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Canyoneer through Zebra Slot Canyon

AdventureChallengingSpringYear-round

Wedge through impossibly narrow, striped sandstone walls in the Grand Staircase-Escalante wilderness for a quintessential desert technical experience.

Itinerary tips

  • 1Secure a free backcountry permit at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center before heading to the trailhead on Hole-in-the-Rock Road.
  • 2Allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for the 5-mile round-trip hike, as the deep sand and navigational sections slow your pace.
  • 3Wear high-friction shoes and clothing you do not mind scuffing, as the canyon walls are extremely tight and abrasive.
  • 4Check recent rain reports locally, because even a small storm can fill the canyon with waist-deep, freezing stagnant water.
  • 5Download offline GPS maps since the trail across the open wash is poorly marked and easy to lose.
  • 6Pack a dry bag for your camera and electronics if you plan to wade through the potential pools at the canyon entrance.

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