There are a few obstacles to toss the kids over (don’t toss the kids that’s a joke, an internet falsehood, fake news), but nothing prohibitive and round trip it is only 3.5 miles! Do-able for a sturdy five-year-old. Wire Pass winds through a spectacularly striated little slot canyon to Buckskin Gulch. Try this: Buckskin Gulch via the Wire Pass trailhead. Sounds fun! Maybe not with the kids though. Really though, to hike the whole thing would take a few days, a precious permit and some technical gear. And the internet is always … interesting?. The entirety of Buckskin Gulch Canyon is one of the longest slots in the world. Best time to go: Spring and fall are ideal, but you can hike here year-round.Best for: Families can totally do this slot.Location: Along the Utah/Arizona border, near Kanab.

If you reeeally want to gamble with slots, go to Vegas.

And finally, plan an alternative itinerary in case the weather turns against you. Check the weather and talk to the appropriate park/BLM authority before you go. Even climbing a few feet could save your life. Seek high ground immediately! Don’t worry about foot vibrations just get out of there.

Debris such as twigs, leaves or needles appears in the water.

Clear creek water begins to turn brown and muddy.

Rainwater collects from the non-absorbent plateau and drains into these canyons creating an instantaneous wall of water.ĭO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON IF IT IS RAINING, IF IT HAS RAINED IN THE PAST 24 HOURS OR IF RAIN IS FORECASTED. Much like a giant, bloodthirsty sandworm, flash floods can sneak up on you quick. (There’s one near Zion called Fat Man’s Misery.) Another benefit, among many, is that their unique shape and basic astrophysics means slot canyons are shady all but a few minutes a day, making them a pleasant respite from the relentless summer sun!Ī word to the wise: Slot canyons can be as dangerous as they are beautiful, much like Kevin Bacon. Carved by wind, water and dinosaur tears, slot canyons can be hundreds of feet deep and so narrow you have to cram yourself through sideways. Slot canyons are nice because you don’t have to make very many decisions in them. Some are deep, some are wide, some are wet and some are dry, but none of them will shove tiny glass shards in your texting fingers. Southern Utah has more tiny, narrow cracks than a shattered iPhone screen. “Should I hike a slot canyon this year?” That one is simple: Yes! “Should I get a turtle or a dirtbike?” Could go either way. Making decisions is hard, #amirite? There are so many choices in this modern world! “Should I diversify my IRA or bury it in the backyard?” Depends on your short-term goals.

Shop creek slot canyon gps location