What Are Slot Canyons?
Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utah’s layered sedimentary deposits. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. The Southwest especially Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible. They're formed where the perfect canyon-forming combinationheavy rain pooling in a natural wash. The water seeps into the crack or opening, bringing with it rocks, sediment, and other debris that carve a little bit away from the inside edges of the crack. This process takes millions of years. Sandstone is most susceptible to this kind of earth carving, but slot canyons can also form out of limestone, granite, basalt and other types of rock.
Best Slot Canyons to Elope At
Utah is full of amazing slot canyons, some of which require hiking, rappelling and technical skills to but some very accessible off road. Majority of slots canyons are located in Southern Utah, but you can find some amazing ones near Moab as well such as Little Wild Horse and Ding Dang. The former one is one of the most difficult one and requires some climbing skills, but if you don't venture out too far in you can find easily accessible walls and beautiful scenery. If you're thinking about eloping in Zion National Park the Narrows come to mind, but Zion has many easier, less crowded but shorter slot canyons within the park or right outside of it. Another great place is Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and red-rock canyons such like Peek-a-Boo/Spooky Willis Creek Canyon, or the most famous one Antelope Canyon (requires a guide and expensive permit for elopement or photography). Interested in Utah elopement packages? Click here.
Why Should You Consider Eloping in Slot Canyons.
To me number one reason is the scenery is unlike other. Yes, you can find big red rock wall anywhere in Souther Utah but what makes the slot canyons unique is how they're shaped, color of the rock is magically changing depending on the time of a day. Think of a big wavy labyrinth with desert color sand and beautiful smooth lines running along the walls. Millions years of geology at your finger tips ready to marvel. Slot canyons don't have to be narrow or claustrophobic, some are wide enough to fit a car, some offer amazing arches, caves and alcoves. Walls change color from dusty rose (as I like to call it) to vibrant reds and oranges...Once you're out of a canyon you can explore nearby desert and different landscape all around. But if your eloping in Zion, near St George or Bryce Canyon you can have your portraits taken at the nearest slot canyon for change of scenery.
Are you ready to elope at a slot canyon? Let me be your Utah photographer.
