Hidden Slot Canyons Utah
- Secret Slot Canyon Utah
- Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Hotels
- Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Map
- Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Real Estate
Overview
Hidden Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah - a narrow slot-like ravine on the north side of Zion Canyon Hidden Canyon is one of the many scenic side ravines that join the Virgin River - although not a true slot canyon, all is deep and narrow, with several parts that contain boulders, dryfalls and enclosed channels. While in the canyon, be conscious of potential hazards that may arise and use the techniques above to move through the terrain. Lastly, make sure you have a buddy with you to keep safe and to create slot canyon memories with. The post Your guide to journeying through slot canyons, Utah’s hidden wonderlands appeared first on Bryce Canyon Country. ROUTE: Narrow slot canyon – heed the warnings below! HIKING DIRECTIONS: Hike for 1.7 miles down the sandy wash of Wire Pass and into its slot canyon to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch. Turn right into Buckskin Gulch and follow the narrow canyon for approximately 12 miles to its confluence with the wet, flowing Paria River. The narrow canyons, called slot canyons, we hope to visit are similar to those found in remote areas of northern Arizona and southern Utah. The Palo Duro slots have been visited by very few people because of the difficulty in reaching them.
Sat 33 16 | Sun 35 15 | Mon 38 17 | Tue 39 17 | Wed 32 15 |
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Recent Trip Comments
Sat 33 16 | Sun 35 15 | Mon 38 17 | Tue 39 17 | Wed 32 15 |
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Recent Trip Comments
The San Rafael Swell is a large remote area in central/eastern Utah, that is split in half by Interstate 70. It extends from near Hanksville to the south all the way north to near Price, and from Green River on its eastern side for about 70 miles west, encompassing over 2000 square miles. Access is usually made via I-70, or Price for the northern Swell, while I-70 and highway 24 provide access to the southern portion of the swell.
The Swell is very diverse. The eastern and southern reef sections contain many great narrow slot canyons, while the interior of the Swell boasts expansive flat areas, broad canyons, cliffs, and towers. There are many remnants of old uranium mines, homesteads, and signs of Indian occupation. It goes without saying, but always stay out of, and away from any old mines you may come across. They are unstable, and may contain deadly gases.
Due to the remoteness, always have extra food, water, and fuel when venturing off pavement. Most areas of the swell require a significant drive from pavement to access them.
Native Americans clearly visited and inhabited parts of the Swell. Buckhorn Wash, Cottonwood Wash, Rochester Art Panel, and other areas show the pictograph and petroglyph evidence they left behind. Even the drier eastern reef of the Swell has a few panels indicating Indians at the very least past through that dry and desolate area.
Early pioneers and settlers carved out small ranches in the area during the late 1800's, and there is still a fair amount of cattle that call the Swell home during various seasons. Several cabins from the original settlers are still standing and interesting to visit.
By the late 1800's and early 1900's, Uranium was discovered in the Swell, and mining began. Temple Mountain was one of the first areas mined and a small settlement setup nearby to support the miners. This was on a small scale until the Uranium boom of the 1950's, when miners flocked to the Swell. Between 1950 and 1960, thousands of claims were made and most of the roads that are used today were created in attempts to find Uranium. Most of the claims never struck it rich, though Hidden Splendor was a success story, selling for $9 million in 1954. It must have been an exciting time to be a prospector in the Swell. By 1960, most of the mines were abandoned and shut down. There are many remnants from this era visible throughout the Swell.
It wasn't until 1970 that the interstate (I-70) was opened across the Swell. The engineering that went into designing the road is impressive, and the stretch from Green River to Salina is the longest stretch of interstate in the US that does not have any services. (110 miles) With the interstate, access to the interior sections became substantially easier, and recreation in the Swell ramped up.
In more recent times, off road enthusiasts, hikers, climbers and canyoneers have discovered the Swell and its charms. Many of the more remote areas have become Wilderness Study Areas, with some talk of the area being designed a national monument.
There are none! In all seriousness, take all the fuel, food, water, and supplies you will need. Green River, Price, and Hanksville provide the nearest services. Hanksville is quite small, with a few gas stations, a small grocery store, and a couple of restaurants and hotels. Many of these close during the winter. Green River, being on the interstate, has a fair number of services, while Price is a full service small town.
The BLM maintains a campground at the San Rafael Bridge in Buckhorn wash, but it has no services other than picnic tables and a pit toilet. No water.
Aside from the BLM Campground, camping is pretty much a free-for-all. Lots of amazing spots. Don't create new fire rings or trample vegetation, there are plenty of washes or existing sites to camp in. With all camping: Practice low impact techniques, and pack out all garbage.
Due to the large elevation difference between the reef, and the interior of the Swell, something can be found to do most anytime of the year. For technical canyons, spring and fall can be pleasant times, but may require wetsuits. Summer can be hot, and may be better suited to hiking and exploring the higher elevations. In winter, hiking and exploring the eastern and southern reefs can be perfect.
Bugs can be brutal in the spring and summer months, go prepared.
Hiking Little Wild Horse, spending the day at Goblin Valley, or visiting petroglyphs in Buckhorn Wash are great recommendations for family fun. For the more technically inclined, canyoneering the Upper Black Box, Quandary, Knotted Rope and many others offer great beauty and fun. Some of the technical canyons contain keeper potholes. Go prepared!
Area Map
Trips
Canyoneering
Climbing
Secret Slot Canyon Utah
Floating
Hiking
Roadside Attraction
Hiking Mary Jane Slot Canyon, Moab
Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Hotels
Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab’s hidden gems – the “trail” is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. I first hiked this trail in March 2015, and really loved it. I just had to get back to show my friends what it was like! You can check out my original article on KSL here.
One warning for Mary Jane Slot Canyon is that, like with any other slot canyon, you do NOT want to hike here during or right after a rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood.
You’ll want to wear water shoes for this hike – 90% of the “trail” is hiking through the creek.
Use this map if you are driving from Moab.
Use this map if you are driving from Fruita, CO.
Distance: 9 miles RT
Elevation gain: 540 ft
Time: 4-6 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, but it may be too long for younger kids
Fees/Permits? None
The drive in. As soon as you turn onto the dirt road you should see a sign “Ranch Road – Dead End” but keep driving and follow the directions. You can see the LaSals peaking out from behind the mesas, and you should be able to see the famous “Priest & Nuns” rock formation to the SW.
We had a Tacoma, but small cars can make it. Our friend was in a Camry and made it just fine, but slowly.
The trail starts in the SE corner of the parking lot – do NOT follow the trail head sign for Professor/Sylvester Creek. That is another nice trail, but has no shade nor water. It leads to a pass along a mesa. I hiked that one about 3 years ago, so I don’t have a blog post for that trail.
Make sure you drop down the little gully (by the no camping sign), then up and over to the other side, following the dirt path. You should see the creek within 5 minutes, and be hiking in a generally SE direction.
Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Map
The entire time the trail will go in and out of the creek. So you could start hiking right away in the creek, or just follow the dry trail for another few hundred feet, and eventually it will force you to hike in the creek. Both ways work and meet up.
We followed the dry trail for about 10 minutes.
Here is where you are forced to start hiking in the creek, but hey I’m not complaining, that’s what we were here for!
It was only 70F in Moab, but the dogs were already hot. This is a great trail to do year-round since the creek always flows and cools you off.
The first mile of the trail is very open, and you can see all of the surrounding mesas and buttes. About 1/2 mile in, make sure you turn left, following the creek.
You’ll definitely want to wear water/hiking shoes. A few people wore Chacos, Keens, and I wore my Merrell’s. There are a lot of pebbles and rocks in the creek, so it’s better if you have fully closed water shoes, like the Merrell’s, so you don’t have to stop to get the rocks out of your shoes.
As you continue further up the canyon the walls will get higher and higher.
Super happy to be in the creek on a warm day!
Boulders in the creek.
The creek was never more than calf deep.
Puppy kisses!
We decided to explore a little side canyon, and it was so cool! The colors were amazing.
Finally, we reached the Mary Jane slot canyon waterfall! It takes most hikers about 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall. This waterfall is a double-tongued waterfall halted by a chockstone, about 30 feet high.
This photo was from the first time I hiked here, back in March 2015. The water level was much lower since we had a dry winter.
Jax was afraid of the waterfall – he didn’t even want to get close to his mom!
Girls Gone Hiking!
King of the canyon!
Hidden Slot Canyons Utah Real Estate
Need a place to stay in Moab? Check out Moab Flats!