6 Amazing Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA

Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA

Canyon country in southern Utah and northern Arizona is full of amazing adventures that you can explore on your own. Therefore, this article is full of tips on how to navigate the logistics to plan your own awesome canyon hikes and kayak trips throughout the area. Each adventure immerses you in a geologic time zone of colorful layers of rock. The worn stone canyon walls are mesmerizing as each is so unique. These canyon adventures in the Southwest USA will take you through monumental landscapes with fascinating geological stories.

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Southern Utah Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA

Kanarra Creek Canyon Hike

Kanarra Creek is a slot canyon near the town of Kanarraville, Utah off Route 15. The 4-mile out and back hike crosses Kanarra Creek many times until it reaches lower and upper Kanarraville Falls in a gorgeous slot canyon.

In an attempt to protect the slot canyon, the town of Kanarraville instituted a permit system for hikers. Permits are available on-line for a $12 fee each. There are 150 permits available per day. The spacious parking lot, water spigot, and bathrooms at the parking lot and the trailhead show that hiking permit money has been well spent. Limiting hikers makes sense to protect the beauty of the canyon.

In the summer, last-minute tickets are as hard to get as a seat for a Hamilton production. I reserved a month in advance for mid-May tickets. Book early so you won’t be disappointed.

Hike into Kanarraville Falls

The first part of the hike climbs over a hill on a wide trail through a sunny sage-covered desert. The trail narrows to a single track and you begin crossing the river back and forth. You will definitely get your feet wet on the hike so choose your footwear with that in mind. I used my favorite canyon hiking boots, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. These sturdy, waterproof and comfortable boots kept my feet dry through many river crossings. On the other hand, my daughter wore her Chaco sandals as she didn’t want to get her La Sportiva trail runners wet. I would usually recommend a closed-toe hiking shoe but she did fine with the Chacos.

After about 1.5 miles the slot canyon will appear in gorgeous draperies of smooth rock. Since the whole slot canyon is not very long, soak in the beauty of red and gold walls. The first waterfall has a log ladder and chains with a handle to help scale up the rock. While the ladder looks precarious, I found it quite stable. The chains at the top made it easier to make it over the lip of the falls.

The second waterfall runs next to a huge square boulder. Logs wedged on one side of the boulder help with the ascent. I found this climb slightly harder as handholds are scarce on the top. After this waterfall, the canyon opens up. It’s still a beautiful hike, just not a slot canyon. Many people turn back after the falls.

Snakes alive!

While hiking out, we found one reason to wear closed-toe hiking boots. As I climbed up a rocky part of the trail, I heard a rattling beside me. Without looking, I knew immediately that I needed to get out of Dodge. I scrambled as fast as I could up the rocks. Looking down where my hand had just gripped the rock was a rattlesnake sunning on the ledge. Yikes.

The Kanarra Creek hike is spectacular on a warm day when crossing the stream is refreshing. We did it in May so the temperature was perfect. In colder weather, I would wear neoprene socks. Be sure to bring plenty of water and food.

Zion’s Subway Canyon Hike

The Subway, a slot canyon in Zion National Park, is a challenging non-technical canyoneering trek when hiked from the bottom up. The hike is strenuous as it involves many river crossings and some route finding. The 9-mile round trip hike ascends the Left Fork of North Creek to a gorgeous slot canyon resembling a colorful subway tunnel.

The hike is for experienced adventurers due to boulder scrambling and river crossings. There is not a marked trail in the canyon so route finding on the informal paths is necessary.

A difficult-to-get permit is required. Enter the advance lottery two months from your hiking date or hope to score a permit in the last-minute lottery that runs 7-2 days beforehand. We entered the last-minute lottery 2 days before for a $5 reservation fee. We were lucky enough to get a precious permit. The actual permit costs $15-25 depending on the number of people in your group.

The Left Fork Trailhead is 8.2 miles up the Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin. The trail initially descends through red rock down to the river. From here, the hike up the canyon involves crossing back and forth across the river and climbing over boulder fields. Make sure to take note of where the trail joins the canyon floor as it is difficult to find the return trail out at the end of the hike. There are lots of stories of people wandering around in the dark looking for the trail out.

Near the end of the hike, gorgeous, terraced waterfalls come into view. Continue up these cascades and wade across river slickrock to arrive at the Subway. The Subway is an aptly named tunnel carved in the canyon, as seen in many iconic photos of Zion. The multicolored chrome tunnel is a stunning reward for the long hike. Admire the potholes and the beautiful colors of the Subway before turning back for the return hike.

Preparation for the Subway hike

The hike takes about 6-10 hours. It’s a long day of hiking. Postpone the hike to avoid possible flash floods if thunderstorms are forecast. Depending on the season, wet or dry suit clothing and canyoneering boots or water shoes are recommended. Hiking in May, I was happy to wear Hydroskin pants and neoprene socks in my boots as the water was chilling. I used my trusty La Sportiva Ultra Raptor boots which were perfect for all the river crossing. Proper gear can be rented in Springdale.

Bryce Canyon Loop Hikes

Bryce Canyon is the magical world of hoodoos located on the Colorado Plateau. A massive tectonic plate shift lifted the area of Bryce Canyon up nearly two miles. Therefore, Bryce Canyon National Park is cooler than the surrounding canyons as it’s at a higher altitude. When it’s sweltering in Zion, Bryce Canyon will be nice and cool.

The windows and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon are formed by wind and freeze-thaw cycles. The constant weathering and erosion have left a spectacular canyon to explore. I’ve been in the canyon during a snowstorm and in the summer warmth. Each time I’ve been breathless at the colors and shapes on the hike. There is nothing like seeing the hoodoos protruding from a blanket of snow.

The vistas are a wonderful place to see the beauty from the rim. However, a hike down into the canyon gives so many new perspectives of the formations.

Bryce Canyon hikes

There are two figure-eight hikes you can do depending on how much distance you want to hike. The mini figure-eight hike is 4.9 miles. Start at Sunset Point and take the Two Bridges Trail down. Follow the Navajo Loop until you get to the cut-off to the Peekaboo Loop Trail. The Peekaboo Loop is a delightful up-and-down meander through the heart of Bryce Canyon splendor. You may encounter horses on the trail so step off and let them pass you. Return on the switchbacking Wall Street trail of the Navajo Loop. Save some energy for the uphill slog at the end.

The larger figure-eight hike is 6.4 miles. Start at Sunrise Point and descend on the Queens Garden Trail. When it joins the Navajo Loop Trail, follow as above. This trail is the ultimate way to see the formations from the canyon floor. You will end at Sunset Point and can take the shuttle back to Sunrise Point.

The most popular hike is the Queen’s Garden to the Navajo Loop at 2.9 miles. You miss the Peekaboo Loop on this one. However, if you can, adding the Peekaboo Loop gives you so many ground-level views of the hoodoos and fins that it’s worth the extra miles.

If you are looking for other hiking routes in the area check out these amazing Bryce Canyon hikes.

Accomodations for Bryce Canyon

We stayed in the nearby town of Tropic at the Bryce Country Cabins. These adorable log cabins were clean, comfortable, and full of Western charm. The cabin was located right across the street from some great places to eat and only about a 15-minute scenic drive from Bryce Canyon.

Northern Arizona Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA

Horseshoe Bend Kayak Canyon Adventures in the Southwest USA

Glen Canyon once held a free-flowing Colorado River that etched formations of sandstone of great magnificence. However, in 1966 the original canyon was lost when the Glen Canyon Dam created Lake Powell. You still have a chance to see a small part of Glen Canyon by kayaking the section of the Colorado River from the dam to Lee’s Ferry.

This section of the river winds around the iconic Horseshoe Bend that has been the subject of many an Instagram photo from the rim. The river’s clear water runs at a steady pace so you can float through a canyon scoured over a millennium. There is no whitewater so anyone with a little kayaking experience can do it.

We did the 15 miles as an overnight trip to spend more time in the canyon. To watch the moon rise over the canyon walls was ethereal. The trip is also commonly done as a day trip starting at Mile 10 and paddling down to Lees Ferry.

Logistics of the Horseshoe Bend kayak trip

As it is impossible to put boats in at the Glen Canyon Dam, you need to hire an outfitter to take you and your boat upstream to the put-in below the dam. Then you paddle back to Lee’s Ferry. We used Kayak the Colorado to do our backhaul motorboat shuttle. The backhaul costs $75 per person and sit-in hardshell kayaks were $35 per day. They also rent single and double sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks and canoes. For day paddlers, the drop-off is at the 10-mile day-use area. For overnight campers, the starting point is at the beach right below the dam 15 miles upriver from Lee’s Ferry. The boat transport takes about 45 minutes.

Camping gear for the overnight should be compact as there is not much storage space in the recreational kayaks. For more information on the proper equipment for kayak camping, visit my article here. We took a tent but ended up quite happy to sleep under the stars. Heavy-duty dry bags for our clothes and gear were essential. We used a small stove to cook meals, but you could cook over the campfire as well. You need to bring all your own campfire wood as well as all water needed.

No lying-A mountain lion

As I drifted down the river on day 2 of our kayaking adventure through Glen Canyon, I saw a creature appear from the brush to drink from the river. I soon realized it was a mountain lion. What an amazing sighting. I tell more of the story of the mountain encounter here. There’s nothing like a surprise wildlife encounter to jazz up canyon adventures in the Southwest USA

Accommodations for the Horseshoe Bend kayak trip

To get an early start on the river for the kayak trip in Glen Canyon around Horseshoe Bend, we stayed near Lee’s ferry only 10 minutes from the put-in. The charming Lee’s Ferry Lodge at Vermillion Cliffs was our favorite accommodation of the whole trip. This remote motel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the layered Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The rooms are well-appointed with a desert flair. 

Antelope Canyon Kayak and Hike

A photo of Antelope Canyon is probably one you have seen before if you are a fan of slot canyons. The wavy red sandstone with shafts of light bursting through from above is awe-inspiring. The upper and lower parts of Antelope Canyon are on Navajo land near Page, AZ. To visit these parts of the canyon you need to book a tour through Navajo tour companies.

However, it’s possible to experience a section of Antelope Canyon on your own. The section of Antelope Canyon next to Lake Powell can be explored by boat and foot. The paddle is 5 miles round trip. It’s best done by kayak or paddleboard. Once you reach the landing at the very lower part of Antelope Canyon you can take your time hiking through the slot canyon. The mesmerizing formations of the slot canyon walls are like a cathedral of nature.

Logistics of the Antelope Canyon kayak and hike

We used Lake Powell Paddleboard and Kayak to supply our kayaks. The kayak rental was $55 for singles and $70 for doubles. We picked the kayaks up at the boat launch at Antelope Point. We didn’t have to strap them to the top of the rental car as other outfitters require.

It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the mouth of Antelope Canyon. From there you enter a no-wake zone and can enjoy the trip without battling the waves of speeding boats and the wind. The incredible sandstone cliffs surround you until you reach the beach at the end in about 30 minutes where the hike begins.

The out-and-back hike up the canyon is open at first then turns into the classic slot canyon of Instagram fame. The smooth walls of red waves surround you. You can hike about an hour up the slot canyon until it starts to peter out. Return to get a double dose of beauty on the way back.

The kayak trip and hike are best done in the early morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. Therefore, book the first time slot for the kayak trip and you won’t regret getting up early. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best canyon adventures in the Southwest.

Accommodations for the Antelope Canyon kayak/hike trip

For kayaking on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Page makes a good base. It has a nice selection of restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. The Bear’s Den B & B is one of the nicest places in Page. It has a hot tub and a made-to-order breakfast. For those looking for a budget option, we stayed in the Rodeway Inn which was centrally located and had a nice pool.

Another unique place to stay nearby in the Vermillion Cliffs area is the Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat. It’s a traditional Navajo hogan on a working farm. You can stay in an authentic Navajo hogan, a luxurious tent, or a cozy sheep herder’s wagon. Your hosts will provide a unique Navajo cultural experience with an emphasis on connecting to the land.

Grand Canyon North Rim Mule Ride

I’ve backpacked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up three times in my life. It’s hard work. Therefore, I was always envious of the people riding mules that passed me as I labored uphill. On this trip, I decided it was time to find out what it was like to be the mule rider instead of the hiker. Mule riding in the Grand Canyon turned out to be one of the most fabulous canyon adventures in the Southwest USA.

We decided on the North Rim as it was closer to our other canyon adventures in Utah and Arizona than the South Rim. The outfitter, Canyon Trail Rides, offers mule rides on the rim of the canyon or into the canyon. We went on the 3-hour ride down the North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel. The cost is $100 per rider.

The trail drops 2300 feet into the canyon on switchbacks. The mules share the busy trail with hikers. However, the mule rides have the right of way and hikers hang to the side of the trail and admire the mules as they pass.

Logistics of the Grand Canyon mule ride

A shuttle bus takes you to the stable nearby. The head wrangler asks about your experience and selects the appropriate mule for you. The mules are very surefooted and don’t tend to spook like horses so they are suited for the canyon trails.

The mule descent into the canyon is a ride through the geologic layers of the Grand Canyon. The head wrangler kept us entertained with fun facts about the canyon and bad jokes that were hilarious. There are some corners where a false step will send you down into the great abyss. Therefore, trust your mule. It’s not the mule’s first rodeo and their surefootedness is amazing.

There is a chance to dismount your mule at the Supai Tunnel and explore and get water while the mules rest. The 20-foot-long Supai Tunnel was blasted in the Supai formation by the National Park Service trail crew in the 1920s to complete the rim-to-rim connection of the South and North Kaibab Trails.

The ride out

The ride up the canyon is when the mules really put in their work. The weight limit for the mule trip is 200 pounds. You are not allowed to carry anything unsecured with you. The policy prevents phones and water bottles from flying off the cliff.

For photos, I used my iPhone securely hitched to my body with this useful piece of gear. It worked out well to get great shots without sacrificing my phone to the canyon gods.

Accommodations on the North Rim

With the exception of the Grand Canyon Lodge, it’s slim pickings for staying indoors on the North Rim. I decided that camping was our best bet so we would be nearby for a 7 am meet-up time with the mules.

I had researched dispersed camping as all the campgrounds near the North Rim had no reservations left. Fortunately, we found a last-minute campsite at the national park North Rim Campground and had a lovely night sleeping under the pines and stars.

Wrap Up of the Best Canyon Adventures in Southwest USA

If you are searching for amazing canyon adventures in the Southwest USA, definitely add these southern Utah and northern Arizona canyons to your itinerary. Most of these canyon trips should be reserved in advance so you are sure to get a spot. These are serious backcountry adventures so bring adequate water and food, have a backup plan, and Leave No Trace in these beautiful areas. An early start is always advised when venturing into canyons to prevent heat and crowds. For information on what to pack, check out this packing list for visiting Utah.

There are so many amazing hiking and kayaking adventures in the Southwest. Try some of these unmissable trails in Utah for more outdoor explorations. Many easy hikes in southern Utah are worth exploring too.

The Antelope Canyon kayak trip was sponsored by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience.

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