Walking Wild & Free

Owlshead Slots 1

Owlshead Slots

Owlshead Slots 1

Owlshead Slots

An unofficially-named canyon in the Owlshead Mountains just south of Sand Canyon. Slots are rare in the Owlshead Mountains, so this is a unique feature.

Total Distance: 6.8 miles out & back	Elevation Gain: 1,293ft. elevation gain (148ft. to 1,366ft.)
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous	5-10 Mile Difficulty: Strenuous
View Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0	Author’s Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0]	Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Pets: No	Horses: Yes
Best Seasons: November-April	Special Permits: None
Water Availability: No potable or reliable water	Overnight Options: Dispersed camping permitted
Trailhead Amenities: None	Crowd Factor: Solitude
Trailhead Access: 1.5 (4×4 required when road is flooded or sandy – 2.0 to 2.3)
Uses:	Trail Surface:
Features:	Hazards:

Mile-by-Mile: Owlshead Slots

0.0 West side of the Harry Wade Road (148ft.). Head west and slightly south toward the mouth of Owlshead Slots Canyon, the southernmost canyon amongst some darker colored hills just south of Sand Canyon. (35.743878°, -116.542245°)

1.7 Mouth of Owlshead Slots Canyon (650ft.). Walk up the wide canyon. You will pass a large sand dune on the right (north) – this dune separates Olwshead Slots Canyon and Sand Canyon. (35.737232°, -116.570244°)

2.3 Mouth of slot canyon (859ft.). A short distance beyond the sand dune, the slot is on the north side of the wash. Turn right. The slot is short (about 100ft.), but a fun place to explore. Return to and continue up the main canyon. (35.737869°, -116.581601°)

2.4 Canyon split (872ft.). A short set of narrows may be of interest a short distance up the right canyon. However, this guide continues up the main canyon, to the left (southwest). The canyon narrows, with occasional possible slots to explore on the north wall. There is also quite a few interesting boulders and rocks, many sculpted like the rocks in the Alabama Hills. (35.737386°, -116.582326°)

3.4 Dryfall (1,366ft.).There may be a way around; however, the walls are pretty steep in this area. If you can get beyond the dryfall, the wash continues another mile or so into the Owlshead Mountains before ending at some cliffs. (35.733761°, -116.597025°)

History & More

The slot canyons received their name from the Owlshead Mountains, where the canyons are located.

True slot canyons are rare in the Owlshead Mountains, which tend toward wider watercourses. A real slot (even if it’s only 100ft. long) is part of what makes the hike special.

At least one hiker crossed over into Owlshead Slots from the basin in Wind Cave Canyon – this brought him into the Slots just above the dryfall.

You may find wildlife in the canyon – one hiker found mountain lion tracks and evidence of bighorn sheep.

If you’re traveling the road while the Amargosa River is flowing, your best bet is to come in via the Saratoga Spring Road. While the Harry Wade Road still might be flooded, at least you won’t have to cross the river’s main channel.

The canyons of the Owlshead Mountains are dry, extremely remote, and unmarked. Be prepared for self-rescue and to explore rather than follow a defined route.

Download Route Map

Driving Directions

The unmarked beginning of the route is 14.3 miles south of the northern end of the Harry Wade Road. If coming from the south, the “trailhead” is 11.4 miles beyond the Owl Hole Spring Road.