These might not be the slots you had in thoughts for Vegas, however imagine it or not, there are literally a bunch of nice slot canyons close to Las Vegas, Nevada!
Slot canyons are pure rock passageways which can be enjoyable to discover and good for pictures. Each is completely different, and the colours may be wonderful. Among the hikes are household pleasant and nice for youths or pets.
We drove via Nevada not too long ago on our method to Yosemite Nationwide Park, and determined to step and take a look at a few of the greatest slot canyons close to Vegas. Just a few of those are very near town, whereas others would require some driving or perhaps a full day tour.
With out additional ado, right here’s our full record of the perfect Las Vegas slot canyons!
What Is A Slot Canyon?
A slot canyon is a slender canyon passageway fashioned in rock (often sandstone) that has been eroded by water over time, finally making a keyhole-like crack within the rock that’s simply broad sufficient for an individual to suit via.
Whereas the densest assortment of slot canyons on the earth is in Utah, there are additionally some nice ones in Arizona and Nevada. A few of them are troublesome to navigate and require technical expertise, however a lot of them are household pleasant and straightforward for learners to hike.
Facet observe: All the time pay attention to the climate forecast earlier than coming into a slot canyon. Don’t enter if rain is within the forecast, even when it’s exterior of your speedy space. Flash flooding may be very harmful in a slot canyon.
Slot canyons are enjoyable and nice for footage
15 Greatest Slot Canyons Close to Las Vegas Nevada
1. White Domes Path
The White Domes Path is a brief and candy little loop hike with a stupendous slot canyon in Nevada’s Valley of Hearth State Park.
It’s a 1 hour drive from Las Vegas to the trailhead, after which you possibly can attain the slot part after simply 10 minutes of mountain climbing!
This can be a nice slot canyon for households with youngsters, and it’s very photogenic too. Regardless that it’s solely a brief hike, it’s properly price a go to! As a bonus, this spot was used as a movie location for the 1966 Western film ‘The Professionals,’ and there are remnants of the film set nonetheless there in the present day.
Take into accout this path could also be closed for security throughout the summer season months (June – September) due to excessive warmth, so examine the present standing earlier than you go. There’s little or no shade on the path besides if you’re contained in the slot canyon.
Issue: Straightforward
This stunning slot canyon is a part of the White Domes Path in Nevada’s Valley of Hearth State Park
2. Anniversary Narrows
This can be a very distinctive Nevada slot canyon with spectacular layered rock patterns, situated about 1 hour east of Las Vegas.
Regardless that it’s a bit tough to search out, that is positively probably the greatest slot canyons close to Las Vegas! To get to the path, it’s a must to drive via a wash after which a rocky dust highway till you attain an deserted mining space.
Having a little bit of clearance helps, however the highway must be satisfactory by most autos so long as it’s not raining. Even the brief little bit of driving within the wash close to the beginning could be very tame.
To get to the Anniversary Narrows, you’ll must do a little bit of ‘Google-Fu’ together with your map. I’ll clarify it right here.
You’ll be able to’t route your map on to the parking space as a result of the route goes off highway for a quick part within the wash. When you attempt, you’ll get an error in your map saying no instructions discovered.
As an alternative, the closest place you possibly can route your map is this flip off. From there, you drive throughout the wash briefly after which you possibly can open your map once more on the opposite aspect of the wash and use it for the remainder of the way in which to the place you park.
Right here is the route we used to drive to our last parking spot after crossing the wash. Keep in mind to obtain an offline map of the world earlier than you go, since you in all probability received’t have any reception when you get there.
Anniversary Narrows — probably the greatest slot canyons close to Las Vegas Nevada!
When you attain the parking space indicated within the map, merely stroll down the hill on the highway till it goes into a large wash, after which preserve following that wash strolling north till you attain the slot canyon. Right here is a strolling map you should use to take you to the beginning of the slot canyon from the parking space.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll move some previous mine shafts and different fascinating sights, though I wouldn’t go inside any deserted mines as a result of they is likely to be unstable and harmful.
From this location, going to the top of the slot canyon after which again requires about 2 miles of mountain climbing (roundtrip), though it could be extra if it’s a must to park your car farther away. We hiked there and again in about 45 minutes.
The precise narrows are roughly 1/third of a mile lengthy, and all of it’s photogenic, though I assumed probably the most wonderful views have been close to the beginning of the narrows.
After we visited, there have been no trespassing indicators or any indication that the world was off limits to the general public, though at one time apparently hikers have been being turned away by a personal land proprietor on this space. Possibly that has modified.
This can be a pretty distant space of Nevada and there’s no shade in any respect on the path, so keep in mind to carry a number of further water in your car and in your individual. Carry extra water than you suppose you want, and save this hike for a day when it’s much less sizzling!
Issue: Reasonable
3. Spooky Canyon (Arizona)
Spooky Canyon is a cool little hidden canyon on the border of Arizona and Nevada, not too removed from the long-lasting Hoover Dam, and about 45 minutes of driving from Las Vegas. It’s a brief and child pleasant canyon that you could end exploring in about 40 minutes.
This was positively certainly one of our favourite Las Vegas slot canyons! As you possibly can inform by the title, Spooky Canyon is a mysterious wanting canyon with a number of spider webs, and it’s additionally very photogenic.
Some individuals have referred to as this a mini Antelope Canyon, though I don’t know if I’d go that far. There are only a few slot canyons that may compete with Antelope for magnificence.
In any case, this spot is sweet and nonetheless comparatively unknown. We went on a weekday and it was fully empty and quiet.
There’s a wire fence it’s a must to duck underneath to get to Spooky Canyon, however that is apparently to maintain wildlife off the freeway, to not preserve individuals out of the canyon. There aren’t any ‘preserve out’ indicators.
Nonetheless, that is an unmarked path and the parking is simple to overlook because it’s proper off freeway 93. You could find a map for the precise parking location right here.
From the parking, simply stroll towards visitors on the desert aspect of the guard rail till you attain the outlet within the fence. After crossing the fence, simply stroll down the hill for a minute and you then’re contained in the slot canyon!
Issue: Straightforward
4. White Owl Canyon
The White Owl Canyon is a brief however good slot canyon hike close to Lake Mead, solely half-hour from Las Vegas Nevada.
This can be a fairly simple hike general, however like most hikes in Nevada, the warmth could make it fairly a bit more durable. Going to the top of the slot and again to the parking space is roughly 2 miles roundtrip, so you are able to do it in about 45 minutes with tempo.
Alternatively, some individuals do that as a loop hike, crossing the highway and incorporating a second small slot canyon on the way in which there, which you’ll be able to see in the map on AllTrails. In both case, the path is just not very properly marked, so downloading an offline map is a good suggestion.
That is typically not a busy path, and the slot canyon sections are good. Typically it’s possible you’ll even see owls there, nesting within the rock partitions! Rattlesnakes are additionally a risk, so preserve an eye fixed out for them.
The most effective time to {photograph} Owl Canyon would in all probability be within the early morning or night, when there’s not an excessive amount of solar within the canyon. We went in the midst of the day and the lighting was fairly harsh for footage.
Issue: Straightforward / Reasonable
5. Arizona Scorching Spring
The Arizona Scorching Spring path has a really distinctive slot canyon the place you possibly can swim in a pure sizzling spring! Regardless that it’s situated proper throughout the Arizona state line, this one is barely about half-hour from Las Vegas, Nevada.
On the finish of the hike, there are a number of clear, heat soaking swimming pools dammed with sandbags. Every pool has a unique warmth degree, so you possibly can attempt them and discover the temperature you want!
The hike to the recent springs is about 6 miles roundtrip, with 1,200 toes of elevation achieve. You’re descending on the way in which there, so the toughest half goes again.
Deliver a number of water! This path can be closed seasonally from Might 15 to September 30, as a result of it’s not protected to hike it within the excessive summer season warmth.
Issue: Reasonable
6. Cathedral Gorge Slot Canyons
When you don’t thoughts a little bit of driving, there are a bunch of neat slots to discover in Nevada’s Cathedral Gorge State Park, about 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas.
These are a few of the most original and interesting slot canyons I’ve seen. You’ll be able to hardly even name them that. Among the slots are solely 30 toes deep, whereas others appear to go on and on for fairly awhile, handing over all instructions like a enjoyable maze. Youngsters may have a blast right here.
There are a number of collections of slots right here, and all of them are simply reached from the place you park your car. On Google Maps, they’re marked because the Moon Caves and Cathedral Caves, and you can too discover a third set of unmarked slots right here.
The passageways are very tall and slender, which implies they keep cool inside even on a sizzling day. A few of them are tight and a bit of claustrophobic.
For photographers, the lighting and colours look nice inside even in the midst of the day, when the solar nonetheless barely streams into the chambers. The photograph ops are countless and it feels such as you’re within a sci-fi film set!
Issue: Straightforward
Cathedral Gorge State Park has a few of the greatest slot canyons close to Las Vegas, Nevada!
Extra Slot Canyons Close to Las Vegas Nevada
These are another slot canyons close to Las Vegas that require a little bit of driving. Many of those are situated in Utah, however most of them are lower than 3 hours of driving from Vegas, making them attainable to go to on a day journey!
7. Jenny’s Canyon (Utah)
Jenny’s Canyon is a household pleasant little slot canyon in southern Utah that’s excellent for the children. You’ll be able to attain it in simply 5 minutes of strolling!
This slot is situated within the Snow Canyon State Park close to St George, about 2 hours from Las Vegas. The rock partitions are filled with photogenic little caves and cavities that the children can play in, and if you get performed on the slot, there’s additionally an overlook that’s fairly simple to hike up.
The one disappointment with this slot canyon is that it’s so brief, and also you attain the top after solely strolling about 500 toes. Parking can be very restricted on the trailhead, though it tends to unlock usually for the reason that hike is fast.
Total, it’s a outstanding little slot canyon, and it’s properly price a go to in the event you’re close to the Snow Canyon State Park!
Issue: Straightforward
8. St George Narrows (Utah)
When you’re claustrophobic, keep distant from the St George Narrows! I debated whether or not to incorporate this slot canyon within the record, as a result of it’s so tight you would virtually name it a crack somewhat than a slot canyon.
In comparison with most slot canyons, this passageway is paper skinny. Even in the event you’re a small individual, you’ll completely must stroll sideways to get via the crack. It’s a enjoyable problem in the event you’re feeling courageous!
This slot is a part of a free park space that has restrooms and loads of parking, simply exterior of the city of St George in southern Utah. It’s 1 hour and 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Even in the event you’re not up for squeezing via the slot, there are another rock options right here which can be good for climbing and pictures!
Issue: Straightforward / Reasonable
9. Kanarra Creek & Falls (Utah)
The Kanarra slot canyon is exclusive on this record for additionally having two waterfalls inside, and it’s situated about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. It’s positively certainly one of our favourite Utah canyons.
The primary waterfall is close to the beginning of the slot canyon, and it’s simple to move due to a brand new steel ladder that was simply put in by town of Kanarraville. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later.
Total, I’d in all probability charge this hike as simple, though the path does have a little bit of elevation achieve.
These days it’s a must to pay for a allow to do the Kanarra Creek hike due to its reputation, and there are a restricted variety of permits accessible per day. These promote out usually, so that you’ll wish to plan forward.
Issue: Straightforward
The magnificent partitions of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon
10. Spring Creek Canyon (Utah)
The Spring Creek Canyon is one other good slot canyon by the little city of Kanarra, situated about 2 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
This one is a fairly simple hike, and it has vivid reddish-orange rock colours that may be actually gorgeous with the correct amount of daylight.
We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the path was virtually fully empty, in order that’s one other factor it has going for it!
Issue: Straightforward
11. The Zion Narrows (Utah)
In fact I’ve to say the mom of all slot canyons, the Narrows! This one is situated in Utah’s Zion Nationwide Park, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
This can be a big gorge with partitions a thousand toes tall, and the Virgin River flowing via it. Climbing the Narrows includes strolling in water, and it’s 16 miles whole.
The excellent news is that the Narrows is open to all health ranges since you don’t must hike to the top of the gorge. You’ll be able to cease and switch round everytime you need.
It’s attainable to hike the complete Narrows in a single full day in the event you get a allow upfront, however most individuals simply go partway after which flip again (no allow required for that).
The dangerous information is that the Narrows is getting extraordinarily fashionable. The crowds form of ruined it for us. When you’re actually intent on seeing the Narrows with out crowds, I’d advocate getting a allow and mountain climbing it from the highest down. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll wish to go to one of many different locations on this slot canyon information.
Issue: Straightforward / Reasonable
The Zion Narrows often is the most well-known slot canyon Utah has to supply
Large canyon partitions of the Zion Narrows
12. Pink Hole Canyon (Utah)
The Pink Hole Slot Canyon is a brief and straightforward hike in Orderville, Utah, not too removed from the favored Zion and Bryce nationwide parks. It’s about 3 hours and quarter-hour from Las Vegas.
It’s a really photogenic hike, with good purple rock colours and steep canyon partitions. As a bonus, Pink Hole Canyon is simple to succeed in and nice for youths.
There’s one very tight slot that’s nice for chimneying or stemming, the place you place your again towards one wall after which push your toes on the opposite wall to cross the hole. This sort of maneuver was new to us, however we had numerous enjoyable studying how one can do it.
Regardless that Pink Hole could be very brief, it’s nice for footage. All in all, this was certainly one of our favourite slot canyons!
Issue: Straightforward
Learn Extra: Pink Hole Slot Canyon
13. Pink Canyon Slot / Peekaboo Kanab (Utah)
The Peekaboo Pink Canyon is an excellent slot canyon close to Kanab, in southern Utah. It’s situated about 3 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
The principle problem with this slot is the smooth and deep sand on the highway resulting in it. You will have a real 4 wheel drive car (not simply AWD), and even then you’ll want to air down your tires and sustain momentum to keep away from getting caught within the sand.
A number of individuals get caught right here due to the tough circumstances. Due to this, most individuals go to the Peekaboo Kanab slot with a Jeep tour or UTV tour the place an expert firm does the driving for you. I’ll embody some tour suggestions under.
A few of these excursions additionally mix the slot with a go to to the close by Nice Chamber, which is a photogenic cave-like spot close to Kanab that’s additionally difficult to succeed in with out a true off-road car.
Alternatively, you possibly can hike roughly 8 miles roundtrip to the slot from the 2WD parking space, and a few individuals do that, however it’s a little bit of a troublesome slog due to all of the sand. You’ll want a map, solar safety, and many water.
The slot itself is gorgeous and straightforward to stroll via. It’s properly definitely worth the effort. This one is nice for all ages, and in the event you don’t thoughts the driving distance then it’s positively probably the most photogenic slot canyons close to Las Vegas Nevada!
Issue: Straightforward
Ebook Now: Peekaboo Kanab Jeep Tour / UTV Tour
14. Buckskin Gulch & Wire Move (Utah)
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the USA, and it’s believed to be the longest slot canyon on the earth, at 21 miles!
This one is a bit distant. It’s situated by the Utah-Arizona state border, however you can too attain it in 4 hours of driving from Las Vegas.
The Buckskin Slot Canyon is nice for pictures, and it’s additionally notable for having some Native American petroglyphs which can be simple to succeed in. One of the best ways to go to this slot canyon is by coming into from Wire Move, that approach you get to see two slot canyons for the worth of 1!
We thought the slot canyon part at Wire Move was much more photogenic than Buckskin itself. It’s slender and the colours are terrific. There’s even a bit of wood ladder that’s nice for footage.
Better of all, this slot dumps you proper on the intersection in Buckskin Gulch the place you possibly can see some petroglyphs on the canyon wall.
Issue: Straightforward
Learn Extra: Wire Move To Buckskin Gulch
15. Antelope Canyon (Arizona)
In fact I can’t make a listing of the perfect slot canyons close to Las Vegas with out mentioning Antelope Canyon, which is known for being probably the most stunning locations in America!
This one is definitely situated in Arizona, in fact, however it’s nonetheless attainable to go to it on an extended day journey from Las Vegas. It’s about 4.5 hours of driving every approach.
Antelope Canyon is a favourite with photographers, and for good motive. It has spectacular colours, and it’s so photogenic. It might be onerous to take a foul image right here.
The one con is that it’s extraordinarily fashionable, so a tour information is required these days, and also you may need to make a reservation months upfront.
Nonetheless, GetYourGuide has some high-rated excursions of Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas, together with lodge pickup and drop-off, transport in a cushty, air-conditioned minivan, and a reside tour of the slot canyon with a licensed Navajo tribal information.
We’ve used GetYourGuide for plenty of excursions and actions all over the world, and so they’re nice. Extremely really useful!
Issue: Straightforward / Guided
Ebook Now: Antelope Canyon Tour From Las Vegas (+Horseshoe Bend)
Las Vegas Slot Canyons Map
Right here’s a Las Vegas slot canyons map you should use to plan your individual highway journey close to Nevada. You’ll be able to click on the icons to get instructions and extra data on every focal point, however take into account a few of the areas on this map could also be approximate.
As at all times, please keep in mind to maintain the path clear, be thoughtful of different hikers, and depart no hint. Thanks and glad travels!
Slot Canyon Nevada Security Suggestions
Flash Floods. All the time pay attention to the climate forecast. Don’t enter any slot canyon if rain is within the forecast, even when it is exterior of your speedy space. Flash flooding may be very harmful in a slot canyon.
Sunscreen. Even on a slot canyon hike, there are nonetheless loads of elements on the path the place you will be uncovered to direct solar, so you may want sunscreen. A hat helps too.
Water. Attempt to pack at the least 3-4 liters per individual. In Nevada, it’s best to at all times carry extra water than you suppose you want.
Map. It is a good suggestion to obtain an offline map of your mountain climbing space on an app like Google Maps, that approach you possibly can preserve utilizing it to navigate or discover your place even if you’re out of reception. Getting misplaced within the desert may be harmful.
Extra Slot Canyon Climbing Guides
Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this information for a few of the greatest slot canyons close to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Don’t neglect to take a look at my full record of the greatest slot canyons in Utah to see in your subsequent highway journey as properly!