Water Slot Canyon
Reminiscent of The Subway, Water Canyon is a narrow canyon with a clever trail that follows the fractures in the west side of the canyon to make its way to the mountains above. Once out of the canyon, Canaan Mountain is a beautiful and wild island in the sky that beckons for exploration.
Overview
Antelope Canyon. Arguably the most beautiful slot canyon on this list, this is also the most popular. As far as slot canyons go Antelope Canyon is arguably the world’s best, with towering walls of 100 shades of orange it certainly cannot be missed! Yet few seem to hold the sense of adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone, onto a kayak and into the water. Slot canyons are narrow types of canyons that are deep rather than very wide. An extreme example of a deep but narrow slot canyon would be one that is 3 feet or less at the top with a 100 foot or deeper drop. These canyons are formed over millions of years when water rushes through any kind of rock, but especially sandstone or limestone. Waterholes Canyon is a slot canyon just south of Page. Its one of the last tributaries to lower Glen Canyon before the Colorado River emerges at Lee's Ferry to enter Marble Canyon. Waterholes is not as famous as nearby Antelope Canyon, nor is it as deep. It shares many characteristics with another nearby tributary to the lower Glen, Nine Mile Draw.
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Alcatraz starts like a Mountain Dew commercial, with a 50 m ( 165 ft. ) rappel off your car bumper. With such a dramatic start, it is hard to imagine the canyon getting any better or more adventurous, but it does! Aside from the go-big-or-go-home entrance rappel, the rest of the canyon is a deep, dark, sinuous slot.
The canyons name comes from a group (Scott Patterson and Michael Kelsey) that were descending the slot. As the narrows began growing tighter and tighter, they were unsure they could finish the canyon. Mike led a particularly bold route out the canyon by climbing the right side wall about half way through using hooks. Thus, the canyon had gained its name and a bit of a reputation. These days, knowing that the canyon is passable, it is popular outing for intermediate or better canyoneers.
The narrows are challenging, and tiring, so small packs are in order. Given the physical nature of the canyon and a fair bit of climbing and squeezing, it is not a good choice for beginners.
Looking up the first rappel in Alcatraz Canyon
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Added by Spencer Rudy
Red Hollow is a short, easy, and scenic slot canyon just outside of Zion National Park, Utah. This is a good slot canyon for beginners with easy scrambling in some places.
The trailhead is about 18 miles from the eastern entrance of Zion National Park, located in the small town of Orderville. In Orderville, the streets aren't marked too well, so follow the road that goes past the cemetery and the school, 100 East. When the road Ts, turn left. The road ends in a sandy dirt road, and you can either park near the paved road or you can drive down and park by the fence if you have a 4x4. Once you reach to fenced in water tower, head down into the wash and follow it toward the red and white cliffs. The trail is exposed to the sun in the wash, but once you get into the slot canyon it is cool and shady.
The slot canyon goes about a mile in before you have to turn around. The red walls rise up above you and the trail is fairly narrow. There are some sections in this slot canyon where you will need to climb over some boulders, but it is nothing too hard. The canyon twists and turns until it reaches a dead end and you have to head back out. Be aware that if there has been rain recently, the canyon might be filled with water. If there is water in the canyon, only enter if the level is low and you know advanced canyoneering skills such as stemming.
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Starting Water Wash Slot Canyon
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Stavros Mitchelides
Water Slot Canyon Utah
about 3 years ago
Water Hole Slot Canyon
Super fun hike!
Did it today as I'm staying in a hotel nearby and heard about it. There are 3 difficult rope climbs that will be impassible for some people...huge boulders blocked the way up and ropes were put in to get over them. THe first is about 20' high and the second is about 3/4 that. The last rope ascends what looks like a 50' climb, I only made it half way up that last rope because I was worried about damaging my camera. Amazing hike, I'll post about it on my blog this week at www.welovetoexplore.com!
5.0
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