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zebra and tunnel slot canyons |
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Zebra and Tunnel Slots are short, sweet, and very photogenic
little slots, however getting there is most of the fun. Both
canyons drain into Harris Wash a couple of miles upstream from the
Harris Wash Trail Head. The canyons can be accessed from the
Harris Wash Trail Head, but most people hike in from Halfway
Hollow on Hole In The Rock Road.
This hike is for more experienced canyon hikers as route
finding and map reading are essential skills needed. Lost hikers
attempting this hike account for a substantial portion of the
local search and rescue work. A map is essential, be prepared.
From Hole In The Rock Road, follow Halfway Hollow down to its
confluence with Harris Wash. There are casual trails that cut off
most meanders. Once in Harris Wash head upstream or northwest
about a quarter mile to the first drainage that comes in from the
right or north, this is the Zebra Canyon drainage. The slot is
located only a short distance up the drainage. Most of the year
the slot contains water up to hip deep. Tunnel Slot is located
southeast of Zebra and is the next drainage downstream from Zebra
in Harris Wash. Walk up this drainage about a quarter mile to the
tunnel. The tunnel is about 70 yards long and almost always has
water. Tunnel Slot is a fascinating product of differential
erosion and a nice slog through the water in hot weather. To
return, retrace your steps upstream in Harris Wash to Halfway
Hollow and out to Hole In The Rock Road. |
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hike summary |
- Rating: Difficult
- Distance: The hike into both canyons
and back out to Halfway Hollow on Hole In The Rock Road is about
4 to 5 miles total.
- Topography: Elevation loss of 250 feet
from TH to Zebra.
- Access: Good gravel road to TH
- Water: None, carry at least 2 liters
per person.
- Fee: None.
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getting there |
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The trail head is located on Hole In The Rock Road
8.25 miles south of Hwy 12. The easiest way to locate Halfway
Hollow is to count the cattle guards you cross. The first cattle
guard is at the start of Hole In The Rock Road at Hwy 12. The
second cattle guard is located at Ten Mile Wash and the third
cattle guard is Halfway Hollow. Some park right at the third
cattle guard and drop down into Halfway Hollow. Another parking
area is located another 100 yards down the road and to the right
at some old corrals. Hole In The Rock Road is generally in good
condition and well maintained to this point and passable by
passenger cars. |
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maps / guide books |
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