Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon

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The Red Caves of Sand Wash is two different short slot canyons that are truly spectacular. They are a little difficult to get too but once there, they are gorgeous. They don't require any technical gear unless you would like to do two short rappels near the beginning of Lower Red Cave and one short rappel into the Upper Red Cave.

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Few, if any, slot canyons in the world can come close to rivaling the awe-inspiring curves and undulations of the sandstone slot canyons near Page, Arizona.

The Page, Arizona slot canyons offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. Though popular amongst hiking enthusiasts and professional photographers, the canyons are beautiful enough (and accessible enough) to appeal to just about any crowd. I mean, you've seen the pictures, right? Who wouldn't want to see this for themselves?! Please note that all four of the canyons below require a Navajo guide to accompany you..don't go adventuring off on your own!

• May 23, 2016 - Fine art and stock photographs of Red Cave slot canyon, a canyon reminiscent of Antelope Canyon, located in the greater Zion region of southwestern Utah by landscape and nature photographer Greg Russell.
• Hotels near Lower Red Cave Slot Canyon; Hotels near Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon; Near Airports. Hotels near (LAS) McCarran Intl Airport; Hotels near (CDC) Cedar City Airport; All things to do in Orderville; Things to do near The Rock Stop. East Zion Shooting Experience; East Zion Experiences; Massage.Good for What Ails You; Red Hollow Slot Canyon.

1. Upper Antelope Canyon

Typically visited by day, as pictured above, this slot canyon can also be visited at night through a tour with Lionel Bigthumb; your adventure may yield some photos similar to the below image. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — 'the place where water runs through rocks', is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won't have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won't be alone. If you're impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour. Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.

2. Lower Antelope Canyon

If you only have time to visit one of Page's famous slot canyons, Lower Antelope Canyon has my vote. Known as 'Hazdistazí' (meaning 'spiral rock arches') to some, Lower Antelope Canyon brings the most bang for your buck if you have limited time. Even though it is only a quarter-mile long, its landscape is dense in amazing features, including some of the most iconic undulating formations in the rock walls, along with amazing lighting and coloring. Even amateur photographers can take incredible photographs in this canyon! Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.

3. Rattlesnake Canyon

A tributary to the larger Antelope Wash, Rattlesnake Canyon is not as tall or as long as either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. It also doesn't have the famous 'light beam' phenomenon that those canyons are known for. However, the color quality of the rocks, the superb lighting, the unique formations, and the winding passageways of this canyon give it a feel and appearance that is spectacular in its own right. Factoring in a number of elements, I have to admit this canyon is my favorite! Check out Eric Harris's post for more details.

4. Mountain Sheep Canyon

As its name suggests, Mountain Sheep Canyon offers a rugged feel and more strenuous hike than the other slot canyons. The trek is longer than it is for the other canyons (about three-quarters of a mile), and there is quite a bit of scaling ladders along the way. The ladders are all secured to the rock, but a few of the climbs might be enough to make you a bit nervous…especially with younger children. Also, beware that this canyon is not immediately adjacent to the Antelope Wash, where the others are located; you will have a bit more adventurous (read: bumpy) ride to get to Mountain Sheep Canyon. Check out my post for more details.

For more details, history, and photography tips on the Page Slot Canyons, check out this post.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Upper Red Cave Slot Canyons

Added by Thomas Burton

The Red Caves of Sand Wash is two different short slot canyons that are truly spectacular. They are a little difficult to get too but once there, they are gorgeous.

They don't require any technical gear unless you would like to do two short rappels near the beginning of Lower Red Cave and one short rappel into the Upper Red Cave. We didn't take a rope and were fine although the canyons are usually filled with water and have some difficult obstacles to overcome.

To get there from Mt. Carmel junction, travel north on highway 89 to a dirt road called Tait Lane. Tait Lane will eventually pass over a small river and lead to a farm. Park your car somewhere near Tait Land but not on private property. From here cross the river and use the GPS waypoints to help you find the slot canyon entrances. There was a small fence that is easy to climb to the left of a locked gate on the private property. Remember to be respectful on the private property.

• Tait Lane: 37.248683,-112.662903
• Cross over the Fence: 37.247395,-112.657902
• Drop Down into the Wash: 37.241077,-112.647595
• Lower Red Cave Entrance: 37.225166,-112.647941
• Lower Red Cave Exit: 37.220052,-112.635894
• Upper Red Cave Entrance: 37.235311,-112.638708
• Upper Red Cave Exit: 37.220053,-112.635893

You can explore each canyon from the bottom to the top and then come back down or you can do a loop hike and combine the two by following the above GPS points. I would recommend bring a GPS so you don't get lost.

The trail will pass through a farm and up onto a hill. You will see some 4WD tracks that lead up the hill. Follow those tracks and stick to the right fork. Eventually you will start heading back down hill into Upper Sand Wash. At the wash you will head down the wash and around a bend then start heading back up the Lower Sand Wash. This will lead to the bottom of Lower Red Cave.

Enter here, but you wont be able to progress too far before coming to a dry fall. Head back out canyon and head to the left (looking down canyon) up the steep sand to the top of the canyon. You can enter back into the canyon after just a few minutes but it is steep to get back in. It may require team work or jumping, BE CAREFUL!

Follow the canyon up passing a few easy obstacles and possibly a little water depending on the last time it rained. Near the end of the Lower Red Cave you will get out and start the cross country trek to the upper section of Upper Red Cave. There really wasn't a trail to get from the Lower to the Upper. Head north and eventually you will reach Upper Red Cave. There is a small wash that you follow that will lead you to a 25 foot drop into Upper Red Cave. You could take a rope and rappel this section or you can head left out of the canyon for a little bit and there is an easier but still steep way to drop into the canyon.

Form here follow the canyon down to the mouth. Upper Red Cave had a few challenges and a lot more water than the Lower when we went. In fact one of the pot holes I was unable to feel the bottom of as we tried to swim/chimney through it. Make sure you don't take anything that can't get wet or if you do that it is well protected. I only got wet to just above my waist but I think we were lucky.

As the canyon ends, follow the way back to the 4WD road you followed in and back to the car. Both canyons are excellent for photos, but a tripod is a must with the low lighting. We also saw a white owl in the Lower Red Cave high above us on the canyon walls. When I heard this was a nontechnical slot canyon I underestimated its difficulty. While we were able to do it without a rope or harnesses it was very difficult and I wish I would have have been a little more prepared. If it wasn't for my father, who is an expert climber, I doubt my trip through these slot canyons would have been as pleasant as it was.

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Reviews

Andreas Slette

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over 3 years ago

Awesome!!!

Absolutely gorgeous slots and hiking. great adventure linking up both slots. can easily be done non technically but be prepared for water in the upper fork. upper fork has some very special formations and sections. take a minute to research it online and call the owners of the private property and they will be willing to help you out a lot.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.