Englestead has one of the most dramatic starts of any canyon in Zion It goes from an open, shallow canyon to a slot in one spectacular 300' drop! I first did the canyon in 2003, and over the years had forgotten the details, except that first rappel When I went back and re-visited it in 2012, the first rappel was indeed as spectacular as I had remembered The rest of the canyon is good as well, and offers two choices of exits: a spectacular, but longer exit out the bottom of Orderville, or a shorter, less good exit u...

The Black Hole is often touted as one of the best canyon adventures around It has amazing beauty, challenging obstacles and is a lot of fun Be warned, however, flash floods have taken lives here Competent leadership is required for a safe and great adventure Several years ago the canyon flash flooded and filled with immense log jams, making it very difficult to descend After several years, these washed out, and the canyon is back to its former self Beware, though, it is a canyon that can change dramatically Many gr...

Starting at the same trailhead as the far more popular Notch Peak hike, Hell‘n Moriah Canyon seems like an overlooked gem to me The canyon is wide open at its head, but has a short and dramatic section that cuts through a limestone layer The section that cuts through the limestone is high walled, and very scenic One of the prettiest sections of canyon I have seen in the West Desert so far For hikers, you can visit most of the narrows as an out-and-back hike, which is likely how I would most recommend it Those wanti...

Upper Three Fingers is a great little canyon, in an easy to access, yet remote feeling part of the SwellIt's short nature make it a good beginner canyon Although it does have keeper potholes, beginners with teamwork should be able to overcome them The views where the canyon drops behind the reef are second to none Couple this one with Upper Greasewood or Hyde Draw or both to fill out a weekend

Neon, and more specifically the Golden Cathedral, may be one of the most photographed spots in Escalante The last rap into the cathedral is amazing, but the canyon above is equally beautiful Neon Canyon is one not to miss Hikers without technical canyoneering skills can hike up the bottom of Neon to visit the Golden Cathedral and return the same way Though this makes a long hike, I recommend it as the area is stunning and the Cathedral a unique and awe-inspiring place Warning!!! Neon contains keeper potholes! Go wi...

If you are looking for a remote section of the Needles District to visit, Davis Canyon is a good choice The canyon is situated on the eastern boundary of the park, requiring a high-clearance four-wheel drive to visit On our visit, no one had signed into the register in a month, and we saw no recent signs of visitation The canyon itself is home to the Five Faces Panel, a stunning pictograph panel It also has several ruins and granaries to visit, including Log Ruin, a unique ruin that has a large structure built out ...

The eastern reef, near where I-70 enters the San Rafael Swell from the east, is one of the most dramatic parts of the Swell to visit The Navajo and Wingate uplift is dramatic from a distance, and even more so up close Buckeyes Canyon is one of those rare canyons that descends from the top of the reef In its short, but steep descent, it passes through the Wingate and Navajo layers in a series of 10 rappels En route, it also passes through several unnamed natural bridges and gives a rare view of Tip Top Arch One of t...

Upper Stair is a great, short outing Although not technical, it does involve a lot of chimneying and stemming, so is only recommended for technical canyoneers Being a short route, with no rappels, allows this canyon to be enjoyed while carrying minimal gear

Dragonfly is a classic short canyoneering adventure in Arches Big views, two rappels, potholes, and a beautiful deep, lush canyon If you have a few hours, and would like to experience beauty and solitude within a stone's throw of the main road, this is the place! Note: There can be poison ivy at the bottom of the last rappel, but it is generally avoidable

Buckskin Gulch is occasionally referred to as the longest slot canyon in the world I think that is a bit of a stretch, it is a big world, however Buckskin is likely one of the longest on the Colorado Plateau It is stunning, with miles of absolutely incredible slot By slot, think 10-or-so-foot-wide slot, not have-to-turn-sideways to pass slot I would put it in my short list of canyons I have done on the Plateau for scenery and overall fun factor It is amazing to me that such a long slot is relatively easy to navigat...