Arizona is famous for the photogenic Antelope Canyons, but there are many other slot canyons in Arizona that are worth visiting. We traveled all over the state recently and visited some of the best Arizona slot canyons, including both popular and relatively unknown ones.
Some of these slots are simple hikes that you can do with kids, while others are a bit more challenging. Here’s our complete list of the best ones to see!
What Is A Slot Canyon?
Water erosion over time forms a narrow canyon passageway in rock (usually sandstone), creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock just wide enough for a person to fit through.
While Utah has the densest collection of slot canyons, Arizona and Nevada also have some outstanding ones. Many are family-friendly and simple for beginners to hike.
Read More: Charming Destinations for a Romantic Getaway
Safety Tip: Always check the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Avoid entering if rain is predicted, even if it’s outside your immediate area, as flash flooding can be very dangerous.
15 Best Arizona Slot Canyons
1. Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in Arizona, located on Navajo tribal land near Page, AZ. It’s a popular spot for photographers because of its dramatic sunbeams, where rays of light shine through the narrow roof.
However, guided tours are required and tend to sell out quickly, so booking weeks or even months in advance is necessary.
2. Lower Antelope Canyon
Just like the Upper Canyon, a tour is required to see the Lower Antelope. It’s slightly cheaper and less likely to sell out. The Lower Canyon is larger, with more to see, and offers wonderful colors and twisting passageways that are ideal for photos.
3. Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X is a newer section open to the public and is less crowded than the main canyons. Tours here are longer, allowing more time for photos. It’s a great option for first-time visitors to Arizona, and the prices are cheaper because it’s not as well known yet.
4. Mountain Sheep Canyon
Mountain Sheep Canyon is another lesser-known section of Antelope Canyon. It requires a tour and more trekking, but the walls have dramatic grooves and patterns.
5. Owl Canyon
Owl Canyon is named after the Great Horned Owls that can be seen nesting in its upper walls. It has shallow chambers that let in light easily, making early morning or late afternoon the best times to visit.
6. Rattlesnake Canyon
Rattlesnake Canyon is known for its snakelike twisting passageways and a sandstone arch inside the slot. Required tours are private, so your group is the only one in the canyon.
7. Secret Canyon
Secret Canyon offers a less crowded experience. Tours often include a visit to a private viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend, giving a unique perspective. The canyon’s walls have beautiful colors and curves, making it ideal for photography.
8. Waterholes Canyon
Waterholes Canyon is one of Antelope Canyon’s lesser-known sections. Guided tours are required, but it offers a beautiful variety of shallow and deep chambers.
9. Cathedral Wash
Cathedral Wash is a scenic hike that ends with views of the Colorado River. It involves some scrambling and climbing but doesn’t require technical skills. Located outside Navajo territory, the trail spans 3 miles roundtrip, negating the need for a guided tour.
10. Spooky Canyon
Spooky Canyon is located near the Arizona-Nevada border. You can explore this short, kid-friendly canyon in about 40 minutes. Despite being relatively unknown, it’s very photogenic.
11. Arizona Hot Spring
The Arizona Hot Springs Trail includes a slot canyon where you can swim in a natural hot spring. The hike is about 6 miles roundtrip, with a seasonal closure from May 15 to September 30 due to extreme heat.
More Slot Canyons Near Arizona
The following canyons are located in Utah but are within a two-hour drive from Page, AZ, making them possible to visit on a day trip.
12. Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass (Utah)
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the United States, at 21 miles. The best way to visit is by entering from Wire Pass, which also offers a photogenic slot canyon experience.
13. Red Canyon Slot / Peekaboo Kanab (Utah)
Peekaboo Red Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon near Kanab, Utah. The road to it requires a true 4-wheel drive vehicle, or you can opt for a Jeep or UTV tour.
14. Red Hollow Canyon (Utah)
Red Hollow Slot Canyon is an inexpensive hike near Orderville, Utah, perfect for kids. It features beautiful red rock colors and a tight slot, making it great for chimneying or stemming.
15. The Zion Narrows (Utah)
The Narrows in Utah’s Zion National Park are a giant gorge with walls up to a thousand feet high. Hiking involves walking in water and is 16 miles in total, but you can turn back at any point without a permit.
Arizona Slot Canyons Map
Here’s a map of Arizona slot canyons to help plan your road trip. For directions and more information on each point of interest, click here.
Slot Canyon Safety Tips
Flash Floods: Always be aware of the weather forecast. Avoid entering any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast.
Sunscreen: Even on a slot canyon hike, parts of the trail are exposed to direct sun. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
Water: Pack at least 3-4 liters per person. In Arizona, bring more water than you think you need.
Map: Download an offline map of your hiking area to navigate even when out of reception. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous.
Remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Happy travels!
