- Zebra Slot Canyon. With pink and red striped walls, this slot canyon is uniquely beautiful. Parts of the slot canyon can be challenging to hike through but your reward is seeing these extraordinary striped canyon walls. Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Hole-in-the-Rock Road Distance: 5 miles.
- Beautiful but commercialized slot canyon, visited by hundreds of people on a typical day in summer. Two sections are open to visitors; the 600 foot long upper narrows, south of AZ 98, and the deeper lower narrows to the north.
Zebra Slot Canyon is a very short slot canyon, named for its striped canyon walls. It’s a gorgeous spot, maybe not quite as pretty as Antelope Canyon in Arizona, but since you can explore this on your own without a guide or tour group, it’s more fun. Ever since I first saw photos of the sandstone slot canyons in Arizona, specifically Antelope Canyon, I wanted to visit. However, once I started reading reviews of the Antelope Canyon tours, I was quickly turned off by complaints of them being rushed and crowded, and became concerned about the effects of over tourism.
As the saying goes, “it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when.’” In this case, the “when” was the summer of 2009, when the powers-that-be at Microsoft thought it would be a fabulous idea to include a photo of The Wave in Paria Canyon, Arizona on the desktop wallpaper of Windows 7.[1] From that moment on, what had until then been a relatively well-kept secret among hikers and backpackers was catapulted to “Arizona Bucket List” status, and suddenly everybody and his brother wanted to go there. Does that include you? Be ready to jump through some hoops, but be ready to experience a place like no other on Earth, and an adventure you’ll never forget!
The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North Special Management Area of the Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area in Northern Arizona. Areas with this designation are considered ecologically sensitive and vulnerable to irreparable damage if access to them is not strictly controlled. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, only 20 lucky people per day are allowed to visit Coyote Buttes North and The Wave in Arizona. In order to be included on that list, you must obtain a permit. This can be done one of two ways:
Apply in advance for the online Paria Canyon permit lottery through Recreation.gov website. Ten (10) spots per day are given out in this manner. You can – and should – apply up to four (4) months in advance for your desired date. Applications are taken for the entire calendar month for the month four (4) months ahead. If, for example, you wish to hike to The Wave in October (the 10th month on the calendar), you would need to apply online anytime during the month of June (the 6th month on the calendar). The winners of the lottery would then be drawn on the 1st day of July.
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Few, if any, slot canyons in the world can come close to rivaling the awe-inspiring curves and undulations of the sandstone slot canyons near Page, Arizona.
The Page, Arizona slot canyons offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. Though popular amongst hiking enthusiasts and professional photographers, the canyons are beautiful enough (and accessible enough) to appeal to just about any crowd. I mean, you’ve seen the pictures, right? Who wouldn’t want to see this for themselves?! Please note that all four of the canyons below require a Navajo guide to accompany you...don't go adventuring off on your own!
1. Upper Antelope Canyon
Typically visited by day, as pictured above, this slot canyon can also be visited at night through a tour with Lionel Bigthumb; your adventure may yield some photos similar to the below image. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — “the place where water runs through rocks”, is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won’t have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won’t be alone. If you’re impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour. Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
2. Lower Antelope Canyon
Slot Canyon Arizona Bear Grylls
If you only have time to visit one of Page’s famous slot canyons, Lower Antelope Canyon has my vote. Known as “Hazdistazí” (meaning “spiral rock arches”) to some, Lower Antelope Canyon brings the most bang for your buck if you have limited time. Even though it is only a quarter-mile long, its landscape is dense in amazing features, including some of the most iconic undulating formations in the rock walls, along with amazing lighting and coloring. Even amateur photographers can take incredible photographs in this canyon! Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
3. Rattlesnake Canyon
A tributary to the larger Antelope Wash, Rattlesnake Canyon is not as tall or as long as either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. It also doesn’t have the famous “light beam” phenomenon that those canyons are known for. However, the color quality of the rocks, the superb lighting, the unique formations, and the winding passageways of this canyon give it a feel and appearance that is spectacular in its own right. Factoring in a number of elements, I have to admit this canyon is my favorite! Check out Eric Harris's post for more details.
4. Mountain Sheep Canyon
As the saying goes, “it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when.’” In this case, the “when” was the summer of 2009, when the powers-that-be at Microsoft thought it would be a fabulous idea to include a photo of The Wave in Paria Canyon, Arizona on the desktop wallpaper of Windows 7.[1] From that moment on, what had until then been a relatively well-kept secret among hikers and backpackers was catapulted to “Arizona Bucket List” status, and suddenly everybody and his brother wanted to go there. Does that include you? Be ready to jump through some hoops, but be ready to experience a place like no other on Earth, and an adventure you’ll never forget!
The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North Special Management Area of the Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area in Northern Arizona. Areas with this designation are considered ecologically sensitive and vulnerable to irreparable damage if access to them is not strictly controlled. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, only 20 lucky people per day are allowed to visit Coyote Buttes North and The Wave in Arizona. In order to be included on that list, you must obtain a permit. This can be done one of two ways:
Apply in advance for the online Paria Canyon permit lottery through Recreation.gov website. Ten (10) spots per day are given out in this manner. You can – and should – apply up to four (4) months in advance for your desired date. Applications are taken for the entire calendar month for the month four (4) months ahead. If, for example, you wish to hike to The Wave in October (the 10th month on the calendar), you would need to apply online anytime during the month of June (the 6th month on the calendar). The winners of the lottery would then be drawn on the 1st day of July.
Don't like ads?
Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. Get an ad-free experience, support The Outbound, and snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $29.99/year.
Few, if any, slot canyons in the world can come close to rivaling the awe-inspiring curves and undulations of the sandstone slot canyons near Page, Arizona.
The Page, Arizona slot canyons offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. Though popular amongst hiking enthusiasts and professional photographers, the canyons are beautiful enough (and accessible enough) to appeal to just about any crowd. I mean, you’ve seen the pictures, right? Who wouldn’t want to see this for themselves?! Please note that all four of the canyons below require a Navajo guide to accompany you...don't go adventuring off on your own!
1. Upper Antelope Canyon
Typically visited by day, as pictured above, this slot canyon can also be visited at night through a tour with Lionel Bigthumb; your adventure may yield some photos similar to the below image. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — “the place where water runs through rocks”, is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won’t have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won’t be alone. If you’re impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour. Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
2. Lower Antelope Canyon
Slot Canyon Arizona Bear Grylls
If you only have time to visit one of Page’s famous slot canyons, Lower Antelope Canyon has my vote. Known as “Hazdistazí” (meaning “spiral rock arches”) to some, Lower Antelope Canyon brings the most bang for your buck if you have limited time. Even though it is only a quarter-mile long, its landscape is dense in amazing features, including some of the most iconic undulating formations in the rock walls, along with amazing lighting and coloring. Even amateur photographers can take incredible photographs in this canyon! Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
3. Rattlesnake Canyon
A tributary to the larger Antelope Wash, Rattlesnake Canyon is not as tall or as long as either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. It also doesn’t have the famous “light beam” phenomenon that those canyons are known for. However, the color quality of the rocks, the superb lighting, the unique formations, and the winding passageways of this canyon give it a feel and appearance that is spectacular in its own right. Factoring in a number of elements, I have to admit this canyon is my favorite! Check out Eric Harris's post for more details.
4. Mountain Sheep Canyon
Slot Canyon Arizona To New Mexico
As its name suggests, Mountain Sheep Canyon offers a rugged feel and more strenuous hike than the other slot canyons. The trek is longer than it is for the other canyons (about three-quarters of a mile), and there is quite a bit of scaling ladders along the way. The ladders are all secured to the rock, but a few of the climbs might be enough to make you a bit nervous…especially with younger children. Also, beware that this canyon is not immediately adjacent to the Antelope Wash, where the others are located; you will have a bit more adventurous (read: bumpy) ride to get to Mountain Sheep Canyon. Check out my post for more details.
For more details, history, and photography tips on the Page Slot Canyons, check out this post.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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