10 Incredible Slot Canyons in Arizona & How to Visit Them

Looking for the best slot canyons in Arizona? You’ve come to the right place!

Slot canyons are narrow canyons, often formed in sandstone or other sedimentary rock, that are significantly deeper than they are wide. These canyons are shaped by the erosive power of water rushing through rock over long periods of time.

Slot canyons are stunning natural wonders and are popular amongst hikers and photographers. One of our favorite things to do is hike through slot canyons and when we were in Arizona we visited many of the incredible slot canyons there.

In this article, we’re going to tell you all about the 10 best slot canyons in Arizona. You’ll learn how to get there, if you need to go on a guided tour, and much more!

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But First, What is a Slot Canyon?

Slot canyons start as a simple crack in the rocky earth, and over millions of years and with lots of water, wind, and erosion they form into what we now call a slot canyon.

They are essentially narrow canyons deep in the earth that have wavy walls and snake around whichever way the water ends up flowing. No two slot canyons are the same, and each has unique features, colors, texture, and shape.

Are There Any Slot Canyons Open in Arizona?

This article only includes slot canyons that are open and accessible. Some of these Arizona slot canyons require a permit to access due to their location being on private (usually Native American) land.

Other slot canyons are only accessible by tour. We will include where to get permits as well as which tours to go on if you’d like to see the slot canyon.

Slot Canyons Near Page, Arizona

1. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Of course, this list has to include the very famous Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon! These canyons are one of the prettiest slot canyons in Arizona, if not in the whole world.

Upper Antelope Canyon is where you can see the iconic light beams that you’ve probably seen in lots of photos. Lower Antelope Canyon doesn’t have any light beams, but is just as beautiful and can be more adventurous.

These canyons are only accessible through a tour as they are located on Navajo land and are a very sacred area to the Navajo people. Trying to decide between visiting Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Check out our detailed guide about the differences between the canyons and the pros and cons of visiting one over the other.

If you do have time to make it into a road trip then Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is a classic southwest road trip that we highly recommend!

2. Antelope Canyon X

Location: Page, Arizona

Canyon X is very similar to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and is actually part of the same canyon but just an upper segment. Because it is part of the same canyon, you can see the same beauty without the crowds!

The entrance to Canyon X is so unseemly; it’s just a small crack in a large rock. But once you walk inside the canyon you are transported to a different world.

The path zig-zags around the ever-changing color of the walls depending on the time of day. And don’t forget to look up! Some of the prettiest formations this canyon has are above your head, including the ‘X’ it’s named after.

As of 2021, a boardwalk has been installed that helps visitors easily access the entrance to Canyon X. Before you would have to descend a 150-foot fissure in the sand to get to the entrance and then hike back out. Now it’s much easier to take the stairs up and down to the entrance of the canyon.

You cannot visit Canyon X without a guided tour. Check out which tour we recommend below for the best experience of visiting Canyon X.

Of all the slot canyons in Arizona, Canyon X is one of our favorites!

3. Secret Antelope Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Another awesome alternative to Antelope Canyon, Secret Antelope Canyon is very similar, minus the intense crowds. Secret Antelope Canyon is also known as Horseshoe Bend Canyon due to its proximity to the famous Horseshoe Bend overlook.

Secret Antelope Canyon is a section of the Waterholes Canyon (more on this canyon below) and has the same swirling, beautifully lit-up walls.

The canyon entrance starts rather wide and the walls are shorter than other slot canyons. As you wind your way around the rock formations, the canyon narrows, and the walls gradually rise. Soon you are in a beautiful slot canyon with waves and formations changing as you continue.

This is another canyon that you need a guide to visit since it is also on Navajo land.

Read more: 19 Incredible Slot Canyons in Utah & How to Visit Them

4. Waterholes Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Waterholes Canyon is another great slot canyon in Arizona that you should check out. It’s located in the same area as the other slot canyons listed above but is lesser known so you will be able to experience the wonders of this canyon without the crazy crowds.

This canyon has two sections and each is unique and exciting to explore. The first section is rather open and wide, making it seem like a normal canyon rather than a slot canyon. After some time of walking through the first section, you’ll come to a sandy wash. After walking through the wash for a bit, you’ll then enter another section of the canyon, and this is where the canyon starts to narrow.

Soon you’ll come to a 16-foot ladder that descends into the narrowest part of the slot canyon. Make sure you wear great hiking boots as the canyon can be so narrow that you are walking on the sides of the wall in some places.

The total walking to see this slot canyon is 2.5 miles and it takes around 1.5 hours to do the whole thing. Once you’ve walked through the canyon you will walk up the rock to get back to the van that escorted you there.

Waterholes Canyon used to be accessible with just a hiking permit but in 2018 Navajo Nation changed the law and now the canyon is only accessible by guided tour.

Read more: Arches National Park Sunset: Top 8 Spots You Can’t Miss

5. Rattlesnake Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Of the many slot canyons near Page AZ, Rattlesnake Canyon is a great canyon to visit for anyone looking for a bit of a thrill. But don’t worry, the canyon doesn’t get its name from there being rattlesnakes everywhere.

It’s named Rattlesnake Canyon because of the snake-like pattern carved in the walls from the river that occasionally runs through this canyon.

The thrilling part of this canyon comes in with the tight squeezes and ladders you will have to climb to navigate through the canyon.

Rattlesnake Canyon is only a short walk down the same wash that you take to get to Upper Antelope Canyon, so it’s often included in a dual tour or triple tour including Owl Canyon which is nearby as well.

6. Owl Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Owl Canyon might be one of the more unique slot canyons in Page Arizona because there are resident Great Horned Owls that live in the canyon!

If you are looking for that traditional slot canyon experience, Owl Canyon might not be the best canyon to choose. The canyon doesn’t have quite the same narrow passageways as the other slot canyons Page has to offer.

It is still fun to wind your way around the wide walls and see a different kind of canyon and of course, say hi to the residents that call this canyon home.

7. Cardiac Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Of all the slot canyons in Arizona, Cardiac Canyon should be high on your list. This slot canyon is different than the others on this list and we’ll tell you why.

First, it was only discovered in 2018, and since then there haven’t been many people visiting it. Also, it is 2.5 miles long, making it one of the longest slot canyons on this list. Now you’re probably wondering, why is it called Cardiac Canyon?

Cardiac Canyon gets its name from the 90-foot steep, sandy hill you have to descend to get down into it. And of course, what goes down must go up, so you’ll have to climb your way back out. Since you can now visit Cardiac Canyon on a guided tour, there is a ladder in place with a rope that helps you climb down and out.

This canyon is perfect for people looking for more of an adventure- you’ll have to climb up and over rocks, up and down ladders, and there are multiple passageways to explore! Of course, the canyon itself is beautiful and looks just as pretty as Antelope Canyon with sweeping views, wavy walls, and gorgeous colors.

All of these things just might make Cardiac Canyon might just be one of the best slot canyons Arizona has to offer.

8. Cathedral Canyon

Location: Page, Arizona

Cathedral Canyon is another great option for slot canyons in Page, Arizona, and is a great choice when looking for alternatives to Antelope Canyon. On the hike to Cathedral Canyon, you will see some really neat rock formations along the way.

The entrance to the Cathedral slot canyon is super narrow, and you have to place both your hands and feet on the sides of the wall to wiggle your way through. Once inside, you will have to descend a ladder to get to the actual canyon.

Also, watch your head! There are some boulders that you’ll have to duck under that got sandwiched in between the narrow walls of the canyon.

The walls through the canyon aren’t quite as high as other slot canyons, but once you reach the end you’ll see why this canyon got its name.

After hiking through the slot canyon, you’ll come to the end of the canyon and what is called the Cathedral Room, a majestic room towering 100 feet overhead.

Some guides will play their traditional Native American flute once you reach this room so you can hear the beautiful acoustics. If you’re spiritual, this is a very spiritual experience and one to not forget!

Where To Stay Near Page, Arizona

If you are going to be exploring the slot canyons around this area we would suggest staying in Page, Arizona. Page is a great little town and there is so much more to discover in this area besides the numerous slot canyons.

Here are some other great choices for accommodation that are close to the Page slot canyons:

• This cute little rental house is in a great central location for your slot canyon adventures. It has everything you need to cook your own meals and is super comfortable.
  • Wingate by Wyndham has the highest-rated reviews of any hotel in the Page area because it’s super clean, has awesome views, and has a great breakfast!
  • The Red Rock Motel is a great budget pick for anyone visiting the slot canyons around Page. It has a kitchen for cooking your own meals, and the owners of this motel are the sweetest people. Every room also has its own little patio area. For the price, you really can’t beat this place!

Slot Canyons in Arizona Near Sedona

If you’re looking for some other slot canyons besides the slot canyons Page Arizona has to offer, we’ve put together some information about slot canyons near Sedona as well. These slot canyons can be visited on your own, unlike the AZ slot canyons listed above.

9. Pumphouse Wash

Location: Sedona, Arizona

Pumphouse Wash is more of a gorge and less of a slot canyon but still has steep vertical walls that enclose you as a slot canyon does. Pumphouse Wash is a hike through a gorgeous gorge with deep pools, small waterfalls, and flooded channels that you have to navigate through.

There are two sections to Pumphouse Wash, the upper section and the lower section. The lower section is more intense and has drop-offs that require ropes to navigate. If you’re looking for something less challenging, check out the upper section.

The parking area for Pumphouse Wash is located 13 miles north of Sedona along the west side of Highway 89A. You must display a Red Rocks Pass if you plan to park in this area.

No trailheads are marking the way to Pumphouse Wash. You will need to head down into the wash from the parking area and from the main canyon head South to get to the upper section of the gorge.

Safety Tip: Make sure that you never hike a slot canyon when there is rain in the forecast. Also, because Pumphouse Wash requires a lot of technical hiking over boulders and through water, we would suggest bringing a hiking first aid kit along with you.

Slot Canyons in Arizona Near The Grand Canyon

10. Deer Creek Narrows

Location: Inside the Grand Canyon

Deer Creek Narrows is the most remote and hardest to get to slot canyon on this list. Located deep inside the Grand Canyon, Deer Creek Narrows is either accessible by hiking 20 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain or by an overnight float trip along the Colorado River.

Getting to the canyon also requires a permit and 4 different rappels with one being 190 feet down the side of the magnificent Deer Creek Falls. The slot canyon itself is only 0.4 miles long but is reported as one of the prettiest slot canyons Arizona has to offer.

Getting to this canyon isn’t for the faint of heart and you need to be very experienced as well as prepared. But if you do decide to try and visit this canyon, you will not regret it!

We hope this article about the best slot canyons in Arizona helps you plan your trip. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!