more enjoyable than the Upper. It’s incredibly picturesque, and the tour offers a more comprehensive experience in several ways.
Lower Antelope Canyon: A Visitor’s Perspective
Lower Antelope Canyon Tour – Reserve Your Spot Today!
Antelope Canyon X Tour
The primary disadvantage of the Antelope Canyons is their location on Navajo land, requiring visitors to take a guided tour to see them.
Discover a lesser-known section of Antelope Canyon with Antelope Canyon X tours, offering a more secluded and less crowded experience compared to the main canyons.
Canyon X: A Great Opportunity for Photography
Since it’s a longer tour, you have more time and opportunities for photos, and I found that I took more pictures in Canyon X than I did in the other two Antelope Canyons combined!
An ideal canyon for newcomers to Arizona with lower prices than the more popular canyons.
Antelope Canyon X: A Review
Secure Your Spot: Book the Antelope Canyon X Tour Now
Mountain Sheep Canyon: A Natural Wonder in the American Southwest
Explore the Lesser-Known Mountain Sheep Canyon in Antelope Canyon
This slot canyon is more challenging to reach and involves more hiking than some of the others listed, but it features stunning sections with dramatic grooves and patterns in the walls.
Reserve Your Spot for the Mountain Sheep Canyon Tour
Owl Canyon: A Guide to Exploring the Natural Beauty
The name Owl Canyon is derived from the presence of Great Horned Owls often nesting in the upper walls of the slot canyon. As part of the Antelope Canyon system, Navajo tours are necessary to visit, but it is typically not overcrowded.
The depth of the chambers in Owl Canyon allows for more natural light, making it best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, or on a cloudy day in winter.
You might be fortunate enough to capture a beautiful photo of an owl in the canyon, but you’ll need a camera with some zoom capability for the best shot.
Reserve Your Spot for the Owl Canyon Tour Now
Rattlesnake Canyon: A Guide to Exploring the Area
Rattlesnake Canyon: A Beautiful Slot Canyon Near Page with Unique Features
Rattlesnake Canyon: A Must-See Private Tour in Arizona’s Slot Canyons!
Reserve Your Spot on the Rattlesnake Canyon Tour Today
7. Hidden Canyon
Secret Canyon: A Lesser-Known Section of Antelope Canyon with Fewer Crowds
Several tours also offer the opportunity to visit a private viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend, in addition to exploring the slot canyon. This private viewpoint is located on Navajo land, providing a unique and less crowded perspective of the river bend.
Explore the vibrant hues and graceful contours of the Secret Canyon, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs. And remember to gaze upwards!
Secure Your Spot: Explore the Hidden Wonders of Secret Canyon
Waterholes Canyon: A Natural Wonder in Arizona
Exploring the Lesser-Known Waterholes Canyon in Antelope Canyon
A stunning slot canyon with similar scenery to the well-known Antelope Canyon, featuring shallow and deep chambers that create diverse lighting conditions.
There are a few easy ladders to climb, but they’re not challenging. If you’re looking to visit Antelope Canyon with minimal crowds, this is likely the ideal spot!
Cathedral Wash Hiking Trail
Let’s move on from discussing the Antelope Canyons and focus on a unique slot canyon in Arizona, Cathedral Wash. This picturesque hike offers stunning views of the Colorado River.
Challenging Hike with Scrambling and Climbing Sections, Not Suitable for Those with a Fear of Heights
Selecting the correct paths will significantly simplify the hike, and adhering to the rock cairns will typically guide you in the proper route.
A secluded hike with easy access, located 45 minutes west of Page, Arizona, and about 1.5 hours from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Exploring Cathedral Wash without a guided tour
The trail covers a 3-mile loop and includes a 300-foot elevation change. As you hike in, you’ll descend and notice the canyon walls gradually rising around you, becoming steeper and more narrow, making for great photo opportunities.
Experience the breathtaking views of the Colorado River rapids and the stunning canyon at the end of the slot canyon. It’s an enjoyable and one-of-a-kind adventure!
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Spooky Canyon (10)
A hidden gem near the Arizona-Nevada border, Spooky Canyon is a family-friendly destination not far from the famous Hoover Dam. The short exploration of this cool little canyon takes about 40 minutes.
Spooky Canyon: A Top Favorite Slot Canyon in Arizona
Is This a Mini Antelope Canyon?
This location is pleasant and not widely recognized. We visited on a weekday and found it to be completely empty and peaceful.
Accessing Spooky Canyon requires ducking under a wire fence, which seems to be in place to protect wildlife from the highway rather than to restrict access to the canyon. Signs prohibiting entry are not present.
Finding the Parking Location for an Unmarked Trail Just off Highway 93
Directions to Access Slot Canyon from the Parking Area
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11. Natural Hot Springs in Arizona
Explore the distinctive slot canyon along the Arizona Hot Spring trail for a refreshing swim in a natural hot spring! This particular spot is situated near the Arizona-Nevada state border, in close proximity to the previously mentioned Spooky Canyon.
Multiple clear, warm soaking pools await at the end of the hike, each dammed with sandbags and offering a different heat level for you to find the perfect temperature.
The roundtrip hike to the hot springs covers approximately 6 miles and includes an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The descent on the way there means the most challenging part comes on the return trip.
Be sure to bring plenty of water for the trail! Keep in mind that this route is closed during the summer months from May 15 to September 30 due to the intense heat in Arizona.
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Additional Slot Canyons in the Vicinity of Arizona
Other Slot Canyons Near Arizona Worth the Drive: Exploring Utah’s Hidden Gems
12. Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass in Utah
Buckskin Gulch: The Longest Slot Canyon in the United States and Possibly the World, Stretching 21 Miles! Situated near the Utah-Arizona State Border, Approximately 1 Hour Drive from Page, Arizona.
Explore the Buckskin Slot Canyon for Stunning Photos and Accessible Native American Petroglyphs! Enter through Wire Pass for a Double Slot Canyon Experience!
The slot canyon section at Wire Pass is considered even more picturesque than Buckskin due to its narrowness and vibrant colors. Additionally, the presence of a small wooden ladder provides a great opportunity for unique photographs.
The Wire Pass slot leads to the intersection of Buckskin Gulch, offering the chance to view ancient petroglyphs on the canyon wall.
Easy Level of Difficulty
Discover More: Hiking from Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
13. Exploring the Red Canyon Slot in Peekaboo Kanab, Utah
The Peekaboo Red Canyon: A Stunning Slot Canyon near Kanab, Southern Utah. Just 1.5 hours from Page, Arizona.
Navigating the rough terrain to reach this slot is the primary obstacle. A genuine 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary, and it’s advised to deflate your tires and maintain speed to prevent getting stuck in the soft, deep sand.
Many individuals struggle with navigating the challenging conditions in this area. As a result, the majority of visitors opt to explore the Peekaboo Kanab slot canyon with a guided Jeep or UTV tour, allowing a professional company to handle the driving. I will provide some tour recommendations later on.
Some of these tours also offer a combination of the slot canyon visit with a trip to the nearby Great Chamber, a picturesque cave-like location near Kanab that is difficult to access without a proper off-road vehicle.
You can also choose to hike about 8 miles roundtrip to reach the slot from the 2WD parking area, and while some people opt for this option, it can be challenging due to the sandy terrain. Make sure to bring a map, sun protection, and plenty of water.
A stunning and easily accessible slot canyon, perfect for all ages and definitely worth the drive for some incredible photo opportunities near Arizona!
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Reserve Your Spot on the Peekaboo Kanab Jeep Tour or UTV Tour Today
14. The Beautiful Red Hollow Canyon in Utah
Explore the Red Hollow Slot Canyon: An Accessible Hike Near Zion and Bryce National Parks in Orderville, Utah
A picturesque hike with beautiful red rock colors and steep canyon walls, Red Hollow Canyon is easily accessible and perfect for families.
Learning a New Climbing Technique: Chimneying and Stemming in a Tight Slot
Red Hollow may be short in length, but it offers great photo opportunities. Overall, it is one of our top choices for slot canyons in the Arizona area.
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Explore Red Hollow Slot Canyon
The Hiking Trail of Zion Narrows in Utah
The Narrows: Utah’s Iconic Slot Canyon in Zion National Park
Exploring the Majestic Narrows: Hiking along the Virgin River in a Massive Gorge with Towering Walls
The Narrows is accessible to people of all fitness levels, as you are not required to hike to the end of the gorge. You can choose to stop and turn back at any point.
Hiking the entire Narrows in one day is feasible with a permit, but many opt to only go partway before turning back, which doesn’t require a permit.
The Narrows is becoming too popular and crowded, so consider getting a permit to hike it from the top down if you want to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, check out other slot canyons in this guide.
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Map of Slot Canyons in Arizona
Arizona Slot Canyons Map for Planning Your Road Trip
Remember to maintain the cleanliness of the trail, show consideration for other hikers, and avoid leaving any trace behind. Have a great trip!
Tips for Staying Safe in Slot Canyons
Caution: Flash Floods in Slot Canyons – Stay Informed of Weather Conditions. Don’t Enter Slot Canyons During Rain. Flash Flooding Poses Serious Risks.
Remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, even when hiking in a slot canyon to protect yourself from direct sun exposure.
Remember to bring at least 3-4 liters of water per person when visiting Arizona. It’s important to pack more water than you think you’ll need.
Why You Should Download an Offline Map for Hiking
Additional Guides for Slot Canyons in Arizona
We appreciate your interest! We hope you found this guide to be enjoyable and helpful in discovering some of Arizona’s top slot canyons.
Make sure to take a look at my comprehensive guide to the top slot canyons in Utah and Nevada for your upcoming road trip!
Related Articles
- Comparing Antelope Canyon Tours: Upper vs Lower vs X, Review & Photos of Lower Antelope Canyon, Review and Experience of Antelope Canyon X Tour, Top Slot Canyons in Utah and Nevada near Las Vegas.