Zebra Slot Canyon - Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, UT
Zebra was one of the last few slot canyons we had yet to explore along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and it was one of my favorites in the area. The striped walls were like nothing I've seen before, and it was a fun challenge getting there. Don't forget your water sandals!
Hike Info
Miles: 5.2 round-trip
Elevation Change: 300 ft
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Google Maps
Cost: Free
Getting There
Despite being unmarked on maps and having a lack of signs, Zebra slot is one of the more popular attractions in the area. We parked in a the dirt lot on the West side of the road right after the cattle guard before heading down the trail on the East side of the road.
The Hike
Although the trail is clear and easy to follow, the majority of time you are hiking completely exposed. In April the sun was already scorching, so be sure to bring a hat and plenty of water.
The crowded dirt parking lot
A fence across the wash 1.3 miles in
The trail winds through desert brush and red canyon walls before crossing Halfway Hollow and then dropping into Harris Wash. The soft sand here can make the last half mile seem a lot longer.
The trail winding through desert country - what most of the first half of the trail looks lie
Candy cane-striped canyon walls
Reaching the soft sand of Harris Wash
Finally reaching the mouth of zebra slot!
Soft soft sand before the first pool of water
The entrance to the canyon was lined with backpacks, shoes, and trekking poles right before the first pool of water. We didn't have water shoes and didn't want to get our shoes wet, and the water was numbingly cold! We had to take breaks during crossings wedging ourselves up the canyon walls to get our feet out of the water haha.
Bring water shoes! The water was frigid, but luckily not deeper than our knees.
Some parts of the canyon are so narrow, there's no room to place your foot flat
The especially picturesque portion of the canyon is at the very end, and we had the entire length of it to ourselves.
Cody looking up at the nest with a territorial, screaming crow
The colors and stripes! So gorgeous
Perfect lighting down the corridor
The canyon continues after a seven foot climb out, but the scenery is nothing special. People also combine this hike with Tunnel Slot by heading up Harris Wash, but we didn't feel like getting wet and started our hike back to the trailhead.