15 Best Slot Canyons in Arizona
Arizona is home to some of the most stunning slot canyons in the world. These narrow, winding passages carved by water and wind offer breathtaking views and unique hiking experiences. Here are the 15 best slot canyons in Arizona, complete with a map to help you plan your adventure.
1. Antelope Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Famous for its photogenic light beams, smooth, flowing rock formations, and vibrant colors. Split into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, each offering unique experiences.
- Access: Guided tours only.
2. Buckskin Gulch
- Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
- Highlights: One of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, offering an adventurous hike through towering walls and narrow passages.
- Access: Permits required for overnight trips.
3. Canyon X
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: A quieter alternative to Antelope Canyon, featuring stunning rock formations and fewer crowds.
- Access: Guided tours only.
4. Waterholes Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Less crowded with beautiful sandstone formations, this canyon offers a serene and photogenic experience.
- Access: Guided tours only.
5. Secret Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Known for its tranquility and stunning light effects, Secret Canyon provides an intimate and private experience.
- Access: Guided tours only.
6. Wire Pass
- Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
- Highlights: A popular entry point to Buckskin Gulch, featuring impressive rock walls and petroglyphs.
- Access: Permits required for day hikes and overnight trips.
7. Cathedral Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Offers a peaceful and less commercialized slot canyon experience with stunning rock formations.
- Access: Guided tours only.
8. Owl Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Named for the owls that inhabit the area, this canyon offers beautiful rock formations and a quieter atmosphere.
- Access: Guided tours only.
9. Rattlesnake Canyon
- Location: Near Page, AZ
- Highlights: Features twisting passages and stunning rock textures, making it a favorite among photographers.
- Access: Guided tours only.
10. Spooky Gulch
- Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Highlights: Known for its narrow passages and challenging hike, Spooky Gulch offers a thrilling adventure.
- Access: Self-guided, accessible via Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
11. Zebra Slot Canyon
- Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Highlights: Famous for its striped rock walls resembling a zebra’s pattern, this canyon offers a short but rewarding hike.
- Access: Self-guided, accessible via Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
12. Peek-a-Boo Gulch
- Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Highlights: Features fun and challenging climbs with beautiful rock formations and narrow slots.
- Access: Self-guided, accessible via Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
13. Coyote Gulch
- Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Highlights: Offers stunning scenery with natural arches, waterfalls, and towering canyon walls.
- Access: Self-guided, permits required for overnight trips.
14. Blue Canyon
- Location: Near Hopi Reservation, AZ
- Highlights: Known for its vibrant and colorful rock formations, this remote canyon offers a unique visual experience.
- Access: Permits required from the Hopi Tribe.
15. Canyon de Chelly
- Location: Northeastern Arizona
- Highlights: Offers a mix of cultural history and natural beauty, with ancient ruins and stunning canyon scenery.
- Access: Guided tours for certain areas, self-guided for others.
Map of Slot Canyons in Arizona
To help you navigate and plan your trip, here is a map with the locations of the 15 best slot canyons in Arizona:
