Leprechaun Canyon Slot Canyon in Utah: The Ultimate Hiking Guide

First off, Leprechaun Canyon near Hanksville Utah can be a technical canyoneering route or an easy hike—this article is to help you experience the easy hike only.

Have you ever wanted to experience the magic of slot canyons without technical gear or canyoneering experience? Leprechaun Canyon might just be the perfect adventure for you! This hidden gem in Utah’s North Wash area offers one of the most accessible and stunning slot canyon experiences you can find and the best part—it’s beginner-friendly. 

I first stumbled upon it back in June 2020 when I found myself in the area after Plan A, B, and C failed, and returned again just last week because it’s just a cool little hike when you’re in the area – and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this amazing place.

What is Leprechaun Canyon?

Leprechaun Canyon is a breathtaking slot canyon located in the North Wash area of Utah, near Hanksville. It’s part of the Colorado Plateau’s incredible maze of narrow, twisting sandstone passages that have been carved by water over millions of years. While the entire canyon system is a popular technical canyoneering route, there’s a perfectly accessible 2-mile out-and-back hike that allows anyone to experience the wonder of this slot canyon without specialized equipment or skills.

The canyon gets its playful name from its extremely narrow passages that seem magical – as if only a leprechaun could fit through! But don’t worry, you’ll fit just fine in the sections accessible via the regular hiking route—it’s actually very wide and open.

Why Visit Leprechaun Canyon?

I love places that make you feel small and a canyon is sure to give you that feeling. After visiting numerous slot canyons across the Southwest, I can honestly say Leprechaun Canyon offers something special. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your Utah adventure bucket list:

• Accessibility: The non-technical portion is doable for most hikers. It’s short and easy.
• Stunning colors: The rich red-orange walls glow when sunlight filters in
• Fewer crowds: Less known than popular spots like Antelope Canyon or Peekaboo Slot Canyon
• No permits required: Unlike other slot canyons
• Variety of spaces: From wide-open sections to super narrow slots (if you continue further down)—it’s unique in that it’s quite large compared to your typically slot canyon
• Photography opportunities: The light play and textures are incredible

I was blown away during both of my visits by how the canyon changes character every few feet. One moment you’re in a wider section with room to move, and the next you’re squeezing through passages where you can touch both walls with your outstretched arms.

How long is Leprechaun Canyon?

Leprechaun Canyon is a 2 mile out and back trail if you are doing the basic hike. It should take you about 20 mins one way with only 90 feet of elevation gain to reach the mouth of the slot canyon. There are alternative canyoneering routes which require technical gear and skills.

When to Visit Leprechaun Canyon

Timing can make or break your Leprechaun Canyon experience. Here’s what I’ve learned from my visits:

Best Seasons

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal times to visit Leprechaun Canyon. During these seasons, temperatures are moderate, making the hike comfortable. My recent visit was in Spring, and the weather was hot already.

Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. The first time I visited was in June 2020, and while the canyon itself provided some relief from the heat, the approach hike was sweltering. If you go in summer, start very early in the morning or in the evening, not midday like I did. 

Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. The canyon is generally accessible, but be prepared for potentially cold conditions, especially in the shade of the slot canyon.

Best Time of Day

For the most magical experience and best photography opportunities, I recommend hiking Leprechaun Canyon either:

• Mid-morning (9-11am): When sunlight begins to penetrate the canyon, creating beautiful light beams or
• Early afternoon (1-3pm): When the sun is high enough to illuminate more of the canyon depths.

During my recent visit, I arrived around 2pm and the lighting was absolutely stunning – the sun cast a warm glow on the upper walls while creating fascinating shadow patterns deeper in the canyon.

How to Get to Leprechaun Canyon

Finding Leprechaun Canyon requires some navigation skills, but it’s definitely doable. Just know that on the hike, all trails in the same direction connect. Here’s how to get there:

There’s a small, informal parking area at the trailhead that fits about 5-6 cars. It’s basically a turn off from Utah State Route 95. If the parking area is full, you can drive a little further in on the sand and there’s another small area you can park just before the trail starts. There are no facilities here – no restrooms, no water, no trash cans. The trailhead itself is unmarked, but you’ll see a faint path leading toward the canyon.

The Hiking Experience: What to Expect Hiking Leprechaun Canyon Trail

Finding Leprechaun Canyon requires just a little navigation skills, but it’s definitely doable. Just know that on the hike, all trails in the same direction connect. 

The non-technical hiking portion of Leprechaun Canyon is approximately 2 miles round trip and takes most people 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how much time you spend taking photos and exploring the slot sections.

The trail is mostly exposed to the sun until you get to the slot canyon where the tall walls provide a relief of shade. From there, if you’re able to go further and explore, the canyon walls narrow significantly and you’ll have plenty of shade.

The only notable section to be aware of is at roughly 0.6 miles—the trail continues up the large boulder on the right (you might see small rocks creating a step up), rather than through the narrow slot canyon. While the slot canyon does go all the way through, it gets very tight and curvy at the end. They end at the same place.

From there, you’re basically at the mouth of the large slot canyon—you can see the entrance right in front of you.

Earlier in the season, typically in Spring, there may be water in the slot canyon which can create the end of your explorations. But this isn’t until after the main event. The highlight of Leprechaun Slot Canyon is right at the beginning. So after you’re done exploring here, turn back around and hike out the way you came in.

Is Leprechaun Canyon hard to hike? 

No—For the non-technical section I’m describing, the difficulty is easy. Here’s what makes it accessible for most hikers:

• Distance: The 2-mile round trip is manageable for most people.
• Elevation Gain: Minimal – you’re mostly walking on flat ground in a wash.
• Technical Difficulty: Low – no climbing or rappelling required.

During my visits, I saw people of various ages and fitness levels enjoying the canyon, including families with young kids.

What Makes Leprechaun Canyon Unique?

Having hiked many slot canyons throughout Utah, I can tell you that Leprechaun Canyon has several distinct features that make it special:

• Size: Leprechaun Canyon is actually a slot, but a very wide one. You probably typically picture a narrow canyon that’s only a few feet wide but this one is so large that you may not realize it’s a slot canyon.
• Color variations: The sandstone displays a gorgeous spectrum of reds, oranges, and purples that shift with the changing light.
• Texture and patterns: The canyon walls showcase incredible erosion patterns – swirls, ridges, and wave-like formations that tell the story of water’s patient work.
• Accessibility to narrowness ratio: Few canyons offer such narrow, photogenic passages that are still accessible to non-technical hikers.
• Light play: The way sunlight filters into the canyon creates magical light beams and shadow patterns that photographers dream about, as does most slot canyons.

Essential Tips for Hiking Leprechaun Canyon

Based on my experiences hiking Leprechaun Canyon, here are my top tips to make your adventure amazing:

What to Bring

• Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person. Even though it’s a short hike, there’s no water source in the canyon, and the desert environment is deceptively dehydrating with the sun exposure.
• Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix are perfect for a quick boost during your hike.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the approach hike.
• Camera: You’ll want to capture the incredible formations and light (more on photography tips later).
• Light jacket or layer: Even on warm days, the canyon can be cool, especially in shaded sections.
• Proper footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential. I wear lightweight hiking shoes with sticky rubber soles.
• Small backpack: To carry everything while keeping your hands free for scrambling.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be your top priority when hiking slot canyons. Here are critical safety considerations for Leprechaun Canyon:

Weather and Flash Flood Danger

Never enter Leprechaun Canyon if rain is in the forecast – even if it’s raining miles away. Slot canyons are formed by flash floods, and they can fill with water within minutes, with catastrophic consequences. Before heading out:

• Check weather forecasts for the entire surrounding area
• Look for signs of approaching storms (dark clouds on the horizon)
• If in doubt, don’t go in

During both my visits, I checked multiple weather sources and made sure there was 0% chance of precipitation in the broader region.

Communication

Cell service is non-existent in and around Leprechaun Canyon. This region of Utah is considered more remote even though you’re near the highway. I recommend:

• Telling someone your plans before you go
• Bringing a satellite communication device if possible
• Setting a return time so people know when to worry

Physical Considerations

• Claustrophobia: While it’s not very narrow at the beginning of the canyon, if you’re uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, be aware that the walls are tall and you may feel boxed in.
• Heat: During summer months, temperatures can be dangerous. Bring extra water and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
• Navigation: While getting lost in the canyon itself is difficult (you can only go forward or back), be mindful of where the trailhead is. Download my GPS track here.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Leprechaun Canyon is in a remote area, so it’s good to plan your full day. Here are some nearby points of interest:

Other Hiking Opportunities

• Lake Powell: About 35 miles away
• Capitol Reef National Park: Approximately 50 miles to the northwest
• Goblin Valley State Park: Around 65 miles north
• Other North Wash slot canyons: Several are within a few miles

Where to Stay

• Hanksville: The closest town (about 30 minutes away) with basic amenities
• Camping: Dispersed camping is available on BLM land near the canyon
• Motels: Several basic options in Hanksville
• Bullfrog Marina: Lodging options about 35 miles away at Lake Powell

Food and Supplies

There are limited options in this remote area:

• Hanksville: Has a small grocery store, gas stations, and a few restaurants
• Torrey: About an hour away with additional options
• Pack in what you need: I recommend bringing plenty of supplies with you

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Leave No Trace in Leprechaun Canyon

These fragile environments need our protection. Please follow these principles:

• Pack out all trash: There are no garbage facilities in the canyon
• Stay on established paths: Don’t create new trails or shortcuts
• Respect the rock: Don’t carve, scratch, or otherwise damage the canyon walls
• Leave natural objects: Don’t take rocks, plants, or other natural items
• Human waste: Use restroom facilities before your hike or pack out waste properly

FAQ: Your Leprechaun Canyon Questions Answered

How do I get to Leprechaun Canyon?

Leprechaun Canyon is located off Highway 95 in Utah, approximately 27 miles south of Hanksville. You can access the trailhead here.

What makes Leprechaun Canyon unique?

Leprechaun Canyon stands out for its incredible accessibility-to-narrowness ratio. Unlike many slot canyons that require technical skills to access the most dramatic sections, Leprechaun offers extremely photogenic narrow passages that non-technical hikers can reach. Its vibrant red-orange colors, fascinating erosion patterns, and the way light filters into the depths create a magical atmosphere unlike any other slot canyon in the region. The canyon also tends to be less crowded than more famous slots, offering a more intimate experience with nature.

Are there alternative routes in Leprechaun Canyon?

Yes, there are alternative routes in Leprechaun Canyon. Beyond the non-technical 2-mile out-and-back hike, Leprechaun Canyon has three main forks – Main, Middle, and Right – that canyoneers with proper equipment and skills can explore. These technical routes involve rappelling and climbing. For hikers, alternatives include doing just a portion of the main route or combining your Leprechaun Canyon visit with nearby slot canyons in the North Wash area like Blarney Canyon or Shillelagh Canyon, which continue the Irish naming theme.

Final Thoughts on Leprechaun Canyon

After visiting Leprechaun Canyon twice now, I can confidently say it remains one of my favorite accessible slot canyon experiences in Utah. There’s something truly magical about the way the light filters through the narrow passages, illuminating the swirling patterns in the sandstone that tell the story of water’s patient work over millions of years.

What makes this place special isn’t just its physical beauty but the sense of discovery you feel as you venture deeper into the canyon. Each twist and turn reveals new textures, colors, and spaces that surprise and delight. And unlike some of the more famous slot canyons in the region, you might have this magical place all to yourself if you time your visit right.

If you’ve never experienced a slot canyon before, Leprechaun Canyon is the perfect introduction to these natural wonders. And if you’re a slot canyon veteran, you’ll appreciate its unique character and accessibility.

I’d love to hear about your experience if you visit Leprechaun Canyon! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts. And don’t forget to subscribe for more hiking adventures across the Southwest and beyond.

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Note: Trail conditions and access information may change. Always check current conditions before heading out, and practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring our beautiful natural spaces.