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CNN
3 days ago
- CNN
‘Every turn reveals something new': Hiking Southern Utah's stunning slot canyons
At first glance, the desert landscape of Southern Utah seems like a sweeping, sun-baked canvas — wide open and endless. But tucked deep within its sandstone folds are narrow slivers of magic: slot canyons, sculpted over millennia by wind and rushing water. They draw hikers from around the world, eager to wander their labyrinthine paths and stand in awe beneath towering walls sometimes just feet apart. But as alluring as they are, these canyons demand more than admiration. They require preparation and a healthy respect for nature's power. 'Slot canyons are fun and easy … until they're not,' says Jim Clery, owner and guide at Utah Canyon Outdoors in Escalante, Utah. 'You have to know when to say no.' Prev Next Slot canyon hiking blends beauty, problem-solving and risk. 'It's not just walking,' says Lura Snow, deputy operations manager for Wildland Trekking in Utah. 'There's often scrambling, navigating tight squeezes, standing water — and an otherworldly quality of light that feels like you've stepped into a secret place.' Before any of that begins, there's often a stretch of open desert hiking to reach the canyon itself. Exposed to sun and heat, these approaches can be deceivingly difficult. 'You're not just hopping out of the car and into the canyon,' Clery notes. 'Some routes require miles of walking through dry washes or sandy trails before you even get to the slot. It's part of the journey.' For many, slot canyons evoke a sense of awe and curiosity. 'There's a real sense of discovery,' says Clery. 'Every turn reveals something new.' About an hour's drive east of Kanab, Utah, Buckskin Gulch — believed by many to be the longest and deepest slot canyon in the US, and possibly the world — draws hikers with its immense scale and towering canyon walls. Stretching for approximately 16 miles through a twisting corridor of sandstone, its walls can reach heights of 300 feet while narrowing to shoulder-width in places. There are a few ways to hike Buckskin Gulch, depending on how far you want to go. The most popular starting point is the Wire Pass Trailhead, which offers the quickest access to the narrows. From here, you have two main options. For those up for an overnightYou can hike all the way through Buckskin Gulch to the White House Trailhead — a roughly 21-mile point-to-point trek. This route starts at Wire Pass Trailhead and travels the length of Buckskin Gulch, approximately 16 miles, before reaching its confluence with Paria Canyon. While camping is not allowed inside Buckskin Gulch, you can set up camp once you reach Paria Canyon, where dispersed backcountry camping is allowed with a valid overnight permit. Because the trail begins and ends at two different locations, arrange a shuttle in advance to return to the starting point. For a shorter, more accessible optionMany hikers choose an out-and-back route starting at the Wire Pass Trailhead. The trail follows a wash for about 1.7 miles before entering Buckskin Gulch, where towering walls and deepening narrows stretch for miles. Just inside Buckskin, you'll find petroglyphs etched into the rock — look low on the right as you enter. Most hikers continue a short way into Buckskin before turning around, making this route a rewarding and flexible way to experience the canyon's scale and beauty without committing to the full 21-mile trek. advises Buckskin Gulch hikers to check weather conditions and river flow before setting out. Leave your itinerary with a reliable contact who will know who to call if your group doesn't return on time. If Buckskin feels intimidating, there are other places to begin. The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options. This three-mile route winds through sculpted sandstone, with playful climbs, squeezes and narrow passages — but no technical gear required. Peek-A-Boo greets you with smooth, swirling walls and natural steps, while Spooky Gulch challenges you with tight corridors where backpacks — and sometimes bodies — need to shimmy sideways to get through. The trickiest obstacle is a 12-foot climb to enter Peek-A-Boo, but solid handholds and good footing make it manageable. Because it's a loop, you can explore both canyons without backtracking. For those who want to ease into slot canyon hiking — or simply leave the logistics to someone else — guided trips offer an excellent alternative. Companies like Utah Canyon Outdoors and Wildland Trekking provide safety, gear, route knowledge and local insights, making it easier to focus on the experience without the stress of navigating on your own. Slot canyons are carved by water — and can be flooded by it in an instant. 'People hear 'flash flood' and think giant walls of water,' says Snow. 'But even a relatively small amount can be deadly.' The danger? Many hikers only check the weather at the trailhead. But flash floods can be triggered by storms miles away. Buckskin Gulch, for example, drains from the Paunsaugunt Plateau near Bryce Canyon over 100 miles away, meaning a storm there can send water cascading through the canyon long after skies clear near the entrance. 'Check the weather for the entire drainage,' says Snow. 'Not just where you're standing.' Flash floods have caused fatalities in recent years, including two hikers who died in Buckskin Gulch in 2023. Even experienced hikers can be caught off guard by storms miles away. 'You might have blue skies above you,' says Snow, 'but if it's raining 50 miles away, that water can still come barreling through.' Slot canyons may feel still and silent, but they're full of surprises. Their shady, sheltered walls offer refuge for desert wildlife — from rattlesnakes and insects to the occasional tarantula. 'Slot canyons are shady places, so wildlife takes refuge there,' Snow explains. She once joked about tarantulas 'raining from the sky,' but it's usually just a spider dropping from a ledge — startling, not dangerous. (Tarantulas aren't considered dangerous to humans; their bite is mild and rarely causes more than minor irritation.) While rare, these encounters are reminders to stay alert and tread thoughtfully. Then there's the terrain: narrow passages, slick rock and puddles that can be deeper than expected, sometimes even requiring a swim. Water hazards and the occasional patch of quicksand are also possible, especially after storms. Trekking poles help with balance and testing depth, and sturdy shoes — and a sense of humor — go a long way. 'Some people turn around at the first puddle,' Snow says. 'But if this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance? Get in the puddle.' Clery adds that most injuries come from people hopping off short ledges. 'Even a two-foot jump can lead to a twisted ankle. If you're wedged in a narrow canyon with a busted leg, getting out becomes a whole new problem.' Spring and late fall are generally the safest times to visit. Summer monsoon season (late July through September) can bring flash floods, especially in places like Buckskin. Even in dry months, storms can build quickly. 'Start early,' says Clery. 'In summer, we're on the trail by 6:30 a.m.. That gives us time to get in and out before the heat and storms hit.' And if the weather — or your gut — says something feels off? 'Be flexible,' he says. 'Have a Plan B. Nature gets the final word.' A little homework goes a long way. Try to narrow down what kind of experience you're after — short and scenic, longer and challenging, guided or solo. Check with local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices, visitor centers, outdoor shops or guide services for advice and current conditions. And grab a paper map — cell service can be unreliable, and batteries die. Permits are required for both day hikes and overnight trips in the Buckskin and Paria Canyon area, and both are available through A $6 day-use permit covers hikes like the popular Wire Pass route, while overnight trips into Paria Canyon require a separate permit, limited to 20 people per day. Spots can fill fast, so it's smart to plan ahead. Be sure to pack plenty of water — at least one liter per hour in summer — plus salty snacks, sun protection, a basic first-aid kit and blister care. 'Desert hiking is slow, and you need to prepare for extra time,' Clery says. 'We measure canyons in hours, not miles.' The rise in slot canyon popularity has brought an uptick in damage, from graffiti on petroglyphs to improperly buried waste. 'People have carved their names over 8,000-year-old rock art,' Snow says. 'It's ignorance, not malice, but it's heartbreaking.' Snow urges hikers to carry wag bags for human waste, use Kula cloths (reusable antimicrobial pee cloths), and pack out everything — especially toilet paper and your own poop. 'Nothing breaks down here,' she says. 'It's the desert. It'll be here forever.' Your decisions can have unintended consequences long after you leave. Even camping comes with a lasting impact. A single off-road vehicle can create a new track others will follow, slowly turning wild land into a road. Clery's advice? Stick to established sites. Stay on durable surfaces. And if you really love a place, pick up someone else's trash on your way out. Because in the end, exploring slot canyons isn't just about seeing something beautiful — it's about being part of something bigger. It's about traveling with intention, moving with care, and respecting the delicate power of these hidden places. But wherever you go, says Clery, 'Don't expect to just show up and be spoon-fed a view. Slot canyons are immersive. They're humbling. They make you pay attention — and in return, they give you something unforgettable.'
USA Today
28-05-2025
- USA Today
'That's womanhood': How all-female travel groups are forging fast bonds, lifelong memories
'That's womanhood': How all-female travel groups are forging fast bonds, lifelong memories Show Caption Hide Caption Hidden gems, scenic stays and parks worth the trip With more people hitting the road this summer, national parks are expected to see record crowds. But if you're looking to escape the congestion, our Ali Reid has uncovered some hidden gems worth exploring. Women-only travel creates a safe and encouraging environment, fostering confidence and connection. The all-inclusive tour provided gear, meals, and expert guidance, allowing for a seamless introduction to outdoor adventure. The shared experience created a strong bond between the women, fostering open communication and mutual support. These trips offer an emotional reset and a chance for self-reflection, away from daily responsibilities. On my first day hiking through Moab's striking red rocks landscape, my excitement took over like an adrenaline rush. By the second day, trekking through the towering 'needles' of eroded rocks in Utah's Canyonlands National Park, my shoulders started to hurt under my daypack. My fellow female hiker and traveler immediately stopped to adjust my hip and shoulder straps to better distribute the weight, giving me instant relief. It was an intimate, caring gesture – like one between friends or even sisters. It was hard to believe I had only known her for a day – asking for her help and her closeness adjusting my pack already felt natural. Earlier this month, I embarked on my inaugural camping and hiking expedition, spending four days exploring the desert landscape of Moab, Utah, on the Women's Best of Moab Basecamp Tour with Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid Travel Company. It was a series of firsts for me: camping in a tent, exploring Utah's grandeur and doing it all with three women (one being the guide) whom I never met before. They say traveling pushes you outside your comfort zone – add going with a group of total strangers, and the ante goes up, at least for an introvert like myself. But there's something different about being with like-minded women that makes it feel comfortable, easy and supportive, even if we haven't crossed paths before. These trips are gay – unapologetically: How adults-only travel fosters a queer connection "Women-only travel can create a uniquely safe and affirming space for those who join," said Viviana McGovern, a California-based therapist and CEO of Full Vida Therapy who specializes in women's mental health. "Without the usual pressure of gendered expectations or performance, many women feel freer to speak up, try new things and reconnect with their sense of agency. Confidence often builds naturally when women are surrounded by others who encourage growth, risk-taking, and self-trust. It can be quite a transformative experience." These days, more women are pursuing these types of impactful travel experiences, with bookings for Intrepid's Women's Expeditions on the rise over the last two years. According to travel agency network Virtuoso, 40% of women travelers "seek a sense of belonging" on their trips, and 71% aren't afraid to go about it on their own, without waiting for anyone else. What is it like to go on an all-women's trip? For a camping neophyte like me, Wildland Trekking's all-women's expedition was a seamless introduction into outdoor travel. Under the care of my guide Michelle Beebe, who has been working in Moab for around three years, all I had to do was show up, unplug and enjoy. The tours are all-inclusive, with tents, sleeping bags and all other gear along with meals. Every night, Beebe went over the next day's itinerary, which included the highlights of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park plus a long hike through Fisher Towers, the stunning backdrop for movies and television shows like Westworld. "My goal when people leave one of these trips is to feel like they just made some memories of a lifetime, that they're taking away with them some peace, something they gained, connecting with others, connecting with the environment," said Beebe. "And then also maybe some time that they also had with themselves." I would hardly call myself a hiker or camper, so I'll admit to having a slew of nerves at the start of the trip, ranging from being unable to keep up on the trails or feeling out of place – even on edge – without my creature comforts (i.e. a bed, running water) for a few days. The reality was far from it. There was an immediate and unspoken understanding among us where we didn't have to be "on," which is part of what makes these all-women trips so special, according to McGovern. "In these settings, connection tends to happen more organically and authentically," she said. Despite coming from different paths of life, we instantly stepped into rhythm with each other – both literally and figuratively. We cheered each other on during hikes and never pressured each other to do a rock scramble or teeter to the edge if we didn't want to. "Women can often feel more emotionally available and open with one another, leading to conversations and bonds that run deeper than surface-level socializing," McGovern continued. "That sense of 'being seen' by others who understand your journey can create long-lasting feelings of belonging and mutual support." I quickly let my guard down around the other women without fear of judgement – which may not have happened if it was with a different crowd. Over dinner, we spoke about relationships, breakups, families and what feeling feminine means to us. After a long day on the trails, we sat in the van comfortably in silence. 'That's womanhood' For Katherine Patrick, the woman who adjusted my backpack, this marked her first all-women's trip. Usually, the 49-year-old from Chicago hikes on her own, but she wanted to explore Moab for a few days and was intrigued by the idea of going with just women and a guide. Safety also played a role in her decision to go on a group trip. "I thought it would be really interesting to have this kind of experience with other women, and we all opted in, we all sought this out," Patrick said on the last day of our trip. "A lot of my closest friends throughout my life have been through a love of the outdoors and physical activity, and I was hoping to meet some badass women and spend some time together." I echo Patrick's sentiment. This was my second all-women trip, the first being a surf retreat in Costa Rica two years ago, so I know how powerful it can be to spend time with a group of women who share a common interest. It forges a fast bond and sense of community, allowing your walls to come down. That surf retreat still stands as one of my all-time favorite trips with positive memories, and I know this one will have a space in the books too. According to McGovern, these trips also serve as an emotional reset. "It gives women permission to step away from the roles they usually are in and reflect on who they are outside of their responsibilities," she said. "This can be incredibly healing, especially for those recovering from trauma or navigating major life transitions in general." For another woman on the trip, it was her way of celebrating the start of a new job. The end of the four-day expedition was bittersweet. I was ready to return home, but I would miss the crew of adventurous women who were by my side for my first time trekking through Moab's deserts. "There's not a lot of pressure and this comfortableness that was mellow," said Beebe. "By the end of it, we're this close-knit family almost, you know, and that's womanhood."
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Forbes
Celebrate Mother's Day In Mother Nature On These 5 Hikes
Celebrate Mother's Day while exploring in the outdoors. For many moms, there's nothing better than spending time in the outdoors, ideally with family, to celebrate Mother's Day. Just picture her happy face as she hikes on a tree-studded trail, leading to a grand viewpoint, waterfall, or picturesque valley. From challenging multi-day backpacking trips to lovely day treks that would be perfect for wandering slowly and with intention, the below five hikes offer something for everyone. Lace up your boots, pack provisions, and hit the trails to honor your nature loving mama. The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in Europe. One of the most admired long-distance trails in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), which circles the stunning Mont Blanc massif and travels through Switzerland, Italy, and France, is so majestic that you'll likely want to do it all over again once you've finished. From charming villages and alpine huts to bell-clad cows to otherworldly views of glaciers, meadows, and forests, this adventure, while challenging, packs a lot in. To take out the guesswork, enlist in the professional guiding services of Wilderness Travel. They'll plan all of the logistics, help you safely travel from point A to point B, and provide informative and fun context along the way. Death Valley National Park if full of grand wonders, flora and fauna. Death Valley National Park, which hugs the border of Nevada and California, might be one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Expect incredible star gazing at this gold-tier Dark Sky Park, as designated by DarkSky International. Hiking here rewards adventurers with not only incredible views in the land of extremes, but also the chance to see feral horses and other wildlife. You'll marvel at the natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems on a three-night backpacking trip in this dazzling park on the Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop. In a few sections, the trail can be tough to find, making bushwhacking necessary. Utilizing the expert guiding services of Wildland Trekking is a smart idea. They'll not only handle all of the logistics, but also, they'll prepare the meals and do the clean up as well. If you need gear—backpacks, trekking poles, sleeping bags—they have that to borrow as well. Mothers will certainly get their steps in while on a walking trip in Greece. For a sojourn that your mom will adore, take her to Greece on a guided walking tour. She'll spend one week hiking on the islands of Santorini, Paros, and Naxos where each of the trails are rated easy to moderate. Your camera roll will be filled with colorful images, especially on the six-mile Cliff Trail in Santorini, which travels from Oia to Fira along the caldera. Experts in facilitating unforgettable vacations, ones that your mother will never forget, Exodus Adventure Travels takes care of all the heavy lifting so that you can simply enjoy spending time together in the outdoors. For a tiny island, Saba has plenty of hiking trails to keep you engaged. If your mom loves to trek in the outdoors but prefers a day hike as well as other outdoorsy activities like farmers markets, outdoor dining, and swimming, then look no further than the island of Saba. This teeny-tiny five-square-mile verdant and rugged Dutch Caribbean island feels incredibly remote and special. The adventure begins when you land on the shortest commercial runway in the world and continues when you hike to the top of Mount Scenery, a long-dormant volcano, and the highest point in the Netherlands. Plan to get a bit wet and muddy on this hike through the cloud forest, which ultimately leads to panoramic Caribbean views at an outlook (on a sunny day). Plan to stay for a few nights on the island to really get a feel for the locale. The Cottage Club Hotel features individual private accommodations, each with an outdoor balcony, access to a swimming pool, and a lovely breakfast. There's plenty to do to keep your mom occupied and happy. Hiking the cable route to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a big bucket list adventure for many moms. If you've spent any time in Yosemite National Park, likely you've stood in Yosemite Valley and gazed up at Half Dome, which stretches 8,800 feet above sea level. Perhaps you've wondered what it would be like to stand on top of it. When the cables are attached, which is the safest time to climb the dome, you'll need to secure a permit before heading out on your adventure. You'll want to be healthy and fit to tackle this strenuous 14—16-mile round-trip hike, which will take the entire day—you'll gain about 4,800 feet of total elevation. For those who are able, the views of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and Yosemite Valley are worth the effort—in spades. To be properly prepared, bring plenty of water, food, and snacks. Leave before sunrise to give yourself ample time to reach the top before heading back down. Pack a headlight, gloves, boots with great traction like Danner's Mountain 600 EVO, and consider bringing a harness to safely connect to the cables and make the last 400-foot ascent.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Trying to convince my husband and 3 teenagers to go backpacking was exhausting. I left them behind instead.
Wendy Altschuler left her husband and three teenagers at home to hike through Death Valley National Park. She went backpacking for three nights with strangers. The trip left her feeling more in control and aware that it's not the type of trip for everyone. It was 3 a.m. and I was awake not only because of the cold weather but because of a delight fizzing in my chest like Pop Rocks candy. Outside my tent, which was pitched on the desert floor in California's Death Valley National Park, I heard a faint stomping in the backcountry. Wild horses. I grabbed my headlamp, unzipped my tent, and poked my head out, fully expecting to marvel at stallions. That's the thing about silent spaces, remote locales with such little noise pollution that you almost feel like you have a superhero-level hearing. The horses had already run past, so I looked up at an expansive sky filled with stars and planets, bright enough that I abandoned my headlamp. This is the sensation I was seeking — the seemingly contrastive awareness of feeling itty bitty in a grand ole world, vulnerable and exposed to the elements, while at the same time, powerful and at the helm of my own life full of adventures. Many of my past family holidays involved hiking and backpacking. But my three sons are now teenagers, and they don't have the same enthusiasm for challenging page-turners in the outdoors as I do. When not with my kids, as an adventure writer, I also travel alongside other writers on media trips. This is why, during my visit to Death Valley earlier this month, I was excited to trek alongside everyday folks, plain clothes philosophers who had all chosen and paid to go on this adventure. An adventure company, Wildland Trekking, covered the costs of my trip. At Death Valley National Park, I backpacked for three nights on the Cottonwood Marble Canyon Loop — a 30-mile trek through steep climbs, bushwhacking trails, windy strolls in painted canyons, rocky creeks, nearly invisible paths, and moon-like landscapes where I felt my most authentic self. When day broke on that first morning in the park, shades of light blanketed massive boulders in a diagonal pattern. I shook out and packed up my belongings — everything I needed and nothing I didn't — and took one more glance around. And there they stood. Having grown up in Montana with horses and cowboy culture, witnessing untamed equine wandering freely in the most inhospitable milieu — the hottest, driest, and lowest national park — was a breath-caught-in-throat moment for me. How rare to find time suspended. I found my voice and bellowed, "Horses!" to the others, my new backpacking friends who were camped out nearby. Like a country song, or the setup to a riddle: "A farmer from Nebraska, a nurse from Georgia, and a newly empty nester couple from Colorado walk into the land of extremes…" Strangers from all over the country, with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lifestyles, had come together to sojourn in one of the most underrated national parks in the US — along with a capable guide to lead the way. Every decision each one of us had made in our lives up until that point — every path that flowed toward heartbreaks, career changes, dramatic births, painful losses, marriages, and love affairs — joined our journeys to this very experience. "Nebraska has the best tourism slogan," I said at camp one morning, remembering that parts of Nebraska join Death Valley in the Dark Sky Park designation. Grinning, the fellow Nebraskan and I parroted: "Nebraska, honestly it's not for everyone." I later learned that Nebraska's tourism director announced the end of the five-year-old tagline last year, but it had clearly left an impression on both of us. In the land of imposing contrasts, we protected our packs with rain covers, secured the hoods on our jackets during the wild wind atop peaks, and pulled our sun hoodies over our lids during long stretches trekking through infertile treeless land where we were fully exposed to the sun. Death Valley has few maintained trails and no established campsites in the wilderness. We only saw a few other people on the trail. After days of hiking through formidable terrain, full of awe-inspiring wonders like zebra-striped rock walls and theatrical canyons, we reached the end, which was also the beginning, and we did it together. I celebrated by taking the longest and hottest shower in my bathroom at The Inn at Death Valley. I had booked the hotel for my last night before heading home, an Old Hollywood oasis in the desert that once provided refuge for Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard. My phone vibrated, and I saw several messages, photographs of the farmer's family, beloved pets in front of a fireplace, the nurse bandaging a blister on her foot, and group shots of all of us with tents in the background. Was it worth it to leave my family behind and backpack solo in the desert with a party of strangers? Honestly, it's not for everyone. Read the original article on Business Insider
