Slot Canyon Permits and safetey Tips
Ensuring your safety while exploring Bryce Canyon CountryDue to a recent increase in search and rescue calls in the following canyons, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office is now requiring all individuals planning to hike in these areas to obtain a FREE PERMIT prior to entering the canyons. Entering any of the following canyons without a valid permit may result in a Class B misdemeanor.
Witch's Cauldron / Trachyotomy Canyon
Due to the challenging nature of these environments, search and rescue operations can be delayed, sometimes significantly. Knowing the risks and being properly prepared is essential for your safety.
This measure is intended to promote responsible recreation and assist emergency responders in providing help when needed.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping to keep both visitors and first responders safe.
CANYONEERING RATING SYSTEM
All ratings are from the ACA (American Canyoneering Association) system. The ACA system uses a combination of number, letter, and additional qualifiers to describe a canyon’s difficulty in terms of technical skill, water challenges, and risk exposure.
Technical Difficulty: (Number 1-4)
- 1 – Hiking only. No rope or scrambling needed.
- 2 – Simple scrambling. Occasional use of hands for balance, but no rope required.
- 3 – Intermediate technical. Some climbing or downclimbing; ropes may be needed for short rappels.
- 4 – Advanced technical. Requires ropework, rappels, anchors, and climbing techniques. Can include exposed stemming and downclimbing.
Water Difficulty (Letter A, B, or C)
- A – Dry or very little water. Water, if present, is avoidable and poses no significant risk.
- B – Water present. Pools or flowing water; wetsuits may be needed. No significant current.
- C – Canyon with current. Flowing water with strong hydraulics or waterfalls. Risk of being swept, pinned, or submerged.
Commitment Level (Roman numerals I–VI)
Represents how long the canyon takes and how committing the route is:
- I – A couple of hours
- II – Up to half a day
- III – Most of a day
- IV – Full day with early start, potential for late exit
- V – Two days or a very long day with bivy potential
- VI – Multi-day expedition
Risk Rating (Optional Add-ons: R or X)
- R (Risky) – Increased danger due to exposure, poor anchors, or serious injury potential from falls.
- X (Extreme) – Very high-risk. Fall = likely death. High consequence stemming or downclimbing. Very difficult or impossible rescue.
Example Ratings:
- 2A II – Easy canyon, dry, half-day hike.
- 3B III – Intermediate canyon with water, technical ropework, and full-day effort.
- 4/X IV – Extremely difficult, technical canyon with life-threatening exposure and high-consequence moves
Sandthrax Canyon
Rating: 4A III X
Location: North Wash area, Garfield County, Utah
Sandthrax Canyon is one of the most notorious and technically demanding slot canyons in Utah. Known for its extreme narrowness, this canyon features long stretches of high-stemming, body-jamming, and chimneying over deep, dark slots with few to no escape options. The route has no anchors, no rappels, and virtually no safe resting spots, making it a true test of advanced canyoneering skill.
This canyon is not suitable for beginners or even intermediate canyoneers. It requires a high level of physical fitness, mental focus, and experience with advanced stemming techniques. The rating of 4A III X indicates that it involves technical challenges, carries significant risk of serious injury or death, and is extremely difficult to evacuate in an emergency.
Important Considerations:
- There is no water typically, but flash flood risk still exists. Always check weather conditions.
- Rescue operations in this area can be delayed due to remoteness and canyon difficulty.
- Completion of a permit is now required, including an acknowledgment of the risks involved.
Sandthrax is not for everyone—know your limits and don’t underestimate this canyon.
See more details on canyoneeringusa.com
Leprechaun Canyon
Rating: 3A III R
Location: North Wash area, Garfield County, Utah
Leprechaun Canyon is a beautiful and complex slot canyon system with three distinct forks—East, Middle, and West—each offering a different level of difficulty and technical challenge. The middle fork of Leprechaun is generally considered the most technical and is the narrowest of the three forks. It may, therefore, require some up-climbing, down-climbing, and high-stemming if those who venture into it are unable to squeeze through some of the narrowest sections.
This canyon features sandstone corridors, sculpted narrows, and a variety of obstacles that can be deceptively hazardous, especially for inexperienced canyoneers. Sections of the canyon can be extremely tight, requiring body wedging and stemming. Route-finding can also be tricky in some areas.
The “R” rating denotes higher-than-average risk, due to the combination of downclimbs, rappels, and potential for difficult anchor building in a confined space. While not as extreme as Sandthrax, Leprechaun still requires technical gear, teamwork, and solid canyoneering skills.
Important Considerations:
- Weather awareness is critical—flash flooding is a major risk in narrow canyons like this.
- Some routes may require rappelling or advanced downclimbing techniques.
- Search and rescue may be delayed due to the terrain and remoteness of the canyon.
- A permit is required, and hikers must acknowledge the technical nature and risks of the canyon system.
Leprechaun Canyon is a classic North Wash slot, offering an adventurous experience for the well-prepared and appropriately skilled.
See more details on canyoneeringusa.com
Trail Canyon
Rating: 3B III R
Location: Robbers Roost region, Garfield County, Utah
Description:
Trail Canyon is a technical slot canyon that offers a blend of beautiful narrows, deep corridors, and challenging obstacles. With a rating of 3B III R, it involves multiple rappels, seasonal water, and complex terrain that demands route-finding skills and solid technical ability.
Expect tight sections, dark and sometimes wet chambers, and a few exposed or awkward downclimbs. Water levels can vary depending on the time of year, and even small pools can increase the canyon's difficulty and risk.
The “R” rating highlights the elevated level of risk due to potentially dangerous rappels, anchor-building challenges, and limited escape options. This is not a beginner canyon, and teams should be prepared for self-rescue, particularly in the event of stuck ropes, anchor failure, or injury.
Important Considerations:
- Water may be cold and unavoidable—dress accordingly and be prepared for hypothermia risks.
- Bring proper gear for rappelling, anchor evaluation/building, and navigating wet or slippery conditions.
- Cell service is unreliable, and rescue may be significantly delayed due to the remote location.
- A permit is required, and all participants must acknowledge that this technical canyon requires training, teamwork, and preparedness.
Trail Canyon offers a rewarding and scenic challenge for experienced canyon teams who respect its technical and environmental hazards.
Witch's Cauldron/Trachyotomy Canyon
Rating: 3B III R
Location: North Wash area, Garfield County, Utah
Witch's Cauldron (also referred to as Trachyotomy Canyon) is a technical slot canyon known for its dark, winding narrows, seasonal water, and multiple challenging rappels and downclimbs. This canyon offers a remote, eerie beauty with tight slots and polished sandstone walls that have earned it a reputation among advanced canyoneers.
Rated 3B III R, the route involves a series of technical obstacles, including multiple rappels, tight passages, and exposure to cold or standing water—especially in the cauldron-like chambers for which it is named. Navigation can be tricky, and anchor options may be limited or require creative solutions. There are some transitions from wide to narrow sections that a few may find difficult, and it does require some off the deck stemming where a slip could result in getting stuck and often may require some up climbing too.
The “R” risk rating reflects the potential dangers posed by awkward rappels, anchor complexity, confined spaces, and water hazards. A solid understanding of anchor building, rope systems, and team safety is essential.
Important Considerations:
- Conditions vary, but water is often present—plan for wet conditions and possible swims.
- Anchors may need to be constructed or evaluated carefully due to limited natural features.
- The canyon is remote and infrequently traveled, which increases the risk in emergency situations.
- Permits are required, and participants must acknowledge the canyon’s technical and hazardous nature.
Witch's Cauldron / Trachyotomy is not for novice canyoneers. It offers a rewarding experience for skilled and well-prepared adventurers who respect the canyon’s complexity and isolation.
Canyoneering Outfitters and Guides
For a simpler and safer adventure, consider a guided trip. Guides offer invaluable local knowledge, ensuring you see the best of the area while prioritizing your safety. Plus, a major perk: if you use a permitted guide or outfitter, you're exempt from the individual permit application process, as they handle all the paperwork for you.