Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah
On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you’ll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. Once you’re in, all you have to do is walk through a scenic paradise of red and purple rock.
From the trailhead, get into Dry Fork Wash via moderate scrambling down some short cliffs and following cairns as needed. Once you’re off the cliff and into the sand dunes, you’ll hike along the creek wash until you see the mouth of Peek-a-Boo. There are hand and foot cut-outs in the rock to help you get up and into the canyon.
Once you leave Peek-a-Boo, keep hiking (longer than you think you should, most likely) until you come to a juniper tree, then follow the trail and cairns leading to the right and the entrance of Spooky Gulch. Scramble down a mellow rock face to get into the canyon. It soon tightens up, and you’ll be having a good time navigating the confines of this fun canyon. The loop generally takes about 3-4 hours depending on pace and skill level.
Peek-a-boo Gulch is a short slot canyon in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase- Escalante area, located on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, 26 miles south of the town of Escalante. Peek-a-boo is not very long, or physically demanding, but it requires some navigational and rock-scrambling skill in order to get through its twists and chutes. Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Canyons in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a Utah hidden secret and well worth the hour drive down a gravel washboard Hole-in-the-Rock road. The walls are getting narrower Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is 1.9 million acres of canyons, cliffs and rugged landscapes in Southern Utah. Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulches are hidden wonders in my opinion. They are some of the most incredible slot canyons in Utah. If you like to take pictures, these slots will be some of the prettiest pictures you will ever capture. #grandstaircaseescalantehikes #peekaboogulch #slotcanyon The Peek-a-boo/Spooky Gulch slot canyon loop trail used to be one of those little-known treasures hi. But excitement in the high Utah desert beats out the high found in large cities. Located in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Peek-a-boo and Spooky slot canyons are known as the best slot canyons in the entire Monument. These non-technical, fun slot canyons can be enjoyed by the entire family (no dogs allowed).
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Arizona
Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-Boo Canyon are easily the best beginner slot canyons in Utah. Both are easily accessible and rugged enough to be challenging, yet don’t require any technical canyoneering equipment or skills. It also doesn’t hurt that they are some of the most narrow and photogenic slot canyons in the area, with Spooky being especially claustrophobic. These unique formations offer a true adventure and this guide will cover everything you need to confidently visit this incredible area.
What is a slot canyon?
Slot canyons are narrow, water carved canyons, often measuring more than ten times deeper than they are wide. They are formed when heavy, monsoon-rains flow into an outcrop, which over thousands of years will carve out a narrow drainage basin. Although there are slot canyons around the world, the vast majority of them are found in the Southwestern United States which has ideal conditions for their creation.
Getting There & Hiking Route
Both Spooky and Peek-a-Boo are located an hours drive south of Escalante, Utah, along Hole-In-The-Rock Road. A two-wheel drive car will suitable getting here, but do know that it is heavily washboarded and has several sandy sections. Even thought probably won’t be going more than 20 mph for most of the way.
Once at the trailhead, it’s an easy, 45 minute hike down to the canyons. The trail is well marked and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the way. It doesn’t matter which slot canyon you choose first, although do note that some people find coming out of Peek-a-boo a bit challenging due to the steep entryway. From the top of both Spooky and Peek-a-boo, there isn’t a well marked trail so it’s best to bring a GPS or have the satellite maps open on your phone. I have included hiking and driving directions in a custom map you can access by clicking the picture below.
Need To Know
Spooky: This slot canyon in particular is extremely narrow with some sections only ten inches wide. Extremely buff or “fluffy” hikers will have trouble squeezing through.
Peek-A-Boo: The entrance to Peek-A-Boo slot canyon is a steep, 15 foot climb over slick sandstone without any good places to grip. If you’re not confident, bring some rope and a friend.
Time: The hike out from the parking lot will take around 45 minutes one way and the full loop should take around 2-3 hours. Coupled with the long drive from Kanab, this is a full day outing.
Camping: If you’re planning to hike in the summer, arriving the night before and camping will give you a head start to beat the scorching southwestern heat. Overnight permits are free and you simply need to fill one out at the trailhead.
Dangers: Because slot canyons are often drainage basins for large areas, even light rain can flood a slot canyon all the way to the top. Do not hike if there is any forecasted rain in the area. If it has rained in the past several days, be aware that you could run into quicksand which forms from super-saturated sands. Several hikers have had to be rescued from the area over the years after becoming victim to quicksand. Rattlesnakes will occasionally take shade inside slot canyons so watch where you step.
When To Go
Both Peek-a-boo and Spooky slot canyons can be visited year round, although the summer months are brutally hot. If you are like me and plan to spend all day in the desert sun, bring at least one gallon of water per person.
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Flash Flood
What To Bring
During summer months, a gallon of water should be sufficient. The hike to the canyons has no shade and becomes sweltering by mid-day. The rest of the year, a half gallon should be more than enough.
If you are not confident in your climbing and scrambling abilities, I suggest bringing a rope and friend to help you get down some of the steep sections.
Shoes with good grip are a must, as are quick-drying clothing and flexible hiking pants.
Brimstone Gulch Add-on
For seriously adventurous folks, the nearby Brimstone Gulch can be added on for a full-day adventure. Brimstone is one of the darkest and narrowest slot canyons in the world, with several sections being so deep and twisted that daylight never reaches the floor. Be careful not to go after any rains as deep pools can form, and be aware of your limits. Hikers have become trapped in here. Directions are included in the interactive map above.
Photos of Spooky and Peek-a-boo
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!