This is something we had not prepared for when we entered and quickly realized there was a group of 6 in front of us with 3 dogs in tow.Īt risk of meeting the group in a narrow, impassible section, we pressed on through the tightest section of the canyon. Unfortunately, only a few people can hang out there at a time before it becomes overcrowded. Throughout the canyon, after each tight, claustrophobia inducing section, it would open up to a round, 4ft circular section that would allow us to regroup and leave bags behind before the next section. Following the trail leads you to what seems like a dead end, but for anyone who’s ever watch an Indian Jones movie knows, you’ve only reached the beginning. Only after trudging through fine, deep, calf burning sand do you reach the mouth of the canyon. The slot canyon itself, doesn’t begin until you’ve hiked 2.5 miles across the barren desert wash first.

After 8 miles of some soul crushing, washboard rutted, dirt road, you reach the trailhead in the middle of nowhere. Heading out from town, drive east until you reach the popular turnoff for Hole in the Rock Road (BLM 200). With that being said, if you’re a claustrophobic person, I recommend you stop reading now. But, I will also tell you it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in the desert, not to mention you’re rewarded with an incredible photo at the end. Zebra Canyon, located 13 miles outside of the desert town of Escalante, was the toughest slot canyon I’ve faced yet.

With my feet wedged into the narrowest section on the bottom of the canyon, shimmying myself along the wall, my hips would go no further. Squeezing through a slot canyon that was so tight, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d ever reach the end.

Zebra slot canyon water