Red Hollow Slot Canyon (1A I)

Location: Orderville / Kanab region, UT
Rating: Basic Slot Canyon Hiking 1A I
Length: 1 to 3 hours
Mileage: ~1.5 to 3 miles round trip depending on exploration
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Red Hollow Trailhead
End: Out and back
Permits: None typically required
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: No

Overview: Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and highly accessible slot canyon located near Orderville in southern Utah. Known for its colorful sandstone walls, twisting narrows, and easy approach, Red Hollow provides an excellent introduction to slot canyon hiking without technical obstacles or long mileage.

The canyon features smooth sculpted walls, sandy washes, narrow corridors, and occasional dryfalls that create a fun and scenic canyon exploration suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Because of its relatively easy access and family friendly nature, Red Hollow has become increasingly popular among hikers, photographers, and first time slot canyon explorers.

Approach: From Orderville, travel south on Hwy 89 and locate the signed Red Hollow Trailhead.

From the parking area, follow the sandy wash and established trail upstream toward the narrowing canyon. The approach is straightforward and relatively short.

Route Description: The route begins in an open sandy wash before gradually tightening into narrower sandstone corridors. As the canyon narrows, several small dryfalls and obstacles appear. Most can be bypassed or scrambled around, though conditions may vary after storms.

The canyon eventually becomes more confined and scenic before reaching turnaround points where larger obstacles may prevent further progress for casual hikers.

Water Conditions: Red Hollow is typically dry, though mud, standing water, or small pools may occasionally be present after storms or during wetter seasons. Flash flooding remains a serious hazard due to the confined nature of the slot canyon.

Exit: Return the same way downstream to the trailhead.

Important Notes:

• Flash flooding is a serious hazard
• Extremely popular during weekends and holidays
• Sandstone surfaces can become slick when wet
• Summer temperatures can become very hot outside shaded canyon sections
• Some obstacles may require light scrambling depending on conditions
• Cell service may be limited in canyon sections

Red Hollow Slot Canyon is one of the more approachable and beginner friendly slot canyon hikes in southern Utah while still offering classic narrow canyon scenery and desert adventure.