Summary
Believe it or not, there are a bunch of great slot canyons near Las Vegas, Nevada. These may not be the slots you had in mind for Vegas, but they’re worth seeing anyway!
Slot canyons are natural rock passageways that are fun to explore and nice for photos. Each one is different, and the colors can be amazing. Many of the hikes are family-friendly and suitable for kids or pets.
Recently, we drove through Nevada on our way to Yosemite National Park and decided to stop and check out some of these mesmerizing slot canyons.
A few of these are very close to the city, while others will require some driving or even a full day excursion.
What Is A Slot Canyon?
A slot canyon is a narrow passageway formed in rock (usually sandstone) that’s been eroded by water over time, eventually creating a keyhole-like crack in the rock that’s just wide enough for a person to fit through.
While the densest collection of slot canyons in the world is in Utah, there are also some great ones in Arizona and Nevada, with many family-friendly options suitable for beginners to hike.
Note: Always check the weather forecast before entering a slot canyon. Do not enter if rain is in the forecast, even if it’s outside of your immediate area. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon.
16 Best Slot Canyons Near Las Vegas Nevada
1. White Domes Trail
The White Domes Trail is a short and sweet loop hike featuring a beautiful slot canyon in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park.
Located just a 1-hour drive from Las Vegas to the trailhead, you can reach the slot section after just 10 minutes of hiking!
This hike is great for families with kids and is visually stunning. Additionally, this spot was used as a film location for the 1966 Western movie ‘The Professionals,’ with remnants of the movie set still visible today.
Please note that the trail may be closed for safety during the summer months (June to September) due to extreme heat, so check the current status before visiting. There’s minimal shade on the trail except when you’re inside the slot.
Difficulty: Easy
2. Anniversary Narrows
The Anniversary Narrows is a unique slot canyon in Nevada, showcasing spectacular layered rock patterns, located about 1 hour east of Las Vegas.
Although it’s a bit tricky to find, this is definitely one of the best slot canyons near Las Vegas! To reach the trail, drive through a wash and then take a rocky dirt road until you arrive at an abandoned mining area.
Some clearance is helpful, but most vehicles should pass as long as it isn’t raining. The driving through the wash is quite manageable.
To reach the Anniversary Narrows, some navigation skills will be helpful. You can’t route your map directly to the parking area due to the off-road path. Instead, route your map to this turn-off. Once you cross the wash, you can resume navigation to the parking area.
When you reach the parking area indicated on the map, simply walk down the hill until you enter a wide wash, then follow that wash north to reach the slot canyon. You’ll pass old mine shafts and other interesting sites along the way, but don’t enter any abandoned mines as they may be unsafe.
Hiking to the end of the slot canyon and back covers about 2 miles (roundtrip), though this distance may increase if parking is farther away. We hiked back and forth in about 45 minutes.
The narrows section is approximately 1/3rd of a mile long, all photogenic, with remarkable views near the start.
This area appears fairly remote, with no indications it is off-limits to the public, although there were reports of hikers being turned away previously due to land ownership disputes.
Given the lack of shade, always bring adequate water—more than you think necessary—especially in the heat!
Difficulty: Moderate
3. Spooky Canyon (Arizona)
Spooky Canyon is a hidden gem situated on the border of Arizona and Nevada, not far from the iconic Hoover Dam, about 45 minutes from Las Vegas. It’s a short, kid-friendly canyon you can explore in about 40 minutes.
This was one of our favorites among Las Vegas slot canyons! The canyon has a mysterious appearance and is very photogenic, though you might see a few spider webs.
Some refer to this as a mini Antelope Canyon, but such comparisons are subjective as few can rival Antelope’s beauty.
This spot remains relatively unknown. During our visit on a weekday, it was completely empty and tranquil.
You’ll encounter a wire fence that you need to duck under to gain access to Spooky Canyon; it’s meant to keep wildlife off the highway, not to block public access. Additionally, this is an unmarked trail, and the parking can be tricky to locate off Highway 93. A map for the parking location can be found here.
From the parking area, walk east against traffic along the desert side of the guard rail until reaching the hole in the fence. Cross the fence, walk down the hill for a minute, and you’ll find yourself inside the slot canyon!
Difficulty: Easy
4. White Owl Canyon
The White Owl Canyon is a short yet delightful slot canyon hike near Lake Mead, only 30 minutes from Las Vegas.
While it’s generally easy, the heat may pose challenges, making the hike tougher. Hiking to the end of the slot and back to the parking area is approximately 2 miles roundtrip, which you can complete in around 45 minutes if at a good pace.
Alternatively, some hikers complete this loop by crossing the road to include a second small slot canyon, which can be seen in the map on AllTrails. However, the trail is not well marked, so having an offline map is wise.
This trail is generally quiet, with beautiful slot canyon sections. You may even spot owls nesting in the rock walls! Rattlesnakes are another potential sighting, so stay vigilant.
The best time for photography here is early morning or evening when the sun is less intense in the canyon. Our midday visit meant we dealt with harsh lighting for pictures.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
5. Arizona Hot Spring
The Arizona Hot Spring trail features a unique slot canyon where you can indulge in swimming in natural hot springs! Located just across the Arizona state line, it’s only about 30 minutes from Las Vegas, Nevada.
At the end of the hike, you’ll find several warm soaking pools dammed with sandbags, each with varying temperatures for your enjoyment!
This hike spans about 6 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. Note that hiking down is easier than the return trek.
As always, bring plenty of water and keep in mind that this trail has seasonal closures from May 15 to September 30 due to extreme summer heat in Arizona and Nevada.
Difficulty: Moderate
6. Cathedral Gorge Slot Canyons
For those willing to drive, there are numerous fascinating slots to explore in Nevada’s Cathedral Gorge State Park, about 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas.
These are some of the most unique slot canyons I’ve encountered. They’re unlike any other formations out there.
Some slots reach only 30 feet deep, while others extend in various directions, resembling a maze that kids will love!
Several collections of slots are accessible just a short walk from parking.
On Google Maps, they are marked as the Moon Caves and Cathedral Caves, with an additional set of unmarked slots located here.
The passageways are tall and narrow, keeping them cool even on hot days. Some can feel a bit claustrophobic.
Photographers will appreciate the lighting and colors, which look fabulous even in bright daylight. The photo opportunities are endless, eliciting a sci-fi movie set vibe!
Difficulty: Easy
7. Mt Charleston Slot
This small slot is found in the Mt Charleston area, approximately 30 minutes from Las Vegas and just off the main Kyle Canyon road.
You can park close to the slot and reach it with a brief, easy walk through the wash. The location is marked on Google Maps here.
We missed this slot on our last Nevada trip due to not knowing about it yet, but we aim to see it next time!
More Slot Canyons Near Las Vegas Nevada
There are additional slot canyons near Las Vegas that require a bit of driving. Many are located in Utah, generally taking less than 3 hours to reach, making them suitable for day trips if you’re up for the drive.
8. Jenny’s Canyon (Utah)
Jenny’s Canyon is a family-friendly slot canyon in southern Utah, ideal for kids, reachable in just 5 minutes of walking!
This slot is situated in Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, about 2 hours from Las Vegas. The rock walls are filled with photogenic caves that children can explore, and after visiting the slot, you can hike up to an easy overlook.
The only downside is the short distance of this slot canyon, only a 500-foot walk to the end. Parking is limited at the trailhead, but it tends to open up quickly due to the short duration of the hike.
Overall, it’s a delightful slot canyon worthy of a visit if you’re near Snow Canyon State Park!
Difficulty: Easy
9. St George Narrows (Utah)
If you’re claustrophobic, steer clear of the St George Narrows! I hesitated to include this slot canyon because it’s so narrow that it could almost be classified as a crack rather than a canyon.
Compared to most slot canyons, this passage is exceptionally slim. Even smaller individuals must navigate sideways to squeeze through, presenting a fun challenge for the adventurous!
This slot is located in a free park area with ample parking and restroom facilities, situated just outside the town of St George in southern Utah. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Las Vegas. Visitors not interested in the squeeze can still find good climbing and photography opportunities nearby.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
10. Kanarra Creek & Falls (Utah)
The Kanarra slot canyon stands out due to its two waterfalls! Located about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, this canyon provides a unique experience.
The first waterfall appears near the start of the slot canyon and is easily passed with a newly installed metal ladder. The second waterfall reveals itself a bit further in.
Overall, I’d rate this hike as easy, although the trail does involve some elevation gain.
As of now, a permit fee is required for the Kanarra Creek hike due to its growing popularity, with a limited number of permits available each day. These tend to sell out quickly, so planning is essential.
Difficulty: Easy
11. Spring Creek Canyon (Utah)
Spring Creek Canyon is another lovely slot near Kanarra, located about 2 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
This is generally an easy hike, offering bright reddish-orange rock colors that can be breathtaking with the proper sunlight conditions.
On our visit to Spring Creek, the trail was almost completely empty, which added to its allure!
Difficulty: Easy
12. The Zion Narrows (Utah)
Of course, I must mention the ultimate slot canyon, the Narrows! It’s located in Utah’s Zion National Park, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
This massive gorge features walls soaring a thousand feet high, with the Virgin River flowing through it. Hiking the Narrows means walking in water, covering a total of 16 miles.
Fortunately, the Narrows accommodates all fitness levels, as you don’t have to hike to the end of the gorge. You can simply stop and turn around whenever you choose.
Although it’s feasible to hike the entire Narrows in one day if you secure a permit in advance, most visitors opt to go partway and return (no permit required for this).
However, the Narrows’ rising popularity poses a challenge with large crowds, which can detract from the experience. For those who wish to explore without the crowds, I recommend obtaining a permit to hike it from the top down.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
13. Red Hollow Canyon (Utah)
The Red Hollow Slot Canyon features a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not far from the popular Zion and Bryce national parks. It’s about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Las Vegas.
The trail is incredibly photogenic, showcasing lovely red rock colors and steep canyon walls. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is an easy hike, making it great for families.
One particularly tight slot is ideal for chimneying or stemming, a new technique for us that turned out to be quite enjoyable.
Even though Red Hollow is short, it offers fantastic photo opportunities. Overall, it remains one of our favorite slot canyons!
Difficulty: Easy
14. Red Canyon Slot / Peekaboo Kanab (Utah)
The Peekaboo Red Canyon is a remarkable slot canyon near Kanab in southern Utah, located about 3 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada.
The main challenge of this slot entails navigating through soft, deep sand along the road leading to it. A true 4-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary, and you’ll want to air down your tires to avoid getting stuck.
Many visitors opt for a Jeep tour or UTV tour for convenience. Some of these tours also incorporate visiting the nearby Great Chamber, which is another popular site requiring a suitable vehicle.
Alternatively, it’s possible to hike approximately 8 miles roundtrip to reach the slot from the 2WD parking lot, though the journey is strenuous due to the sand. Proper navigation skills, sun protection, and an ample water supply are crucial.
The slot itself is stunning and easy to traverse, well worth the effort invested in getting there. This canyon caters to visitors of all ages and is certainly one of the most photogenic slots near Las Vegas, Nevada!
Difficulty: Easy
15. Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass (Utah)
Buckskin Gulch holds the title of the longest slot canyon in the United States, believed to be the longest in the world at 21 miles!
This canyon is located near the Utah-Arizona state border, but you can also reach it within 4 hours of driving from Las Vegas, making it viable for a full-day trip.
Buckskin slot canyon is excellent for photography and features Native American petroglyphs that are easy to access. The optimal way to explore this canyon is by entering from Wire Pass, allowing you to experience two slot canyons in a single trip!
Interestingly, many found the section at Wire Pass to be even more photogenic than Buckskin itself, with narrow passages and exceptional colors. A little wooden ladder positioned there makes for great photo ops.
Best of all, this slot leads straight to the intersection in Buckskin Gulch, where you can find some petroglyphs on the canyon wall.
Difficulty: Easy
16. Antelope Canyon (Arizona)
It wouldn’t be appropriate to exclude Antelope Canyon from a list of the best slot canyons near Las Vegas, as it is renowned for being one of the most beautiful sites in America!
Although this one is situated in Arizona, it’s still feasible to visit on a long day trip from Las Vegas, requiring about 4.5 hours of driving each way.
Antelope Canyon captivates photographers for a reason; its striking colors make it exceptionally photogenic. Capturing a bad picture here is a challenge!
However, it has become extremely popular; consequently, a tour guide is now necessary, and reservations may have to be made months in advance.
Nonetheless, GetYourGuide offers highly-rated tours from Las Vegas, complete with hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable air-conditioned transportation, and expert guidance through the slot canyon with a certified Navajo tribal guide.
We have had great experiences with GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities globally; they come highly recommended!
Difficulty: Easy / Guided
Las Vegas Slot Canyons Map
Here’s a map of Las Vegas slot canyons to assist you in planning your trip in Nevada. Click the icons for directions and information on each location, but keep in mind that some spots may be approximate.
As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, respect other hikers, and leave no trace. Thanks and happy travels!
Slot Canyon Safety Tips
Flash Floods: Always be aware of the weather forecast. Avoid any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it’s outside of your immediate area. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon.
Sunscreen: Even on a slot canyon hike, several sections of the trail expose you to direct sun; hence, using sunscreen is recommended. A hat can provide added protection.
Water: Aim to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. In Nevada, it’s advisable to bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Map: Download an offline map of your hiking area using apps like Google Maps so you can navigate even without reception. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous.
Thanks for exploring this guide on some of the best slot canyons near Las Vegas, Nevada!
