Grand Staircase is a protected area located in southern Utah, and is the largest national monument managed by the BLM. It’s an ideal destination to spend a few days and discover the slot canyons. The best time to visit is either in March/April or September/October, as summers can be extremely hot in the region.
1. Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch
- Length: 5.6 miles
- Elevation: 616 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Alltrails trail: link
The trail is approximately one hour away from Kanab. A permit is required for this trail, which can be easily obtained online or near the trailhead through a QR code. However, there may be issues with low service in the area. To save time and avoid any potential connectivity issues, it is recommended to purchase the permit online and print it prior to your hike. If printing is not possible, there is a pay station where printed permits can be filled out, or you can type in your permit and license plate number.
Bring water shoes and light jacket with you. It can be pretty cold in the morning.
2. Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyon Trail with Dry Fork Narrows
- Length: 6.1 miles
- Elevation: 662 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Alltrails trail: link
The canyon is truly stunning and has an eerie quality to it. Our journey began at Peek-a-boo, and the initial climb up may appear daunting. However, there are helpful hand and footholds in the wall, and a rope at the top to assist you. If needed, fellow hikers who have made it to the top can also offer a helping hand. As the canyon narrows in some areas, it’s advisable not to bring along large backpacks.
3. Willis Creek Narrows Trail
- Length: 4.9 miles
- Elevation: 816 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Alltrails trail: link
- Campground: We camped about 2 miles from trailhead. It is on the top on the hill with beautiful view. Look for GSENM 500 on the map.
The end of March can be icy and muddy on the hike. We recommend to complete the hike in the morning before the ice begins to melt. If you venture later in the day, there may be more water in the canyon, which may require waterproof shoes. We completed the hike around 10 am and were able to manage without waterproof shoes.
4. Zebra Slot Canyon
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Elevation: 377 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Alltrails trail: link
The initial part of the trail is a dry wash and may seem like a lengthy journey before reaching the slot canyon. Inside the slot canyon, there may be water, and the narrow passage may require some effort to maneuver forward. It’s advisable to avoid bringing large backpacks. The canyon boasts stunning patterns and is a beautiful sight to behold.
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