Summary
The Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, conveniently located near the well-known Zion and Bryce national parks. This photogenic slot canyon features stunning red rock colors and steep canyon walls. Additionally, Red Hollow Canyon is easily accessible and perfect for families with children.
This guide will provide essential information on reaching the Red Hollow Slot Canyon trailhead and other vital details before you embark on your adventure!
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m)
- Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Red Hollow Slot Canyon: What To Expect
Initially, the hike involves traversing a sandy wash located downhill on your right as you approach the parking area. On your way down to the wash, you will pass a horse pen.
The wash area is exposed, providing minimal shade, making it the most strenuous section of the hike, though it’s still quite manageable.
Continue in the wash, following it toward the mesmerizing orange and white mountains until you arrive at the slot canyon entrance.
After hiking approximately 0.5 miles from the starting point, you will encounter the entrance to the Red Hollow Slot Canyon.
Upon entering, you will notice a significant drop in temperature, with the captivating scenery displaying remarkable passageways surrounded by steep red rock walls!
Your initial challenges within the slot involve climbing over minor boulders, which are easily manageable for families.
The next challenge presents a tightly squeezed slot perfect for chimneying or stemming techniques. This technique allows you to press your back against one wall while pushing your feet against the opposite one to cross the gap. Although new to us, we found it incredibly enjoyable to master this maneuver.
Following the chimney slot, you will reach a dead end marked by a rope dangling from a boulder. Families with children might need to turn around here, as the rope hangs quite high – I had to jump to grab it, and the climb can be sketchy for adults as well.
While the canyon continues beyond this obstacle, the sights become limited, so it might not be worth risking an injury if you’re uncomfortable or alone.
Some visitors may find the Red Hollow Canyon shorter than expected, but we truly appreciated our experience!
Map For Red Hollow Canyon
Here’s a map from AllTrails that illustrates the hiking route.
Although most of the map is reliable, the elevation gain at the end may be inaccurately represented due to a mapping error. Rest assured, this hike primarily remains flat and easy.
Trailhead Location For Red Hollow Canyon
The trailhead for the Red Hollow Slot Canyon is located just outside Orderville, Utah, conveniently placed near the Zion and Bryce areas in southern Utah.
The trail initiates in a residential area currently undergoing development, which may create some initial confusion. You can identify the parking area by the presence of a water tank encircled by a fence.
Upon arriving in Orderville, take a left onto 100 E street and proceed past the elementary school. When you reach the cemetery, turn onto Red Hollow Dr and continue straight down the dirt road until you spot the water tower.
Here are the GPS coordinates: 37.27088951513588, -112.62725758820253
This link will direct you to maps for navigation purposes to the parking area. Some visitors have encountered challenges when locating the trailhead via GPS, but our experience was seamless.
The trailhead is a 1-hour drive from both Zion or Bryce, and often even shorter if you’re coming from east Zion.
Trailhead Conditions
The road leading to the trailhead is in good condition, allowing any vehicle to access it.
The final 500 yards consists of a flat gravel road, eliminating the necessity for high clearance or 4WD vehicles.
As always, it is essential to keep the trail clean, be respectful towards fellow hikers, and leave no trace. Thank you, and may you enjoy your travels!
Slot Canyon Safety Tips
Flash Floods: Always stay informed about the weather forecast. Never enter a slot canyon if rain is predicted, even if it’s not in your immediate area. Flash flooding can pose serious dangers in slot canyons.
Sunscreen: Despite the shading from the canyon walls, there are ample exposed areas along the trail where sun protection is essential. Hence, applying sunscreen may be beneficial, and wearing a hat can also offer additional protection.
Water: Aim to carry at least 3-4 liters per person. In Utah, it’s wise to have more water than you believe you will require.
Map: It’s advisable to download an offline map of your hiking area using apps like Google Maps. This way, you can navigate or determine your location even in areas with poor reception. Navigating the desert can be perilous if lost.
We hope you found this guide for the Red Hollow Slot Canyon hike in Orderville, Utah to be informative and enjoyable!
