Red Hollow Canyon Trailhead

Best Time to Visit

Flash flooding is a serious hazard in all slot canyons, including Red Hollow. Heavy rain anywhere in the upstream drainage can push a flood through the canyon within minutes, even when skies look clear at the entrance. Check the weather forecast for the full upstream area — not just Orderville — before entering. Water also pools in sections of the canyon floor depending on the season; conditions can change after recent rain. Spring and fall tend to offer the most reliable dry-weather windows. Avoid entering during or immediately after any storm activity.

Trail Tips

• The sandy creek bed approach will coat footwear in dust — wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty, or bring a spare pair to change into afterward.
• Slow down once you are inside — the walls curve and concentrate color in ways that reward a careful look rather than a quick pass-through.
• The tight squeeze sections are manageable for most adults, but anyone with concerns about confined spaces should be aware the walls close in at several points.
• Cell service may be limited in the area; download any offline maps before leaving Orderville so you have navigation on hand throughout the approach.

Getting There

Red Hollow Canyon sits just off the main road outside Orderville, with no long dirt road approach required. The parking area is accessible without a high-clearance vehicle, which sets it apart from many slot canyon access points in the region. The total outing runs under two hours for most visitors, making it a practical stop between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park rather than a dedicated destination requiring a full day.

What to Expect on Red Hollow Canyon Trail

The approach from the parking area is mostly flat, following a sandy creek bed for roughly 30 minutes to reach the canyon entrance. Once inside, the canyon runs less than 300 meters through smooth sculpted sandstone walls that close in at several points to form tight squeezes. The light and color inside the slot are the main draw — the walls curve and fold in ways that concentrate warm tones even in diffuse light. Despite the narrowing sections, the canyon has enough open space that children can move through comfortably. The overall outing is easy to moderate, with no significant elevation gain and a short total distance that suits most fitness levels.