Slot Canyons Beyond Antelope Canyon (That Don’t Require a Lottery Permit)

There’s no denying the magic of Antelope Canyon. Its iconic waves of glowing sandstone walls and famous light beams earned the canyon a spot bucket lists for a reason. But seeing Antelope Canyon requires a lottery permit system, meaning there’s a limit per-day of people who can visit, and also meaning planning takes weeks—even months—ahead. If you’re looking for a more spontaneous visit, the good news is the Southwest is packed with slot canyons that are that deliver the same jaw-dropping photo opportunities. Most of these are found near Antelope Canyon (with a few outliers) so you can always tack them on to your trip if you do make your way to the iconic waves. 

Here are other slot canyons in the Southwest that don’t have a lottery permit system. 

Wire Pass & Buckskin Gulch Trails | Kanab, Utah

You might be asking if this is in Arizona or Utah, and the answer is yes.  

Just under an hour from Page, the Buckskin Gulch Trails venture into both states. There are many trailheads, but the most accessible would be Wire Pass, technically in Utah. The hike begins across an open wash before the sandstone walls suddenly squeeze together into a winding corridor of red rocks so deep it’s a challenge to see the blue sky above.  

One of the highlights comes at the junction with Buckskin Gulch, where you’ll find ancient petroglyphs. One of the longest slot canyons in the world, adventurous hikers can continue farther into Buckskin to take in the views, or simply return after enjoying Wire Pass itself. A day-use permit is required, but there’s no lottery to snag months in advance, and you can bypass the process with a guided tour. Learn more and plan your trip at visitutah.com/things-to-do/slot-canyons/buckskin-gulch. 

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon | Kanab, Utah 

For a shorter, easy hike with the dramatic curves and swirling sandstone, head to Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon.  Located just outside Kanab, this canyon is reached via a sandy road that many visitors tackle on a guided UTV or Jeep tour, making it an easy half-day adventure. 

It’s a short walk before you find yourself surrounded by beautifully sculpted walls, carved over thousands of years by seasonal floodwaters. Guided tours also take the guesswork out of navigating the deep sand leading to the trailhead, making this an excellent option for visitors without a high-clearance vehicle. Learn more at blm.gov/visit/peek-boo-slot-canyon. 

Jenny’s Canyon | St. George, Utah 

Because some of the best adventures come in small packages, Jenny’s Canyon makes the list. Tucked inside the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve just outside St. George, is only about a half-mile loop, meaning the payoff comes quickly. 

The short trail winds through red rock before narrowing into a peaceful slot canyon that’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick detour between bigger adventures. Because it’s located within a protected habitat for the threatened desert tortoise, visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, and it is closed March 15 through June 1 to protect the habitat. Learn more at stateparks.utah.gov. 

Anniversary Narrows | Las Vegas, Nevada 

Visit Las Vegas for the slots, then head about an hour northeast near Lake Mead Recreational for some more slots…canyon style. Near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Anniversary Narrows is a beautiful canyon hike with a bit of a climb. Here, you’ll find towering volcanic rock for a darker, more rugged slot canyon unlike anything around Page or Kanab. 

As you hike over boulders and uneven terrain (making sturdy shoes a must), the reward is a twisting volcanic canyon, you can continue west to get a panoramic view of the Muddy Mountains wilderness. Learn more at alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/anniversary-narrows-anniversary-peak-loop. 

Bonus slot canyon: Goldstrike Hot Springs. Located in Boulder City, this hike includes a spring and slot canyon views, which you can read about in our recent article. 

A word of caution: The same rushing water that carved these breathtaking canyons can also make them dangerous. Flash floods can occur even when it’s sunny overhead, thanks to storms farther upstream. Before heading out, check the forecast and avoid entering any slot canyon if rain is expected in the area.