Like most photographers, there are certain natural features that attract my attention more than others. Slot canyons are one of those features. There is something truly neat about being sandwiched in between two towering walls when the light is working its way in from above and the temperature drops. 

Canyons can be created by rivers, erosions, and weathering. Slot canyons tend to be very narrow and can be very dangerous places to be during and immediately after rain.

The patterns, textures, and colors of the walls that are the result of weathering tend to be unique, making for interesting photographs.

Lighting, however, can be a challenge. In some slots, you want to be there at noon when the sun is high in the sky, so it can create shafts of light, but in others, having the sun lower in the sky allows for more even exposures. In all cases, it tends to be darker than outside so a tripod is a helpful tool for getting long exposures. 

Here are some slot and canyon hikes I have taken in the pursuit of canyon photographs. 

Upper Antelope Slot Canyons 

These sandstone slots, located near Page Arizona, are only accessible by guide and are just 600 feet long. They were created through water erosion and still flood today, contributing to the shape of the canyon walls. 

Antelope Slot Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Slot Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Slot Canyon, Arizona

Black Point Fissures 

These can be toured without guide or permit, but they can be tricky to locate because there is no discernable trail. These are located on the north shore of Mono Lake, near Lee Vining, California and are the result of a volcanic eruption that began beneath the lake about 13,000 years ago. As the top of Black Point cooled, fissures formed on the summit. Some of these are only a few feet wide but as much as fifty feet deep. 

Black Point Fissures, California Black Point Fissures, California

Black Point Fissures, California

Hoo Doo trails

These aren't truly slot canyons, but they sure have that slot feel as you continue to hike down into the depths of the hoo doos, so I have them here as an honorary mention. These are well worth the hike in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. 

Bryce Canyon, Utah Bryce Canyon, Utah Bryce Canyon, Utah Bryce Canyon, Utah

Mosaic Canyon

A large portion of Mosaic Canyon, in Death Valley,  is wide open (a car could drive through it) but near the beginning, it is a slot with very interesting wall patterns and shapes. This is an easy and accessible hike near Stovepipe Wells.

Mosaic Canyon, California Mosaic Canyon, California Mosaic Canyon, California Mosaic Canyon, California

Lake Powell

I was fortunate to attend a house boat trip to Lake Powell, Utah in 2008, when the lake levels were at an all time low. The lake was rising roughly one inch per day while we were there but may areas that would typically be underwater were exposed and accessible. A lot of these areas were incredibly narrow and winding, like being in a flooded slot canyon. 

Cathedral in the Lake, Lake Powell Anasazi canyon, Lake Powell Anasazi canyon, Lake Powell Cathedral in the Lake, Lake Powell Cathedral in the Lake, Lake Powell Cathedral in the Lake, Lake Powell Cathedral in the Lake, Lake Powell

The Slot

The slot is an unexpected feature in Anza Borrego State Park in California, but easily located and hiked. I have hiked this right after sunrise and again in late morning and found the light to be better earlier, before it flooded the canyon walls. 

The Slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California The slot, California The Slot, California The Slot, California

White Domes trail slots

The slot on the White Domes trail in Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, is short but easy and beautiful. The walls echo the landscape that this park is known for. This is a very popular hike so be prepared for crowds. 

White domes trail slot canyon, Nevada White domes trail slot canyon, Nevada White domes trail slot canyon, Nevada White domes trail slot canyon, Nevada