What is a Slot Canyon
A slot canyon is a slender gorge, often carved by the relentless force of water, wind, and time. These unique corridors can be found across the diverse landscapes of the United States, from the red-hued canyons of Utah and Arizona to the rugged beauty of California.
Slot canyons stand as geological marvels, captivating the adventurous spirit with their narrow, winding passages and mesmerizing formations. Picture towering walls of sandstone, sculpted by the patient hands of time, creating a dramatic and enchanting pathway.
Here is a list of some of the most beautiful places to see slot canyons in the Southwest USA. All of these are open to public access but some on Navajo Nation may require a fee.
Slot Canyon Utah
Zebra Slot Canyon
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyon in Escalante
Red Canyon Slot aka Peek a Boo in Kanab
Jennies Slot Canyon
Slot Canyons Arizona
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell
Antelope Canyon can be accessed for free if you paddle to the back. While the slot canyon is part of Antelope Canyon, it is a different section from what you see in the famous Antelope Canyon Tours.
Read how you can paddle to Antelope Canyon for free from Lake Powell here.
Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon
Slot Canyons San Diego
Anza Borrego Slot Canyon
Annie’s Slot Canyon
Painted Canyon
Booking travel soon?
Please consider using my affiliate links below. It costs nothing additional for you but helps me maintain the ever-increasing costs of running a travel blog:
General travel through Tripadvisor here.
Book your flights here.
Book your accommodations here on Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and VRBO.
Book your car rentals here.
Book your tours here.
Book your travel insurance here.
Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.
Hi Tiff,
Im confused about reaching Buckskin Gulch. Do I purchase a permit for the Wirepass Trail AND/OR Bucksking Gulch. Thank you.
Hi Eddie, apologies for the delayed response. Here is the permit you need to day hike Buckskin Gulch: https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/10006175