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Photos and words by Dylan H. Brown

Just outside of Escalante, only a short 5-mile drive down the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, tucked in the expansive sedimentary rock of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most stunning slot canyons around, Zebra Canyon.

Although there is no trailhead marker, the parking lot and trail are fairly easy to find. The parking lot is directly after the second cattle guard down the Hole-in-the-Rock rock at approximately the 5-mile mark. From there, directly across the road, the trail begins.

The first part of the hike goes through undulating rabbit brush covered sand dunes, until the trail drops into a wash. From there, the canyon deepens and about a mile into the hike, the canyon walls begin to display amazing textures. No need to rush straight to Zebra, as these canyon walls are visually appealing.

As the wash begins to widen, follow the trail to the left as it leads onto a bench. A short while later, you will come to Harris Wash (the lower part of Alvey Wash). Walk upstream to the next confluence, which will come in from your right (north). This is Zebra Canyon. Don’t let the extremely wide sandy wash fool you – at the head of this wash the canyon narrows considerably, turning into the slot known as Zebra (as seen on the right).

As the canyon deepens, the walls begin to form unique textures.

Water shoes and quick-drying shorts are recommended for this hike, as it is common for Zebra to hold water late into the season.

The first couple hundred yards typically holds water late into the season, so be sure to be prepared to wade. It shouldn’t be any deeper than waist high. As always, consult the visitor center in Escalante for the latest conditions: +1-435-826-5400.

The canyon will make a 90-degree turn to the right not too long after the water. This is where the canyon gets its namesake.

There are a couple pour-offs at the end of the canyon that provide a unique vantage of the canyon, but a series of potholes at the end block the exit.

As with all slot canyons, be courteous to others and leave the big, hulky backpack in the car.

This is an out-and-back hike, so to return, just retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Zebra Canyon gets its name for this 40-foot section.

Summary:

This is a short day hike into one of the most photogenic canyons around. The initial hike-in is moderately easy and should only take a few hours maximum to reach the slot. Once the slot begins, it quickly narrows to only a couple feet wide, so be prepared to squeeze through a couple tight spots and in occasions, possibly utilizing a second person to pass a backpack. Be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water per person, as water is very scarce.

Getting there:

From Escalante, head east down Highway 12 to the turnoff for Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Drive down Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 5 miles. Park directly after the cattle guard on the right (this is the second one you will cross after turning onto the Hole-in-the-Rock Road). Cross the road and follow the trail to the slot canyon.

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Overview

Zebra and Tunnel Slot are both unique and distinct spots. Often photographed, Zebra lives up to its name with amazing pink stripes. Tunnel Slot, as the name implies, is a short section of slot resembling a tunnel.

Bring your camera and the kids, this is a great family outing. The hike is reasonably short, with straightforward navigation. Though it can be brutally hot in the summer, it is still do-able with an early morning start or visiting in the evening. My preference is to visit in the fall or winter.

Getting There

Head east out of the town of Escalante about 5 miles on highway 12 until the well signed Hole in the Rock road.

• Turn onto the Hole In The Rock Road and reset your odometer. ( 12S 453596mE 4175370mN / N37° 43' 28' W111° 31' 36' )
• Go 8 miles to just after a cattle guard. The trailhead on the south side of the road. This is 0.2 miles before Halfway Hollow. ( 12S 460697mE 4165897mN / N37° 38' 22' W111° 26' 44' )

Route

From the trailhead, cross the road and find a well-traveled hikers path on the north side of the road near the cattle guard. Follow this north while it meanders its way down to Halfway Hollow. The trail is well defined and well cairned. It will take 40-50 minutes to reach the bottom of Halfway Hollow. Near the bottom, the trail cuts left over low meanders and heads directly for Zebra. Follow it, crossing Harris Wash, and heading for the first obvious side canyon.

Zebra is wide open where it joins Harris Wash, but becomes deeper and narrower within 10 minutes of heading up it. Where it narrows, you may encounter a few pools from ankle to waist deep. 15 minutes up the canyon you will enter the short, but amazing Zebra section that ends at a small dryfall you can upclimb. This is the best section of Zebra. Above the small dryfall is a large pothole and the canyon opens. Head back down to Harris Wash when finished.

To reach Tunnel Slot, go down Harris Wash a little less than a mile (20-30 minutes) from Zebra to the first side canyon coming in on the left. Go up this side canyon about 10 minutes to reach the Tunnel. It can be dry, or a deep pool.

Return up Harris Wash to Halfway Hollow and follow the trail back to the trailhead.

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