Unearth The Voyage
Searching for the best Zion National Park caves and slot canyons to explore on your epic American Southwest road trip? You’ve come to the right place!
As lovers of the American Southwest, we’ve explored Zion National Park and the area extensively and have visited quite a few Zion caves and slot canyons along the way.
In this guide, we’re going to cover 12 of the very best slot canyons and caves to visit in and near Zion National Park.
We’re going to make finding the best spots super easy so you’ll be off and making memories of your own in no time. So, let’s get started!
Looking for the best places to stay near Zion National Park?
✅ Luxury: Zion Mountain Range
✅ Mid-Range: Zion Glamping Adventures
✅ Budget: Cedar Breaks Resort
Are there Caves in Zion National Park?
If you’re wondering, are there caves in Zion National Park?
First, you won’t find your typical limestone cavern or cave IN Zion National Park. However, what you will find are some awesome caves nearby Zion and plenty of slot canyons in and nearby Zion as well.
The type of caves and slot canyons we’ll be discussing below are special and unique to this region of the American Southwest. You can’t find them anywhere else, which makes them a must-see when visiting southern Utah and Zion National Park. Read on to learn why!
Slot Canyons & Caves Near Zion National Park
With more than two dozen slot canyons and sand caves in or near Zion National Park, there are endless options to get out and enjoy southern Utah’s stunning terrain.
Here are the top 12 that you must add to your bucket list:
1. Moqui Caverns/Sand Caves
You’ve likely seen these incredible light-filled caves on Instagram. These man-made sand caves were actually once used to harvest sand for glass production back in the 1970s.
Nowadays, hiking to the Sand Caves makes for the perfect family day trip from Zion National Park. The hiking trail that leads up to the caverns is short and rated as easy. Once you get closer, there is a sandstone wall you will need to walk up/scale to actually get to the caves.
The sandstone wall isn’t too difficult, but if you’re scared of heights or unsure of your footing/balance this might not be the best hike for you.
These sand caves are also really close to Kanab, a perfect place to stay in between Zion & Bryce Canyon if you plan to visit both national parks on your trip.
How to get there: Via Highway 89, you can drive 12 miles from Mount Carmel Junction, or 5 miles north of Kanab. At a large orange sign with the words “best friends” on it, turn to find the designated parking area for the caverns.
2. Mammoth Cave
It could be easy to get this Mammoth Cave confused with the one in Kentucky. While that one is impressive, this happens to be the longest lava tube in the state of Utah.
In fact, it’s the closest thing to a real cave you’ll find near Zion National Park! It has more than 2100 feet of explorable passageways, numerous chambers, and five entrances.
The majority of the passageways are wide enough to explore without crawling. However, you should bring a helmet and a headlamp to have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
How to get there: From Springdale, Utah, the fastest route to Mammoth Cave is 62 miles or 1 hour and 40 minutes drive. You’ll utilize UT-9, US-89 N, and UT-14 W before driving on FR 290 and FR 064 for less than 5 miles. The destination will be on the right on Mammoth Cave Road.
3. The Belly of the Dragon
This Insta-famous, man-made tunnel resembles (you guessed it) the Belly of a Dragon. Originally a water culvert under HWY89, it’s just 20 miles east of Zion National Park and super accessible.
Throughout the years, drainage from the road above has created beautiful sandstone walls in a “rippling” effect that cast a fiery glow of sun rays at certain times of the day.
The tunnel is relatively long but you can immediately see the light at the other end. We used the lights on our phones about halfway through, but bringing a flashlight wouldn’t be a bad idea.
How to get there: Drive 0.5 miles south of Mount Carmel Junction on HWY-89. Turn left onto a dirt road at mile marker 80. Continue driving up a gravel road for 0.3 miles until you see a parking lot and a trailhead.
4. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo Slot Canyon – also known as Red Canyon Zion National Park – is one of the more gorgeous slot canyons in the area.
Unlike many other slot canyons in this region, Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon requires absolutely no technical gear. Many visitors choose to explore the canyon in the early afternoon for the best light and a magnificent spectacle of color.
The hike through Peek-a-Boo is relatively short, at only 0.7 miles round trip. At times the canyon can be filled with water so you might have to walk/wade through some muddy pools. There are also some boulders you’ll have to climb up and over to get through the slot.
Please always check the weather when venturing to slot canyons and never go when it calls for rain, many people have died from flash floods in slot canyons.
Check the best times to visit Zion National Park so you don’t accidentally visit in the rainy season and don’t get to do any adventuring at all!
How to get there: Getting to Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is no easy feat. Because of the deep sand, a portion of the journey requires a four-wheel, high-clearance vehicle. From Kanab, turn east after you see the sign for Peek-a-Boo. Go up a small hill to a graveled parking area. Follow BLM route 102 to a dry riverbed, then head west onto BLM route 106H where a wash will lead directly to the slot canyon.
5. Red Hollow Canyon
When planning an itinerary with the best Zion National Park caves and slot canyons, Red Hollow Canyon is definitely one to include.
Just 30 minutes east of the national park, this 1.2-mile round-trip hike passes through narrow, vibrant red and white canyon walls. However, the slot canyon is prone to flash floods during the rainy months, so check weather conditions and wear appropriate hiking apparel.
How to get there: From the east entrance of Zion National Park, drive east for 13 miles to Mount Carmel Junction. Turn left to the town of Orderville, UT. After turning on 100 East, go a few miles down a dirt road until you reach a parking lot at a fenced-in city water facility.
6. Buckskin Gulch via Wirepass Trailhead
One of the best slot canyons close to Zion National Park is Buckskin Gulch, which can be accessed via the Wirepass Trailhead. This 5-mile round-trip trail requires a day-use permit, which can be easily attained through recreation.gov.
The slot canyon doesn’t require technical gear or 4-wheel drive (unless it’s been raining recently) but may require some light scrambling, so wear adequate shoes. Flash floods are also a risk here, so watch weather patterns prior to your visit.
This canyon is also located on the way to Antelope Canyon, so it would make a perfect stop on an Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park road trip.
How to get there: The Wire Pass Trailhead is between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona via U.S. Highway 89. If coming from Zion National Park, it’s 88.4 miles via UT-9 E and US-89 S with a drive time of roughly 2 hours and 6 minutes.
7. The Narrows
When most people think of Zion caves and slot canyons, The Narrows is the first thing that comes to mind. With walls that are a thousand feet high in some places, it’s also the narrowest section of Zion Canyon with the Virgin River flowing below.
You can start the trail at the Temple of Sinawava, and if you wish to see more, you can wade down the Virgin River. This portion of the hike can be as long or as short as you like, but be prepared to get wet!
Note: The Narrows Zion National Park may be closed during certain times of the year due to flash floods or water levels being too high/strong for passage.
How to get there: Hop on the shuttle at the Zion National Park Visitors Center and take it to stop #9, the Temple of Sinawava. From there, hike the paved, wheelchair-accessible trail to the start of The Narrows.
🍔 Take a break from all your exploring and try some of the best restaurants near Zion National Park 🍔
8. The Subway
This technical slot canyon is more intense than The Narrows. However, it’s one of the top hikes in Zion National Park. This classic yet challenging 9.5-mile hike offers a little bit of everything: wading, swimming in deep holes, rock scrambling, and rock climbing.
The majority of the trail follows a stream flowing with cold water and requires you to climb down waterfalls and scramble over boulders. Because of this, you’ll need at least 60 feet of rope and other repelling equipment. Only experienced canyoners should attempt The Subway and you will need permits to go.
How to get there: The trailhead for The Subway begins at Left Fork on Kolob Terrace Road on the west side of Zion National Park. It’s 30 minutes from the Visitor’s Center and closest to the town of Virgin, Utah. This route will take you from the bottom up.
9. Spring Creek Canyon
Just outside the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park, Spring Creek Canyon is a trail that leads to another gorgeous slot canyon near Zion National Park. It is a moderately challenging slot canyon, but you won’t need any technical gear to hike through it.
Another bonus, the trailhead is accessible, and the hike is rarely crowded and is one of the best things to do near Zion. In fact, the trail is a great place to find a moment of peace nearby one of the busiest national parks in the U.S.
How to get there: From the town of Kanarraville, drive I-15 to the Kanarraville Exit, and follow the main road South. At 400 South Main Street, turn southeast toward the cliffs. Follow it for a little less than a mile until you see a parking area, where you will find the trailhead.
10. Kanarra Creek Trail
Out of all of the Zion National Park caves and slot canyons, the Kanarra Creek Trail is one of the best. This 3.5-mile round-trip trail boasts two moderately-challenging waterfall climbs along the route.
Sturdy technical equipment is necessary to clear the waterfalls. However, if you want a less strenuous hiking experience, the route to the first fall is nice and somewhat easy and does not require technical gear.
Note: Permits are required to hike the trail, and are available for $12 online or at the trailhead.
How to get there: Kanarra Creek Trail is just 1.2 miles, or a 6-minute drive, from the town of Kanarraville, Utah. Follow 100 North for about 4 blocks (0.5 miles) to a parking lot. From here, you’ll walk up to the entrance gate to find the permit kiosk.
11. Upper Red Cave
Upper Red Cave slot canyon has quite a confusing name, is it a slot canyon or a cave? These red caves/slot canyons are definitely more slot canyon than cave as they do have an opening at the top.
They are actually quite similar to the famous Antelope Canyon with the swirling red rock walls and gorgeous hues.
Most people visit both Upper Red Cave and Lower Red Cave (more details below) at the same time as they are both nearby each other. Upper Red Cave has some steep drops inside (some as high as 10 feet) making it a rather difficult slot canyon to get through compared to others in the area.
Make sure that you are prepared and have the right gear to safely make it through this slot canyon if you plan on going.
How to get there: From Springdale, Utah, drive 25 miles to Mount Carmel Junction. Continue on for 1.8 miles to the Upper Red Cave. You will need to pass over portions of private land, and it is required that you ask the landowners for permission to access the trail ahead of time.
12. Lower Red Cave
Lower Red Cave includes two 40-foot drops that you’ll encounter halfway through the canyon. This is a technical canyoneering canyon so you will need to bring gear and have experience.
There are anchors with ropes bolted into the rock at each of these drops for repelling, but for safety reasons, bring your own repelling gear since the ropes aren’t reliable.
How to get there: Directions to the Upper and Lower Red Caves are the same. However, Lower Red Cave is 3.5 miles from Mount Carmel Junction.
Safety When Visiting Zion National Park Caverns & Slot Canyons
While exploring Zion National Park caverns and slot canyons is an absolute must during any American Southwest road trip, it’s important that you have the right equipment and the right experience before you go.
In fact, Utah caves and slot canyons can become extremely dangerous landscapes.
From early July to mid-April, flash floods are very possible. Heavy rainfall can also loosen rocks within the canyons, and result in dangerous footing.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach intense levels, making dehydration a serious possibility. Regardless of the season, track weather patterns in the days leading up to your trip to plan accordingly.
Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate hiking shoes with good traction, and pack any equipment you may need. Never attempt to enter caves in Utah without the necessary knowledge and skills needed to explore the landscape responsibly!
Wrap-Up: The 12 Best Zion National Park Caves & Slot Canyons
While there may not be any “traditional” looking caves similar to Carlsbad Caverns in Zion National Park, what you will find are tons of other beautiful rock formations to explore.
Being from Missouri where there are tons of caves we had a blast exploring the red sandstone caves and slot canyons of Utah.
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