HIKING SLOT CANYONS

It's exciting exploring the slot canyon that God has created. If you want to have a safe journey, make sure you take time to prepare. 

PEEK-A-BOO ~ 2 A II rating
Escalante Grand Staircase, Utah

CANYONEERING RATINGS

1. HIKING ~ non technical slot canyons.
2. BEGINNER CANYONEERING ~ some scrambling and climbing.
3. INTERMEDIATE CANYONEERING ~ rappelling required.
4. ADVANCE CANYONEERING ~ technical climbing and rappelling.

• RISK ~ N (none), R (risky), and X (extreme).
• WATER ~ A (normally dry), B (some pools), and C (water with current).
• TIME ~ I. (few hours), II. (half day), III. (day), IV. (extended day), V. (2 days) and VI. (2 or more days).

PREPARATION

• WEATHER ~ The worst place to be on a rainy day, a narrow drainage. Plan your trip on sunny days. Pick dry months to explore slot canyons. And always have a plan of escape.
• MAPS ~ It's easy to get lost and turned around when you can't see any landmarks or horizon, in a sandstone canyon. Make sure you have a map, compass and maybe even a GPS. Remember your footsteps. And don't listen to strangers telling you there is a short cut back to your car.
• WATER and SALTY FOOD ~ Take extra water and salty food with you, in case you have to spend additional time out in the desert. It is vital to have a supply depot of food and water in your vehicle, when you return.
• ROADS ~ Washes crossing dirt roads can be impassible, even for 4 wheel drive vehicles, when there are flash floods. Bring a small shovel to dig yourself out, in case of emergencies. Contact the BLM office for road closures and updates.
• SUNPROTECTION ~ Make sure you protect yourself from UV. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing are important.
• FOOTWEAR ~ Test your hiking boots & shoes out on slickrock, before climbing in a slot canyon. Dry test ~ test for traction on dry rock surfaces. Wet test ~ test for traction on wet slickrock. If you use sandals, make sure they are totally secure, and will not fall off you, when climbing.
• JACKET ~ Protect yourself from cold, rain, or wind.
• FIRST AID ~ Being hours from the nearest medical clinic, make sure you have first aid in your pack and extra supplies in your vehicle. Also, learn basic first aid.
• DAYPACK ~ Large daypacks will be an obstacle in tight places. It is good to bring your smaller bicycle daypack. Don't forget important stuff.
• DON'T GO ALONE ~ The worst thing you can do, is to not tell anyone where you are going and hike slot canyons by yourself. You will need someone to give you a boost, climbing up choke stones, and a reaching hand, helping you up scarey places. And if you get heat exhaustion or need first aid, there might not be anyone else present to help you.
• HIKING POLES ~ A must for walking in running water, such as the Zion's Narrows. Muddy slots, are slippery! If you don't want to be covered in muck, a hiking pole may be a life saver.
• LARGE FRAME PERSONS ~ Some slot canyons are tight, even for small frame persons. It might be wise to ask others for advice, before wedging yourself in a tight place.