Family friendly slot canyons
Jun 8th, 2013, 05:44 AM
#1
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Family friendly slot canyons
Hello all! I'm curious about slot canyons that I can easily get into with a 6 and 8 year old. They are in shape and are hikers. And while my husband and I are experienced climbers. We are not looking for anything technical. We have the most time when we are near Zion. We have less time in the Bryce area. I am aware of some slots closer to Bryce. But is there anything fairly accessible near Zion? (We will jump in a do a bit of the narrows, we have done it before) Thanks so much for your help!
Jun 8th, 2013, 11:37 AM
#3
Arches is nowhere near Zion.
I've been to Willis creek twice but that's a little east of Bryce. If you want to take a look at it you'll find the walk very family friendly.
It's just below Cannonville. You can get instructions on how to get there at the Cannonville visitors center as soon as you enter the town off Rt 12.
The drive there is an adventure but the actual slots are a walk in the park. The slots are separated by wide open space in between. For maximum effect go for 4 or 5 slots as they get taller the further you go.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/gra...ase-hiking.htm
I've been to Willis creek twice but that's a little east of Bryce. If you want to take a look at it you'll find the walk very family friendly.
It's just below Cannonville. You can get instructions on how to get there at the Cannonville visitors center as soon as you enter the town off Rt 12.
The drive there is an adventure but the actual slots are a walk in the park. The slots are separated by wide open space in between. For maximum effect go for 4 or 5 slots as they get taller the further you go.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/gra...ase-hiking.htm
Jun 8th, 2013, 11:38 AM
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Subway, but I'm not sure how technical it is and the permitting system. You could go canyoneering with a guide at Zion Adventure CO. Climb-Utah and Todds Hiking Guide Websites list a lot of types of slot canyons in that area
Jun 8th, 2013, 04:29 PM
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Lots of slots in the San Rafael Swell--but that's in the middle of the state/closer to Moab. There are some great slots near Escalante, so a drive from Zion, certainly. But I can't wait to take my kids to Peekaboo in Coyote Gulch--what a fun slot canyon!!
Jun 8th, 2013, 09:40 PM
#7
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Zion
the only slot I know in Zion is up Pine Creek off the road just before driving up to the tunnel. You can access it on the east side of the tunnel but 100 foot ropes are required - so that option is closed.
Willis Slot is a tourist slot. From Cannonville, drive 2.8 miles south to Skutumpah Road (dirt). l After 6.4 miles you are at Willis. Now, at mile 8.2, you are at Bull Valley Gorge that is a real slot. Need a 20-foot rope.
StantonHyde identified one of several slots (Peekaboo) along Escalante River that are excellent. The others are Zebra, Tunnel, Spooky and Brimhall.
The absolute best and easy is Antelope Canyon near Page Az. Kelsley cover that in his book below.
I suggest two books
1) Technical Slot Canyon Guide to the Colorado Plateau by Kelsley - About 300 pages.
2) Utah Parks Driving, Hiking and Mountain Biking - Rogalla While a more general tour book of all major Utah parks, it covers all of the Escalante and Zion Slots. It is Kindle, but can be read on any computer About 1,000 pages.
the only slot I know in Zion is up Pine Creek off the road just before driving up to the tunnel. You can access it on the east side of the tunnel but 100 foot ropes are required - so that option is closed.
Willis Slot is a tourist slot. From Cannonville, drive 2.8 miles south to Skutumpah Road (dirt). l After 6.4 miles you are at Willis. Now, at mile 8.2, you are at Bull Valley Gorge that is a real slot. Need a 20-foot rope.
StantonHyde identified one of several slots (Peekaboo) along Escalante River that are excellent. The others are Zebra, Tunnel, Spooky and Brimhall.
The absolute best and easy is Antelope Canyon near Page Az. Kelsley cover that in his book below.
I suggest two books
1) Technical Slot Canyon Guide to the Colorado Plateau by Kelsley - About 300 pages.
2) Utah Parks Driving, Hiking and Mountain Biking - Rogalla While a more general tour book of all major Utah parks, it covers all of the Escalante and Zion Slots. It is Kindle, but can be read on any computer About 1,000 pages.
Jun 8th, 2013, 10:11 PM
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Forgot to address The Subway.
An incredible semi-slot. To appreciate it, Google YouTube Subway hike
Very limited permits - I think it is down to 50 per day now.
Call Zion Backcountry for permit availability It is a somewhat steep descent and hot in summer. Not sure I'd take a 6 year old, but it can be done.
Fall is the best time as it can best be appreciated when water flow is very low. Astonishingly, there is a sandstone plate with dinosaur footprints at the bottom! N37 17.966 W113 04.2
Entry is off Kolob Terrace Road at mile 8.3. Kolob Terrace road is at mileost 18.7 of highway 9 to Zion. This hike is covered in reference 2 above.
An incredible semi-slot. To appreciate it, Google YouTube Subway hike
Very limited permits - I think it is down to 50 per day now.
Call Zion Backcountry for permit availability It is a somewhat steep descent and hot in summer. Not sure I'd take a 6 year old, but it can be done.
Fall is the best time as it can best be appreciated when water flow is very low. Astonishingly, there is a sandstone plate with dinosaur footprints at the bottom! N37 17.966 W113 04.2
Entry is off Kolob Terrace Road at mile 8.3. Kolob Terrace road is at mileost 18.7 of highway 9 to Zion. This hike is covered in reference 2 above.
Jun 9th, 2013, 03:58 AM
#9
There you go again RV.
I believe when the OP requested family friendly (with a 6 and 8 year old) slots she may not have meant slots that require a 20-foot rope. But you just have to show . . . .
"Willis Creek is a tourist slot". After reading many of your posts I assume that comment was intended as a put-down.
All of us who don't live in the area are tourists.
I believe when the OP requested family friendly (with a 6 and 8 year old) slots she may not have meant slots that require a 20-foot rope. But you just have to show . . . .
"Willis Creek is a tourist slot". After reading many of your posts I assume that comment was intended as a put-down.
All of us who don't live in the area are tourists.
Jun 10th, 2013, 11:52 PM
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Even those of us who do live in the area are tourists...
You sure got a lot of responses that are not family friendly nor anywhere near Zion or Bryce.
I hope you can sort them all out.
I would certainly do Hidden Canyon in Zion.
And check out some of the trails on the east side of Zion : http://www.zionnational-park.com/zio...ark-hiking.htm especially Clear Creek and Hidden Gardens
And if you have time do Willis Creek.
You sure got a lot of responses that are not family friendly nor anywhere near Zion or Bryce.
I hope you can sort them all out.
I would certainly do Hidden Canyon in Zion.
And check out some of the trails on the east side of Zion : http://www.zionnational-park.com/zio...ark-hiking.htm especially Clear Creek and Hidden Gardens
And if you have time do Willis Creek.
Jun 11th, 2013, 03:09 AM
#11
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Thank you InSandy. I have been able to wade through. I had done research before just thought I'd check here for advice. Thanks so much for you tips. I remember reading about Hidden but only briefly. I'm going to go research your suggestions. Thanks again! 
Jun 11th, 2013, 03:16 AM
#12
InSandy, you mention a couple of good, relatively short hikes.
Did I read correctly in the descriptions that Canyon Overlook and Clear Creek trailheads are at the same place?
Clear Creek looks particularly scenic.
Did I read correctly in the descriptions that Canyon Overlook and Clear Creek trailheads are at the same place?
Clear Creek looks particularly scenic.
Jun 14th, 2013, 09:59 PM
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My reference to Willis as a tourist slot remains true. No ropes, exceptional easy entrance, wide and short. A very pleasant walk in a narrow canyon.
Past Kodachrome on Cottonwood Canyon road is Round Valley Draw slot - very narrow and long. Entry is N37 27.163 W 111 54.720
If you want a real slot, try Buckskin Gulch in northern Arizon. I hiked about 1/3 of that 12 mile long slot - turned around and went back due to time. There is a mid-way exit, but you have to know the exact spot. An Indian petroglyp marks it. I have the GPS if anyone is interested. Need a permit for over a day hike. On BLM land.
BTW, Hidden Canyon in Zion is very pleasant - continue to the end. Steep climb on a well maintain trail to reach the entry. Couple of chains to insure you don't fall off the cliff.
Past Kodachrome on Cottonwood Canyon road is Round Valley Draw slot - very narrow and long. Entry is N37 27.163 W 111 54.720
If you want a real slot, try Buckskin Gulch in northern Arizon. I hiked about 1/3 of that 12 mile long slot - turned around and went back due to time. There is a mid-way exit, but you have to know the exact spot. An Indian petroglyp marks it. I have the GPS if anyone is interested. Need a permit for over a day hike. On BLM land.
BTW, Hidden Canyon in Zion is very pleasant - continue to the end. Steep climb on a well maintain trail to reach the entry. Couple of chains to insure you don't fall off the cliff.
