Labeled cutaway illustration of Deer Creek dropping from the Patio ledge through the narrow slot canyon called the Narrows to Deer Creek Falls and the Colorado River below

Deer Creek: Why the Narrows Are Closed to Climbing and Rappelling

A river-mile 136.9 waterfall hike stays open, but the slot canyon below it is closed by federal rule to protect a site the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians calls sacred.

September 23, 2026 · 7 min · 1378 words · Justin