Southern Utah: Red Rock Slot Canyon UTV Tour & Easy Hike

Summary

Red rock walls, quiet slot canyons, and a little desert wind

You’ll ride off-road in a custom UTV with a local guide into Southern Utah’s wild red rock country, then hike through two narrow slot canyons—no climbing needed. Feel ancient walls brush your sleeves, hear stories about Native American history, and let desert silence surprise you. It’s more than just a day trip—it lingers after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever see rocks this red?" That’s what our guide, Jake, said as we bounced along in the UTV, dust swirling up behind us like something out of an old movie. I could smell sagebrush—kind of sharp—and the air felt colder than I expected for Utah. We left paved roads behind so fast I barely noticed; suddenly it was just us, the machine rumbling, and these endless layers of rock that looked like they’d been painted by hand. I kept thinking, how does anyone even find these slot canyons?

At the mouth of the first canyon, Jake pointed out some petroglyphs—tiny stories scratched into stone. He told us about the Native American families who once moved through here, and I tried to picture them slipping between these walls. The hike itself was easy, no scrambling or climbing (which honestly was a relief—I’m not exactly nimble). The canyon walls were so close together my jacket brushed both sides at once in some spots. It was weirdly quiet except for our boots on sand and someone’s laugh echoing back at us. The sunlight kept changing color overhead; sometimes orange, sometimes almost purple.

I didn’t expect to feel so small in there. When it got too tight to go further, we doubled back to the UTV and headed for another slot canyon—this one wider at the bottom but still towering above us. There was this moment where everyone just stopped talking and listened to nothing but wind moving through stone. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — UTV ride and slot canyon hikes

• Ride UTV to first slot canyon
• Hike through first slot canyon
• Return to UTV
• Travel to second slot canyon
• Hike through bottom section of second canyon

Top questions

Is this Red Rock Slot Canyon tour suitable for families?

Yes, this tour is mild and perfect for families with children or anyone who prefers not to climb over rocks.

How do we get to the slot canyons?

Your guide drives you in a customized off-road UTV directly to the mouths of two separate slot canyons.

How difficult is the hiking part?

The hike is easy and does not require any climbing—just walking through narrow passages between tall canyon walls.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point before heading out in the UTV.

What should I wear during fall or winter months?

Bring warm clothes such as hats, gloves, and coats since it can get cold in Southern Utah during those seasons.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Will we learn about local history on this day trip?

Yes, your local guide shares information about Native American history and the geology of the area during your hike.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation by customized off-road UTV straight to two remote slot canyons in Southern Utah. You’ll be guided on foot through each canyon without any need for climbing—just easy hiking alongside stories from your local expert before returning together by UTV.