Tunnel Slot Canyon
After a great start with Zebra and Tunnel Slot Canyons, I continued down Hole-in-the-Rock Raod for more infamous canyon experiences.Referencing the fantastic book, Hiking the Escalante by Rudi Lambrechtse, I discovered extensive non-technical canyoneering hikes in the area and this one at the Dry Fork Trailhead couldn't be missed. In wet weather, parts of Zebra Slot have quite extensive pools. One mile further down Harris Wash, the next drainage on the north side is another short, unusual slot canyon - named Tunnel Slot it has a cave-like passage of 50 yards through high cliffs; the opening is 2 yards wide at stream level but only a few inches across higher up.
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah
- Tunnel Slot Canyon
- Tunnel Slot Canyon
- Zebra And Tunnel Slot Canyons Escalante Utah
- Tunnel Slot Canyon Escalante
Overview
Sun 44 18 | Mon 48 21 | Tue 51 20 | Wed 39 18 | Thu 39 15 |
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Tunnel Slot Canyon Utah
Sun 44 18 | Mon 48 21 | Tue 51 20 | Wed 39 18 | Thu 39 15 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Zebra and Tunnel Slot are both unique and distinct spots. Often photographed, Zebra lives up to its name with amazing pink stripes. Tunnel Slot, as the name implies, is a short section of slot resembling a tunnel.
Bring your camera and the kids, this is a great family outing. The hike is reasonably short, with straightforward navigation. Though it can be brutally hot in the summer, it is still do-able with an early morning start or visiting in the evening. My preference is to visit in the fall or winter.
Getting There
Head east out of the town of Escalante about 5 miles on highway 12 until the well signed Hole in the Rock road.
- Turn onto the Hole In The Rock Road and reset your odometer. ( 12S 453596mE 4175370mN / N37° 43' 28' W111° 31' 36' )
- Go 8 miles to just after a cattle guard. The trailhead on the south side of the road. This is 0.2 miles before Halfway Hollow. ( 12S 460697mE 4165897mN / N37° 38' 22' W111° 26' 44' )
Route
From the trailhead, cross the road and find a well-traveled hikers path on the north side of the road near the cattle guard. Follow this north while it meanders its way down to Halfway Hollow. The trail is well defined and well cairned. It will take 40-50 minutes to reach the bottom of Halfway Hollow. Near the bottom, the trail cuts left over low meanders and heads directly for Zebra. Follow it, crossing Harris Wash, and heading for the first obvious side canyon.
Zebra is wide open where it joins Harris Wash, but becomes deeper and narrower within 10 minutes of heading up it. Where it narrows, you may encounter a few pools from ankle to waist deep. 15 minutes up the canyon you will enter the short, but amazing Zebra section that ends at a small dryfall you can upclimb. This is the best section of Zebra. Above the small dryfall is a large pothole and the canyon opens. Head back down to Harris Wash when finished.
To reach Tunnel Slot, go down Harris Wash a little less than a mile (20-30 minutes) from Zebra to the first side canyon coming in on the left. Go up this side canyon about 10 minutes to reach the Tunnel. It can be dry, or a deep pool.
Return up Harris Wash to Halfway Hollow and follow the trail back to the trailhead.
Photos
Videos
Maps
Tunnel Slot Canyon
Tunnel Slot Canyon
| Trailhead | 12S 460697mE 4165896mN N37° 38' 22' W111° 26' 44' |
| Zebra | 12S 463205mE 4168360mN N37° 39' 42' W111° 25' 02' |
| Tunnel | 12S 464145mE 4167647mN N37° 39' 19' W111° 24' 23' |