Upper Water Holes Canyon

The Trail
This easy trail is 1.6 miles long (one way) with a 168 foot elevation change. This "trail" is a beautiful and interesting non-technical slot canyon. There is a steep climb down to the bottom of the canyon right at the beginning, and there is ladder that must be climbed if you want to continue toward the end (the reverse obviously being the case on your way back). The trail ends at the power lines. Unfortunately since 2010, those wishing to visit the slot canyons beyond the power lines must pay for a guided tour. Going beyond the power lines unaccompanied is violation of federal and tribal law.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Maps

Water Holes Canyon is part of The Navajo Nation, and therefore to hike it you must first obtain a backcountry permit to do so. You may also visit the lower and middle sections of Water Holes Canyon on the west side of Hwy 89 if you wish, but be aware that unlike the upper section, these sections include technical areas.

Beginning of trail descending into canyon

Looking west at the Hwy 89 bridge toward lower
canyon sections. Going under the bridge will take
you to these technical sections

The first part of Upper Water Holes Canyon is fairly wide and open.

A small narrow side slot canyon

However, the canyon does become more narrow after continuing up it a ways, and the rocks become even more interesting. It is nice not to deal with lots of crowds and to be able to take your time through the canyon - things that are harder to do on many of the paid slot canyon tours in the area.

 

The narrow section ends when you reach a ladder (although this ladder does get washed out at times). To continue to the power lines, you must climb up the ladder.

Climb the ladder to continue to the power lines

Looking down after coming up the ladder

After climbing up the ladder, the canyon turns into more of a wide wash that you can follow until you reach the power lines shortly thereafter.

Directions
This trail is located near Page, Arizona. Getting there from Page is about a 10 minute drive going south along Hwy 89. The small dirt parking area is about 2.7 miles after Horseshoe Bend, and it is right before the bridge crossing the canyon. If you continue over this bridge before stopping, you will see a small sign that says "Waterhole Canyon." Continue away from the road slightly to find the place the trail drops down into the canyon. Then head up the canyon away from the road to hike this section. However, before hiking here you must pay a fee to obtain a backcountry permit from the Navajo Nation. You can do this by visiting their parking area along Hwy 98. Also, as with any slot canyon, be aware of the weather before you go and make sure you do not attempt this canyon if there is a flash flood warning!