This Hidden Slot Canyon Will Make You Forget the Crowds at Zion

Utah is like the momma bear of slot canyons! This state has more of them than anywhere else in the world. While many require ropes, technical skills, or permits, this slot canyon near Zion National Park is beginner-friendly, short, and a lot of fun.

If you’re visiting Zion, you’ve probably heard of The Narrows, one of the most famous slot canyon hikes in the world. But if you’re looking for an easier option or just want a quieter trail away from the crowds, Red Hollow Slot Canyon in Orderville, Utah, is a perfect pick for your road trip.

Top 3 Things to Know Before You Go

🏜️Beginner-friendly: Just 1.2 miles roundtrip with an easy trail through a sandy wash.

🏜️Close to Zion: Only 24 minutes from the national park, making it a quick detour.

🏜️Scenic payoff: Vibrant red and orange canyon walls, a fun narrow squeeze, and even an optional rope climb.

How to Get to the Red Hollow Slot Canyon

📍 Location: Orderville, Utah (24 minutes from Zion National Park)

This small-town trail isn’t well-marked, so you’ll want to pay close attention:

• Drive through Orderville and cross the bridge over the Virgin River.
• Turn right at US 100 E.
• Take the first left onto Red Hollow Drive.
• Follow the dirt road until you reach the water facility—that’s the parking area.

Parking is very limited, but I’ve always found a spot. Facing the water facility fence, look to the right—that’s where you’ll see the trailhead for this canyon hike.

What are cairns? Cairns are small rock piles that mark routes (trails). Don’t touch or make your cairns, as this can mislead other hikers.

🏜 Red Hollow Slot Canyon: 1.2 miles round-trip | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation gain: 5718 ft | Best Time to Go: Spring and fall (summer is brutal!)

Hiking the Red Hollow Slot Canyon Trail

The hike starts on a sandy wash, marked with cairns (little rock piles). Don’t move or add your own cairns—it can throw off other hikers. The trail is exposed with no shade, so pack plenty of water.

💡 From personal experience: I hiked this trail on a 107° day, and it nearly knocked me out. I honestly thought about turning back halfway through, and I usually handle hot-weather hikes fine. Learn from my mistake and don’t do this one in the peak of summer heat. Also, bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Use my calculator to calculate how much water you need.

When you finally reach the canyon, it’s worth every step. The walls glow with shades of red, orange, and even violet in certain light. The best part is the narrow squeeze, where you get to shimmy through with your back on one wall and your feet on the other. It makes you feel like a pro canyoneer, but without the technical difficulty.

Further in, there’s a rope anchored to the rock if you want to climb up. I’ll admit, I didn’t climb it. Being the big girl that I am, I wasn’t convinced that the rope would hold me. And honestly, that’s okay, trust your instincts. Even without the climb, the canyon is still incredible.

Why Red Hollow is Worth It

What I loved most about this hike is how unexpectedly beautiful it is. The sunlight streaming into the canyon makes the walls glow like fire. Running my hand along the smooth sandstone waves felt surreal, almost like touching another world.

And the best part? You don’t have to share it with hundreds of people. Unlike The Narrows or Angels Landing, Red Hollow Slot Canyon near Zion gives you that magical canyon experience without the chaos.

☝️This is a great experience for beginners who have never been on a slot canyon hike.

Tips for Hiking Red Hollow Slot Canyon

• Avoid the heat—go early morning, late afternoon, or in cooler seasons.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the sandy wash.
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• Follow cairns, but don’t build your own.
• Be prepared to turn back if the rope climb isn’t your thing.

Final Thoughts

Red Hollow might not be the longest hike, but it packs in plenty of wow moments.

Whether you squeeze through the narrow slot, climb the rope, or just admire the glowing canyon walls, this hidden slot canyon near Zion is an experience that’s simple, fun, and 100% worth it.

Would you like to hike this slot canyon? Let me know in the comments!

Yanitza Ninett

Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.