Hiking down to the slot canyons of Peekaboo Gulch and Spooky Gulch was relatively uneventful. It was sizzling hot, but aside from how much of a pain it is to trudge through sand, it was pretty straightforward. 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.
Photos and words by Dylan H. Brown
There are few places in the world where children and adults rejoice together in unadulterated excitement. The only thing that might compare to the Peek-a-boo and Spooky slot canyons is a theme park. 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). Beware, it's not for the claustrophobic, as both canyons have sections where the explorer must turn sideways to squeeze through 12-inch wide sections. Extremely large people might have difficulty in Spooky.
From the trailhead parking lot follow the well-marked trail down the mesa to the open wash below. This is Dry Fork. From here follow it downstream, passing one canyon to the left. The second canyon is Peek-a-boo. The initial climb into the canyon is by far the most difficult, but there is usually a log to help assist. Once in the canyon, the cavernous and overarching walls make the visitor feel as if they have stumbled into a new planet. The first hundred feet consists of multiple archways, where light bounces off the walls to create a cathedral-esque glow. The canyon eventually widens and the walls' angles subside, allowing an easy scramble out to the south (right).
If the initial climb up Peek-a-boo proves too difficult, try doing the loop in reverse.
The first hundred yards of Peek-a-boo is rather surreal.
To create a loop out of the canyon system, head south from Peek-a-boo across the sand dunes to the next drainage. If you come to a deep slot canyon, follow it back upstream (east) until the canyon widens considerably. The beginning of Spooky is a very wide wash, so don't be alarmed if you think you have missed the canyon; just head downstream and it will quickly tighten up. This section of the loop requires moderate route finiding, so if you don't feel comfortable crossing open desert dunes, there are guide services available: http://www.escalanteut.com/services/guides-outfitters/
Spooky is considerably different from Peek-a-boo. The walls are much straighter and the depth of the canyon is much deeper. Photographers: small tripods or flash may be required. There are several chockstones in the canyon, but none require ropes, only a little chimneying and scrambling. As the canyon descends, it becomes darker and more 'Spooky.' There are a few sections where the width is only 12 inches.
The slot canyon ends in Dry Fork wash. Head upstream (right), pass the entrance to Peek-a-boo and retrace the route you took on the way in. This can also pose some problems for inexperienced route finders. Be sure to take note of your way in.
Mind the gap! At times Spooky narrows to 12 inches.
Summary:
At only 3.5 miles for the entire loop, the hike is moderate in intensity. It does require some scrambling skills, but for the most part, an average athletic individual will have no problem climbing through the canyons. If the initial climb into Peek-a-boo is too difficult, the loop can be done in reverse, as downclimbing the 25-foot entrance seems to be easier for many people. There is no water, so be sure to carry at least two liters per person. Also, moderate route finding is required, so map and compass, and/or GPS is recommended.
Getting there:
From Escalante, head east on Highway 12 to the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. From there drive south for 26.5 miles to the turnoff for Dry Fork, which is clearly marked with a sign on the east side of the road (left). From the turnoff, drive 1.7 miles to the trailhead parking area. The beginning of the trail is clearly marked and should have cairns leading to the bottom of Dry Fork wash.
Hole-in-the-Rock road can be accessed with smaller cars, but later in the season washboards can become quite large. Bigger wheeled vehicles are recommended. The Dry Fork trailhead road can be accessed by car as well, but be aware there are a few rough spots. As always, check with the Escalante visitors center for the latest road and trail conditions.
Sandy Brown
Latest posts by Sandy Brown (see all)
- Hiking Zebra Canyon In Escalante, Utah - November 29, 2014
- Peek-A-Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons - November 14, 2014
- AmeriCorps In Escalante Utah - October 14, 2014
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
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Map
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.
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
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Restaurants
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 and words by Dylan H. Brown
There are few places in the world where children and adults rejoice together in unadulterated excitement. The only thing that might compare to the Peek-a-boo and Spooky slot canyons is a theme park. 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). Beware, it's not for the claustrophobic, as both canyons have sections where the explorer must turn sideways to squeeze through 12-inch wide sections. Extremely large people might have difficulty in Spooky.
From the trailhead parking lot follow the well-marked trail down the mesa to the open wash below. This is Dry Fork. From here follow it downstream, passing one canyon to the left. The second canyon is Peek-a-boo. The initial climb into the canyon is by far the most difficult, but there is usually a log to help assist. Once in the canyon, the cavernous and overarching walls make the visitor feel as if they have stumbled into a new planet. The first hundred feet consists of multiple archways, where light bounces off the walls to create a cathedral-esque glow. The canyon eventually widens and the walls' angles subside, allowing an easy scramble out to the south (right).
If the initial climb up Peek-a-boo proves too difficult, try doing the loop in reverse.
The first hundred yards of Peek-a-boo is rather surreal.
To create a loop out of the canyon system, head south from Peek-a-boo across the sand dunes to the next drainage. If you come to a deep slot canyon, follow it back upstream (east) until the canyon widens considerably. The beginning of Spooky is a very wide wash, so don't be alarmed if you think you have missed the canyon; just head downstream and it will quickly tighten up. This section of the loop requires moderate route finiding, so if you don't feel comfortable crossing open desert dunes, there are guide services available: http://www.escalanteut.com/services/guides-outfitters/
Spooky is considerably different from Peek-a-boo. The walls are much straighter and the depth of the canyon is much deeper. Photographers: small tripods or flash may be required. There are several chockstones in the canyon, but none require ropes, only a little chimneying and scrambling. As the canyon descends, it becomes darker and more 'Spooky.' There are a few sections where the width is only 12 inches.
The slot canyon ends in Dry Fork wash. Head upstream (right), pass the entrance to Peek-a-boo and retrace the route you took on the way in. This can also pose some problems for inexperienced route finders. Be sure to take note of your way in.
Mind the gap! At times Spooky narrows to 12 inches.
Summary:
At only 3.5 miles for the entire loop, the hike is moderate in intensity. It does require some scrambling skills, but for the most part, an average athletic individual will have no problem climbing through the canyons. If the initial climb into Peek-a-boo is too difficult, the loop can be done in reverse, as downclimbing the 25-foot entrance seems to be easier for many people. There is no water, so be sure to carry at least two liters per person. Also, moderate route finding is required, so map and compass, and/or GPS is recommended.
Getting there:
From Escalante, head east on Highway 12 to the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. From there drive south for 26.5 miles to the turnoff for Dry Fork, which is clearly marked with a sign on the east side of the road (left). From the turnoff, drive 1.7 miles to the trailhead parking area. The beginning of the trail is clearly marked and should have cairns leading to the bottom of Dry Fork wash.
Hole-in-the-Rock road can be accessed with smaller cars, but later in the season washboards can become quite large. Bigger wheeled vehicles are recommended. The Dry Fork trailhead road can be accessed by car as well, but be aware there are a few rough spots. As always, check with the Escalante visitors center for the latest road and trail conditions.
Sandy Brown
Latest posts by Sandy Brown (see all)
- Hiking Zebra Canyon In Escalante, Utah - November 29, 2014
- Peek-A-Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons - November 14, 2014
- AmeriCorps In Escalante Utah - October 14, 2014
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
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Map
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.
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
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Restaurants
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
Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Ski
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
