Waterholes Canyon

Page, Arizona

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Details

Distance

2 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Scott Sichler

Beautiful slot canyon close to Horseshoe Bend outside of Page, Arizona. The only self-guided option on the Navajo Reservation.

Waterholes Canyon is a lesser known slot canyon you can hike without a guide. While tour buses bring the crowds to Horseshoe Bend, Waterholes was definitely less crowded but still easily accessible from Highway 89 near MP 542. We obtained a $12 hiking permit from the Tribal Parks Office in a trailer next to the LeChee Chapter House, 3 miles south of Page along the Copper Mine Road. The office is open only on weekdays, so get your permit in advance if you plan on hiking on the weekend.

The parking area is on the East side of the highway. A map provided by the Tribal Parks Office shows the West side is off limits and that you can hike as far as the power lines on the East side without a guide. The trail to the entry/exit point is marked with rock cairns.

Once you descend into the slot, you can hike a short distance West. The power lines to the East are roughly a mile away from the bridge.

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