Squeezing through narrow, twisting passages carved by ancient waters is my absolute favorite way to experience the raw beauty of Utah’s desert landscape. These slot canyons; where sunlight filters down in magical beams and sandstone walls swirl in mesmerizing patterns; create some of the most jaw-dropping photo opportunities on Earth. From famous formations to hidden gems, I’ve crawled, climbed, and waded through the best slots Utah has to offer, and I’m dying to share my top picks for your next adventure!
1. Antelope Canyon – Page, AZ
Holy light beams, Batman! The first time I squeezed into Upper Antelope Canyon, I nearly dropped my camera from sheer awe. This legendary slot isn’t technically in Utah (it’s just across the Arizona border), but excluding it would be criminal for any slot canyon enthusiast.
The famous light shafts pierce through the narrow openings above, creating surreal spotlights on the wavy, orange-red walls. I’ve visited at least a dozen times, and I still gasp like a first-timer when those beams appear around midday. Pro tip: book your tour months in advance; this place is Instagram-famous for good reason!
The Navajo name for the canyon is ‘Tsé bighánílíní,’ meaning ‘the place where water runs through rocks.’ And while the photography is mind-blowing, remember you’re on sacred Navajo land; respect the guides, follow their instructions, and prepare for a spiritual experience as much as a visual one.
2. Buckskin Gulch – Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, AZ
Buckle up, adventure seekers! At a whopping 15 miles long, Buckskin Gulch isn’t just any slot canyon; it’s the longest and deepest in the Southwest, possibly the entire world. My calves still remember the day I attempted to hike its entirety.
The walls tower up to 500 feet above you while squeezing to just 2 feet wide in spots. Unlike the tourist-friendly Antelope, Buckskin is raw, remote, and occasionally dangerous. Flash flood warnings? Take them seriously, folks. I once had to scramble up a rock face when the skies darkened unexpectedly.
My favorite section is about 5 miles in where the patterns on the walls look like frozen waves of sand. The silence is profound; broken only by your footsteps and occasional water drips. Pack emergency supplies, check weather forecasts obsessively, and prepare for the most humbling hiking experience of your life.
3. Peek-a-Boo Canyon – Kanab, UT
Remember that childhood game where someone covers their eyes then suddenly reveals their face? That’s exactly how I felt rounding each bend in Peek-a-Boo Canyon; constant surprises and delights! This lesser-known gem near Kanab offers all the visual drama of Antelope without the crowds.
Getting here is half the adventure. I nearly got my rental car stuck in deep sand trying to reach the trailhead (don’t be like me; hire a guide with a proper 4×4). The canyon entrance requires a bit of scrambling up an 8-foot wall, which naturally filters out casual tourists.
Once inside, you’re treated to a psychedelic playground of swirling red rock, natural arches, and those magical light beams photographers chase. The canyon’s relatively short length (about half a mile) means you can take your time, experiment with camera angles, and still have energy for nearby Spooky Gulch in the same day.
4. Spooky Gulch – Escalante, UT
They didn’t name it ‘Spooky’ for nothing! This slot canyon is so narrow in places that I had to turn sideways, exhale completely, and shimmy through like a human credit card. Not for the claustrophobic, I promise you!
Located just a short hike from Peek-a-Boo, Spooky offers a completely different experience. While its neighbor dazzles with light and color, this slot is often dark, cool, and; you guessed it: spooky! The walls pinch down to just 10 inches wide in spots, creating an intimate dance with ancient stone that’s both terrifying and exhilarating.
My favorite memory here? Watching my 6’4″ buddy contort himself through a particularly tight section while making sound effects from horror movies. The canyon gets darker the deeper you go, with occasional skylights providing dramatic spotlights. Bring a headlamp, leave your backpack behind, and prepare to get very, very friendly with sandstone.
5. Zebra Slot Canyon – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT
Striped and stunning, Zebra Slot Canyon might be the most photogenic little slot I’ve ever squeezed into! Named for its distinctive white and red striped walls, this gem looks like Mother Nature went wild with a paintbrush after a few too many cosmos.
Fair warning: getting here requires a 5-mile round trip hike across open desert that had me questioning my life choices in July heat. The payoff? Absolute magic. The canyon itself is short; maybe 200 yards; but those zebra-striped walls are unlike anything else in Utah’s slot canyon collection.
During my last visit, I encountered ankle-deep water that made photography tricky but added gorgeous reflections to my shots. The patterns here are so perfect they almost look artificial. Bring your widest lens, a polarizing filter for those water reflections, and patience; the canyon’s small size means waiting your turn if other photographers are present.
6. Little Wild Horse Canyon – Goblin Valley State Park, UT
Families with adventure-hungry kids, I’ve found your holy grail! Little Wild Horse Canyon offers all the twisty, curvy slot canyon goodness without the extreme challenges of some other entries on this list. I brought my niece and nephew here for their first slot experience, and now they think I’m the coolest aunt ever.
The canyon walls undulate in gorgeous waves, sometimes opening into wider chambers before narrowing again into classic slot passages. Unlike many slots requiring technical skills or long approaches, this one’s relatively accessible; just a short drive from the alien landscape of Goblin Valley State Park (which deserves its own visit).
My favorite approach is hiking the 8-mile loop connecting Little Wild Horse with Bell Canyon. You’ll get varied terrain, from narrow slots to open washes, and those perfect spiraling rock formations that make Utah’s geology so famous. Pack a picnic, bring plenty of water, and prepare for some serious family bonding in nature’s playground.
7. The Subway – Zion National Park, UT
Grab your permit and prepare for the hike of a lifetime! The Subway isn’t your typical slot canyon; it’s more like nature’s masterpiece of water-carved wonder. Unlike the vertical slots we’ve discussed so far, this one features a unique tubular shape that actually resembles a subway tunnel (hence the clever name).
Getting here nearly broke me. The 9-mile round trip involves scrambling, wading through water, and occasional swimming depending on the season. I slipped on algae-covered rocks approximately 47 times during my visit, but the bruises were worth every emerald pool and curved wall I encountered.
The iconic shot everyone chases is the round, tunnel-like section with its glowing green pools. Photography tip: bring a tripod and neutral density filter for those silky water effects. And don’t forget your permit; Zion strictly limits daily visitors to protect this geological wonder, making advance planning essential for this bucket-list adventure.
8. Kanarra Falls – Kanarraville, UT
Water, water everywhere! Unlike many dry slots on this list, Kanarra Creek offers the refreshing combo of cool flowing water and dramatic narrow walls. The highlight? A photogenic waterfall with a wooden ladder propped against it that makes for the perfect adventure selfie!
Located just outside the tiny town of Kanarraville, this slot requires permits these days (thank goodness; it was getting loved to death). The hike involves multiple stream crossings, so prepare for wet feet from the start. My waterproof hiking sandals were the MVP of this journey.
After navigating the creek for about a mile, the canyon walls begin to close in, creating that magical slot experience. The first waterfall and ladder appear shortly after, with a second set waiting further upstream for the more adventurous. Fall is my favorite time to visit; the water levels are manageable, and the occasional yellow leaf floating down the creek adds perfect contrast to the red rock.
9. Water Canyon – Hildale, UT
Shhh…I’m almost reluctant to share this hidden gem! Water Canyon remains blissfully under-the-radar compared to its famous cousins, which means you might just have this spectacular slot all to yourself. Located near the tiny border town of Hildale, this canyon offers the perfect mix of accessibility and wilderness feel.
My first visit here left me speechless; not just from the breathtaking narrows but from the incredible approach hike. You’ll wander through ponderosa pines before the canyon walls begin to squeeze inward, creating a dramatic transition from forest to slot. The perennial stream creates lush vegetation that’s stunningly unexpected against the red rock backdrop.
The ‘waterfall room’ about two miles in features a seasonal cascade tumbling through a skylight in the narrow canyon ceiling. I sat here for an hour watching light patterns change as clouds passed overhead. Bring water shoes for stream crossings and your best camera; the contrast between greenery and red rock creates photography magic.
10. Red Cave – Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, UT
Talk about bang for your hiking buck! Red Cave packs all the visual drama of a classic slot canyon into an accessible package that won’t eat up your entire day. Located in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve near St. George, this petite wonder delivers maximum ‘wow’ with minimum effort.
The approach hike winds through a beautiful wash for less than a mile before the walls suddenly close in. I literally gasped the first time I entered the narrow section; the sunlight filtering through the red walls creates a surreal, almost otherworldly glow that photographers dream about. The slot itself isn’t long, but it features those gorgeous curving walls and light play that make slot canyons so magical.
What makes Red Cave special is its accessibility during winter months when higher-elevation slots might be snowy or inaccessible. I’ve captured some of my favorite desert photos here in January when the low winter sun creates perfect lighting conditions. Combine this with nearby dinosaur tracks for a perfect desert day trip!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
