We all had an extra pair of socks with us, but we didn’t have to use them. My son went barefoot, which is an option. I packed a pair of water shoes with me and switched into them at the mouth of Zebra. But those same shoes aren’t the best inside the canyon, especially if there’s standing water. Good hiking shoes are best for the trek out to Zebra Slot Canyon. If there is a chance of rain, you risk being caught inside a narrow canyon when the river starts flowing. A rainstorm several miles away can bring sudden rivers of water to narrow canyons. Salt snacks are great, too, so you can retain the water you’re drinking. Dehydration is real, so you should plan on at least 3 liters of water per person for your hike. There is almost no shade along this trail, so you’ll be exposed to the sun pretty much the entire way.

In Utah, summer temperatures can reach 100+. As you plan to hike to Zebra Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, here are some specific things you need to do before you even leave your house: But if you aren’t prepared, it can be dangerous and even deadly.