Red Hollow Slot Canyon: An Easily Accessible Yet Fun Slot Canyon for Families and Dogs

When planning our trip to Southern Utah for spring break, we knew we wanted the coolest hikes possible. Red Hollow turned out to be the perfect first hike to kick off the trip!

My kids love a hike that allows them to explore and has either rock or water features. This hike has zero water, but it allowed them to explore the slot canyon and the side formations. They were able to climb and run while we slogged through the deep, loose sand, and enjoyed the peace of the canyon. The hike was easy enough for my parents (74 and healthy) as well as our golden retriever. Looking back, it turned out to be one of our favorite hikes because it delivered so much enjoyment with very little effort!

This is a relatively short out and back hike. Shoes that can handle the loose sand and slickrock are necessary. Since there is little noticeable elevation gain, this is an easy adventure. Dogs should be on a leash. Watch for cacti along the beginning of the trail that can easily dampen the fun of any hike. Tweezers and a fine tooth comb in your backpack can help with any cactus spines that cause issues.

This hike is fully exposed meaning there is NO shade. Sunscreen is a good idea year round. The hike works during any season, but plan to do this hike early in the AM or in the evening when the temps are high. Layers are a good idea during the shoulder seasons since the desert can be chilly early and late in the day. Finally, pack water for this hike even though it is short and easy. Trouble always arrives when least prepared!

• From Zion, follow UT-9 past the east entrance of Zion NP for 13 miles. Turn left on HWY 89 heading north until reaching Orderville.
• From Kanab, follow HWY 89 heading north to Orderville.
• Those coming from Zion/Kanab will proceed through Orderville, over the Virgin River, and turn right into a neighborhood which will wind you to the city water facility where you will find parking. Google maps was able to get us there. The map below depicts the neighborhood portion of the drive.
• For those coming from the north, you will take I-15 to exit 95 and turn left onto UT-20. Heading east on UT-20 you will turn right onto HWY 89. Head south on 89 towards Orderville, but turn left right before the bridge that goes over the Virgin River. You will be turning into a neighborhood and will follow the curving roads to the city water facility. Google maps should work. The map below highlights the neighborhood portion of the drive.

The parking area for the Red Hollow Trailhead is in a neighborhood off Highway 89 in Orderville, Utah. The gravel lot has limited parking. There is no overflow parking for this hike. This is a short hike which is good because there are no restroom facilities at this location.

The trailhead is barely marked at the edge of the parking lot. We were not sure which direction to head until we pulled up a map we had a screenshot of from the night before. That helped us locate the trailhead and was a great reminder to BRING A MAP! There are not many trail markers on the hike, but it is easy to follow the trail.

The trail is accessible to those who can move without assistance in loosely packed sand/soil/rock and can navigate safely on slickrock. Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs will not work on this trail. Tours on horseback frequent the trail and the corral is next to the parking area.

For your convenience, I have a single page printable with all this information available in one concise spot. Save the Red Hollow Slot Adventure Guide to your files for easy digital access or to print and take with you. Enjoy!