Boulder, Utah
Under 1 Hour
Spring, Fall
Free
Overview
Southern Utah is famous for its incredible slot canyons, but many require permits, technical canyoneering, long day hikes, or difficult navigation experience. Singing Canyon Slot Canyon is refreshingly different. Located just off Utah’s Burr Trail Scenic Backway near the town of Boulder, this beautiful narrow slot canyon can be explored after only a short walk from the roadside parking area. Visitors can experience towering canyon walls, stunning red sandstone cliffs, colorful sandstone layers, and dramatic desert scenery without committing to a strenuous adventure. It’s one of the easiest slot canyon experiences in Southern Utah and makes an excellent stop while exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the surrounding Colorado Plateau.
Singing Canyon was carved over millions of years as seasonal floodwaters slowly eroded layers of Navajo sandstone, creating the spectacular narrow passage visitors enjoy today. The surrounding Burr Trail Road originally served as a historic cattle trail connecting the remote town of Boulder with ranching communities near Bullfrog and eventually the shores of Lake Powell. Today, Utah’s Burr Trail Scenic Backway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the American Southwest, connecting visitors with incredible landscapes including Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the famous Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park, and eventually Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
the parking area is a small dirt area to the north side of the road
Walking up to the canyon, you can start to see the slot canyon between the canyon walls
Singing Canyon Plan
One experience we really wanted during our Southern Utah road trip was exploring one of the area’s famous slot canyons, but we weren’t looking for a technical adventure filled with tight squeezes or a long hike. While staying at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, someone recommended Singing Canyon Slot Canyon and gave us simple directions for finding it. They explained it was just a short distance off Burr Trail Road with an easy short trail leading into the canyon.
It ended up being exactly what we hoped for. Within minutes, we were surrounded by towering canyon walls, beautiful rock formations, and colorful sandstone layers. With the boys only being ages 3 and 5 at the time, it quickly became one of our favorite hidden gems in Southern Utah.
The scenery in Utah is so beautiful and different than what we are used to
Justin and Ryan walking between the trees to get to the slot canyon
Getting There
Location
Singing Canyon Slot Canyon is located along Burr Trail Scenic Backway just outside the town of Boulder, Utah. The route begins where the Burr Trail meets Scenic Byway 12 before traveling through spectacular desert scenery toward Capitol Reef National Park. Along the drive, you’ll pass towering red sandstone cliffs, scenic viewpoints, rock spires, winding side canyons, and eventually reach the famous Waterpocket Fold and Burr Trail switchbacks.
The slot canyon is located on the north side of the road, only a short distance from the highway, making it one of the easiest roadside adventures in the area. It’s an excellent stop when driving between Boulder, Capitol Reef, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The weathering on the rocks is so unique
There are a few trees that block the view of the canyon until you get into it
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the best seasons to explore Singing Canyon Slot Canyon. Mild temperatures make the easy hike much more enjoyable, while morning and late afternoon provide beautiful lighting as sunlight reflects off the colorful canyon walls.
Summer temperatures can become dangerously hot, and wet weather should always be avoided. Like all slot canyons, flash flooding can occur even when storms are many miles away. Checking the forecast before heading out is always a good idea.
Winter occasionally brings snow or muddy conditions along portions of Burr Trail Road, although most passenger cars can usually reach the trailhead during dry weather.
Beth, Ryan, and Justin walking into Singing Canyon
When taking a photo from far back, it’s impressive to see how big the canyon is compared to Justin and the boys in there
Singing Canyon Slot Canyon
Who Can Go?
Singing Canyon Slot Canyon is suitable for nearly everyone, including families with children, beginner hikers, photographers, and visitors who simply want to experience a classic Utah slot canyon without a strenuous hike.
The route involves only a short walk over uneven sand and rock, making it accessible to most visitors with a regular passenger vehicle during dry conditions. Those with mobility limitations may find the sandy terrain more challenging.
The redstone walls of the canyon
The boys have always loved climbing on large boulders
What You'll See
Entering Singing Canyon feels like stepping into another world. Towering canyon walls rise above you while colorful sandstone layers display vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, and gold. The short slot canyon gradually narrows, creating an intimate passage that showcases the incredible geology of the Colorado Plateau.
Juniper trees, desert shrubs, ravens, lizards, and seasonal wildflowers add to the scenery. Every turn reveals new textures, shadows, and beautiful rock formations, making this a great spot for photography.
Although much smaller than some of Utah’s most popular hike destinations, Singing Canyon offers an unforgettable slot canyon experience without the crowds.
Looking up through the canyon at the towering red stone walls
Redstone canyon walls
What to Bring & Wear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction and dress for the season.
Bring:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Snacks
- Camera or smartphone
- Wide-angle lens for photography
Because flash floods can develop quickly, avoid visiting during wet weather or if storms are forecast anywhere nearby.
The view from the back of the slot canyon out towards Burrs Trail
The guys walking through the trees at the entrance of Singing Slot Canyon
Where to Go
From the town of Boulder, head east on Burr Trail Scenic Backway. Continue along 11.5 miles of the road through spectacular desert scenery until you reach the roadside parking area on the north side of the road. From there, it’s only a short walk into Singing Canyon Slot.
Using Google Maps makes the destination easy to locate before your trip since cellular service can be unreliable throughout the area.
Most of the drive is paved, although portions of Burr Trail Road eventually transition to a dirt road beyond the canyon as you continue toward Capitol Reef.
This is the view from the entrance of the canyon
Looking up at the sky from the entrance to the slot canyon
How Long Does it Take?
Most visitors spend 20 to 45 minutes exploring the short canyon and taking photographs.
If you’re driving Utah’s Burr Trail, plan to spend at least half a day enjoying the many scenic viewpoints, overlooks, and nearby attractions. Many travelers combine Singing Canyon with the Waterpocket Fold, Lower Muley Twist Canyon, or continue toward Capitol Reef National Park.
Stephanie and Justin walking to Singing Canyon
All 6 of us in the Singing Canyon
Cost
There is no entrance fee to visit Singing Canyon Slot Canyon, making it one of the best free adventures near Boulder, Utah.
Singing Canyon is such a beautiful stop on the Burrs Trail, especially for how easy it is to get to from the road
Slot canyons are such a great place to explore
Tips for Singing Canyon Slot Canyon
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting on the canyon walls.
- Always check weather forecasts before entering any slot canyons.
- Avoid visiting during wet weather because of flash flood danger.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven sandstone and sandy terrain.
- Download directions on Google Maps before leaving Boulder.
- Most passenger cars can reach the parking area during dry conditions.
- Allow extra time for photography—the colorful sandstone layers are spectacular.
- Combine your visit with Singing Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, or other side trips along Utah's Burr Trail Scenic Backway.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles and help preserve this remarkable landscape for future visitors.