- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Map
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Weather
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Lodging
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Elevation
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Homes For Sale
INSIDER TIP The Tunnel Slot, an easy family-friendly slot canyon, is located about a 20-minute hike from Zebra and both can easily be seen in a single day. Book a Hotel 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4. There is something magical and sobering about exploring slot canyons in Southern Utah.Hiking, swimming and sometimes squeezing through high sandstone walls carved by the elements over thousands of hundreds of thousands of years (you read that right) makes you keenly aware of how powerful the natural world around us is. Turn left (north) and travel up the side canyon for 0.2 miles to Tunnel Slot. The 'tunnel' slot is over 200-ft. Long and is usually filled with water. Depending on the temperate and the time of year a wade through the tunnel may be a welcome relief from the hot sun. Located in Kanab, Utah, The Belly Of The Dragon is a short hike that leads to a slot canyon on the other side. It sits beneath Highway 89 and during rainstorms, the water runoff from the upper canyons diverts into the tunnel. Make sure to avoid this twisting cavern during rainy days, as it fills with water, making it dangerous.
To Zebra Canyon
Distance from Trailhead: 5.3 miles (round trip)
Ending/Highest Elevation: 5,125-ft.
Elevation Gain: -225-ft.
Note: This is an unmarked route. Make note of landmarks as you hike to facilitate finding your way back to the trailhead.
The route to Zebra Canyon starts 8.0 miles down the Hole in the Rock Road. (See driving directions below). From the parking area near the cattle guard, cross to the east side of the road and follow a boot beaten path east through scrub growth and junipers with distant views of Red Breaks. At 0.6 miles the route intersects the wash of Halfway Hollow. Initially the route does not travel in the sandy wash but instead periodically cuts across the wash and then traverses the adjacent benches to cut off meanders and walk along packed sand paths.
After walking a little over a mile Halfway Hollow starts looking less like a draw and more like a real canyon with sculpted sandstone walls. Watch for the boot beaten path that exits the wash at 1.5 miles. The trail now follows an ascending traverse along the north bench. The route reaches the high point on the bench at 1.9 miles. Here views extend east/northeast to the sandstone walls and formations along Harris Wash.
Descend the bench and reach Harris Wash at 2.0 miles. (Turn around and make note of the visible landmarks so you do not miss this turn on the return leg of the hike.) Turn left (northeast) and hike up the wide wash. The going is slow as you slog through the deep sandy wash.
Walk at tenth of a mile to a fork. Here Harris Wash curves left (northwest). We stay right and head into a side drainage. In a short distance a boot beaten path exists the wash and travels along the right (east) bench where the walking is considerably easier.
Travel along the side drainage for 0.4 miles. Soon you will see a narrow opening at the end of the drainage. This is Zebra Canyon. The canyon is short and quickly narrows. It is best to leave your backpack at the entrance to the slot. In places you will need to scramble over obstacles to work your way further up the canyon. The slot ends in about 0.25 miles at an impassable pour-off.
Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Map
Nature's artistry is finely displayed in this stunning slot. The further you go up the canyon the better it gets. The walls are decorated with intricate patterns of pink and white stripes. Wind and water have sculpted the walls into undulating surfaces. Cross cuts in the rock face twist and bend the patterns.
After exploring the slot retrace your steps to Harris Wash. If time and energy permits I suggest taking a side trip to Tunnel Slot.
Do you have the courage to enter the dragon's lair?
Mini-adventures on our leisurely hikes are always a bonus, so this little treat is the perfect addition to an afternoon in nature. The Belly Of The Dragon Cave in Utah is an awesome mini tunnel that feels like a portal to another world. You can explore this cavern to add a little excitement to your adventures.
Originally created as a runoff for the canyons above, it is now a destination worthy of treasure hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
If you dare to head into the dragon's belly, this spot is definitely a must (minus maybe all the gross stuff inside an actual dragon's stomach).
Located in Kanab, Utah, The Belly Of The Dragon is a short hike that leads to a slot canyon on the other side.
It sits beneath Highway 89 and during rainstorms, the water runoff from the upper canyons diverts into the tunnel.
Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Weather
Make sure to avoid this twisting cavern during rainy days, as it fills with water, making it dangerous.
During dry weather, however, it is the perfect addition to a day hike in the area.
You can wander through the slim trail, and you might want to bring along a flashlight as once you reach the middle, this giant cavernous space can get fairly dark.
Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Lodging
The tunnel goes all the way through for about half of a mile, ending at a small waterfall (depending on the time of year), and is perfect for a little cave exploration.
To reach the tunnel, head north from Kanab for 16 miles on Highway 89. From there, it is about 1.5 miles south of Carmel Junction. Look for a dirt road on the west side of the road.
Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Elevation
It is free to explore, and you can take as much time as you want to snap some seriously cool pictures wandering through the dragon's belly.
The gorgeous orange stone walls look like something straight out of the Sahara desert, and could even pass for the Cave of Wonders from Aladdin.
You won't want to miss this truly spectacular hidden gem, and it's such a cool little spot, you'll wish you'd known about it sooner.
Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah Homes For Sale
Belly Of The Dragon
Price: Free
Location: Mount Carmel, UT
Why You Need To Go: This hidden cave is perfect for a little break from reality.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
