7 Breathtaking Slot Canyons in Arizona (Best Times to Visit and More!)

Arizona is home to many beautiful and breathtaking slot canyons throughout the state. A slot canyon is a long, narrow channel or drainageway with sheer rock walls that are typically eroded into either sandstone or other sedimentary rock. They are formed by water rushing through the rock. What is unique about these canyons is that they have colorful, wavy walls that curve everywhere. They also usually only have a small upper opening of several inches.

Many Slot Canyons are only available to see by scheduling a tour with a tour guide. So, it’s always best to check beforehand. Here is a list of 7 of the best Slot Canyons to visit in Arizona, the best times to visit, and more.

1. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Out of all the slot canyons in Arizona, this landmark is one of the most iconic ones in all the world. Located in Page, Arizona, this particular canyon is so big that it is separated into two distinct canyons: Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope. Between these two canyons, the hiking difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. The easier of the two is Upper Antelope. It is only 600 feet long, and the entire canyon is at ground level. Meanwhile, the Lower Antelope is 1,335 feet long and narrow, with more twists and turns.

Both of these canyons require a guided tour. Due to their popularity, the tours are open year-round. So, it depends on what you want to see or how you want to experience these slot canyons. That will determine what time of the year you come.

One of the biggest draws to Upper Antelope is the way the sunlight filters through the slots in the canyon. It creates amazing illuminations against the canyon walls, turning them into different shades of red and orange. The best time to visit for that is between June and August. If you are wanting to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit these two canyons is in May and September. However, if you prefer nice weather, you should come in April and October.

2. Deer Creek Narrows, Flagstaff, Arizona

This slot canyon is located at the Grand Canyon National Park and is one of the more challenging canyons to explore in Arizona. However, the view at the end of the canyon is well worth the hike. There is a 150-foot waterfall waiting for you that joins the Colorado River. With the trek that is required to reach Deer Creek, the best times to go are between March and October.

Deer Creek Narrows is a very remote canyon and requires a 20-mile hike in order to get to it. It’s not just the 20 miles that is difficult. It is also the fact that you are at 10,000 feet elevation. You should hire a guide to get to the canyon because you need to rappel down not one but four challenging rappels. The last one is 190 feet down the side of Deer Creek Falls. The slot canyon itself is only .4 miles long.

3. Pumphouse Wash, Sedona, Arizona

On the West Fork of Oak Creek in Sedona lies Pumphouse Wash. At only three miles round trip, this is one of Arizona’s more family-friendly slot canyons. This area gets its name from an old pump house. It was used by pioneers in the late 1800s to bring fresh water uphill. Along Pumphouse Wash, you will see red sandstone rock formations and mountains running alongside Oak Creek.

Some of the best times to visit Pumphouse Wash would be in either the spring or early summer. The months of March, April, and May are a perfect time because you also get to see the wildflowers in bloom. However, be sure to avoid this canyon during the monsoon months, mostly July, as this canyon and the surrounding area are prone to rather dangerous flash floods.

4. Jackass Canyon, Marble Canyon, Arizona

In the town of Marble Canyon, near Lee’s Ferry and the Vermillion Cliffs, lies Jackass Canyon. With a distance of 5.5 miles round trip, this hike will be moderately easy. However, you will need a hiking permit from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. Because of its secluded nature, fewer tourists will pass through these slot canyons. Some of the best times to visit are during the months of April, May, September, and October.

Parts of this hike could be considered challenging. At one point, guests must use rope passages to traverse a narrow 30-foot canyon. During this time, you’ll be passing through boulders and small pools of water. At the end of this trail, Jackass Canyon opens up to the Colorado River and Marble Canyon.

5. Salome Jug, Tonto Basin, Arizona

Near Tonto Basin and Roosvelt Lake in the Salome Wilderness area is Salome Jug. At 5.5 miles round trip, this is one of the most difficult slot canyons to hike. This trek has natural waterslides, crystal pools, giant saguaros, and a waterfall. If you want to hike down to the waterfall, it is suggested that you take a guided tour.

When the water is deep enough, you can jump from 30 feet up. If not, you can grab your gear and rappel down. The best time to visit Salome Jug is between late spring and early summer. The weather is perfect at that time and it’s early enough that you’ll miss the monsoon season.

6. Paria Canyon, Page, Arizona

Paria Canyon is on the border of Utah and Arizona, right near Page. This is one of the longest slot canyons in the state of Arizona. Sitting at 40 miles, you will discover walls as high as 800 feet tall. But, because of its location, this is one of the most remote slot canyons. Paria Canyon starts in Utah and stretches across to Arizona.

In order to get through this slot canyon, you will need to get a camping permit because it will take a few days to get through. The best time of year to visit is in early spring, before monsoon season. The canyons are prone to flash floods and high water levels during July and August.

7. Water Holes Canyon, Page, Arizona

This slot canyon stretches over 13 miles near Page, Arizona. There is a sandy wash area, cliffs, and narrow passages. However, only a stretch of two miles is open for touring and hiking. In order to explore this canyon, you must purchase a guided tour. Guests may choose between a photography tour or a general hiking tour. Either way, the tour guides give a lot of details about the local history and formations of Water Holes Canyon.

If you are a beginner, the hike can be a little difficult. The first part of the hike starts out broad and gradually gets narrower. After you squeeze through some spots, guests must climb down a 16-foot ladder leading to the narrowest part of the canyon. This trail is known for its bright orange and red cascading walls.

The best time of the year to visit Water Holes Canyon is during the off-season. The off-season is any time other than April through October. February will be a great option if the cold doesn’t bother you. There are fewer crowds, and you may even be the only ones on the tour.