10 Zion National Park Caves​ with Distance & Difficulty Level

Are you looking for best Zion national park caves for hiking & stunning views? You have come to the right place. Zion National Park is a natural preserve located in Southwest Utah and nearly 4,623,200 visitors visited this ancient place in 2023.

This park has a unique geography, detailed history, worth-exploring trails and other hidden gems that make it one of the top-tourist attractions. Want to know about best Zion national park caves in detail? Read this blog post till end.

10 Zion National Park Caves​ & Slot Canyons

If you are planning your visit to explore caves in the Zion National Park, we are going to share 12 of the beautiful and best slots or canyons inside the park. Let’s get started!

Zion National Park Map

1. Red Cave

The Red Cave Zion National Park is divided into upper & lower caves. Upper Red Cave slot canyon has a few steep parts in the lower section and stretches over 5,500 feet. When you enter the cave, you will be welcomed with amazing views of Navajo Sandstone.

The lower Red Cave is quite difficult and it is recommended to go for it only when you think you are professional enough. The major difference between both caves is upper cave is straightforward and lower cave requires climbing.

Distance: i.8 miles (upper red cave) & 3.5 miles (lower red cave)

Day Hike: Yes

Required Equipment: Webbing, rappel device, dry bag & map

2. Mammoth Cave

Considered as one of the longest cave systems in the world with different entrances and multiple passages. The cave system is actually a lave tube so it is quite easy to go inside and explore.

For adults, it would be easier but special care is needed for kids. Do not forget to bring lights inside the cave as it’s dark. You could easily explore majority of passageways without crawling. If you want to explore it with your kids, do not forget to follow precautionary measures.

Distance: 1.6 miles from Green River Ferry Rd.

Day Hike: Yes

Required Equipment: Layered clothing and athletic type footwear.

3. Belly of the Dragon

This is a Zion National Park man made cave that welcomes hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Belly of the Dragon was first served as a water drainage system and now it transformed as a famous hiking destination. This man-made cave is totally free as you won’t need to pay a single penny.

Belly of the Dragon exploration is such a fun and adventurous hike to take with kids so do not forget to bring whole family. Depending on the time of day you want to hike, it is recommended to bring some light if you need after the sun goes down.

Distance: 1.8-mile out & back trail.

Day Hike: Yes, but special care needs to be taken.

Required Equipment: Flashlight, headlamp and bring some snacks.

4. Weeping Rock

Are you in search of quick & rewarding hike inside the Zion National Park? Weeping Rock is highly recommended National Park tunnel with shorter distance. This is one of the best caves for families who want to enjoy their trip with short distance hike.

It includes several stairs through which visitors can easily explore the cave from inside. The water at Weeping Rock is 1,000 years old and when 1,000 years completed, the water travel through sandstone layers. This amazing fact make it more popular among tourists.

Distance: 0.4 miles

Day Hike: Yes

Required Equipment: For overnight climbing, permits are required but not for day climbing.

5. Keyhole Canyon

Keyhole Canyon is a short hike but difficult in technical that you cannot explore without swimming on cold waters and rappelling. This fast, fun and narrow cave is combined with pine creek and allow visitors to explore stunning views from inside.

In the past, this canyon was known as Starfish Canyon. It takes 1-2 hours to complete this trail. Navigation is fairly easy and the rappels are short & straightforward. So, we think it’s not too difficult to complete this trail with the help of complete gear.

Distance: 2.8 mile

Day Hike: No, it is not recommended to take risk of exploring this canyon during daytime.

Required Equipment: Helmet, rappelling gear and webbing.

6. Moqui Caverns

This is a sandstone erosion cave in Southern Utah in United States of America. The Moqui Caverns is one of the best caves for Zion national park caves tours. It is located a few miles north of Kanab along highway 89. It is easily accessible as a roadside attraction via a short hike.

While exploring this cave, shoes with good traction are must so you won’t get slippery. To enjoy amazing shaded views, it is recommended not to go in middle of the day. You can go early in the day or late in the evening when sun is going to sunrise or there’s a sunset.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Day Hike: Yes, but early in the day or later in the evening.

Required Equipment: No special gear is required but flashlight is must.

7. The Subway

The subway is one of the top hikes and technical canyon in Zion National Park. March through November is the ideal time to go for this hike before going, make sure that dogs are not allowed on this trail. For this trail, you must have wilderness permit in your hand.

If you are one who want to capture scenic photos, hiking in winter and want to experience ropes & swims, this cave is best option for you. Due to its popularity, it is completely managed under a quota system. The maximum group size limit is only 12 so make sure this earlier.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Day Hike: Yes, but trail is strenuous or challenging.

Required Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes, water & appropriate clothing according to weather.

8. Kanarra Creek

Among all Zion National Park caves and slot canyons, Kanarra Creek trail is considered as one of the best. To complete this trail, you have to climb along two waterfalls and this is a moderately challenging route. Strong technical equipment is required to climb falls.

If you think it is difficult for you to complete Kanarra Creek trail’s both falls, you should only go for one. The route to the first fall is less strenuous and does not require technical gear. Must go on this hiking trail to enjoy surrounding waterfalls views.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Day Hike: Yes, it’s totally a day time trail to go for.

Required Equipment: Permits, essential gear for waterfalls and good traction shoes.

9. The Narrows

Erosion at the Narrows has gone deep but note wide. You can start this trail at Sinawava temple and ends at the Virgin River. Thar Narrows are not too easy to complete so keep in mind this thing earlier. Most of the tourists claim that it is one of the most famous hikes.

Summer and early fall is the best time to go for this trail as you need to float on water to complete the trail. During winter and early spring, the water is not only too cold but also the days are shorter and do not have enough time to complete it.

Distance: 16 miles

Day Hike: Day hike from bottom-up & top-down. From top-down for overnight.

Required Equipment: Walking stick, clothing, dry bag, neoprene socks & first-aid kit.

10. Birch Hollow Slot Canyon

If you are in search of most challenging & technical hike which is less crowded, go for Birch Hollow Slot Canyon. It would be ideal choice for professional hiking enthusiasts who want to challenge difficult hiking trails. The trail starts by a deep-hike through ankle water.

The surrounding view is amazing to explore but trail continues with minimal elevation gain. Birch Hollow Slot Canyon is not recommended for beginners, family and mid-level hikers. For this, you must have technical canyoneering skills with specialized equipment and travel accessories.

Distance: 30 miles

Day Hike: Yes, a superlative day trip for professionals.

Required Equipment: Climbing harness, helmet, slings and GPS.

End Note!

Visiting one of the famous parks named as Zion National Park is must in every day’s life. Zion National Park caves are not only best for professional hikers & hiking goers but also for families and kids too. From challenging caves to easy hiking trails, this list is good to go for anyone. Before exploring any cave, you must have all the essential information in the form of distance, day hike and equipment to complete trail.

Frequently Asked Questions