Summary
Quick Facts
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 m)
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons: What To Expect
This hike guides you to a desert gulch featuring four different slot canyons: Dry Fork, Peekaboo, Spooky, and Brimstone. The primary allure of this trail is the stunning Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, which offer a unique and memorable experience, although the other slots are also noteworthy.
The trail’s overall difficulty varies based on the slot canyons you choose to explore. The initial hike to the slots is mostly flat and manageable, but the slots themselves can present challenges.
For those new to slot canyons, a leisurely walk through the wide Dry Fork Narrows offers beginner-friendly views. For a more exhilarating experience, the loop through Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons is spectacular, although not suitable for pets.
These two slot canyons are moderately difficult but can accommodate beginners without the need for specialized gear. That said, good physical fitness and a lack of claustrophobia are necessary prerequisites.
It’s advisable to start your adventure by ascending Peekaboo slot canyon first and then descending through Spooky slot canyon. Attempting the reverse can prove challenging, particularly if you encounter other hikers, given the narrow passages.
Take care to monitor the weather, as rain in the forecast might lead to standing water or mud in the canyon, requiring some agile movements to navigate.
• Trail Beginning
There are two different trailheads for the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, which will slightly alter your route. A map will be provided later.
Your hike begins on a plateau, leading you down into a shallow gulch to access the slot canyons. The initial stretch is primarily composed of dirt and sand paths, interspersed with slick rock sections and marked by stacked rock cairns to guide your way.
This portion of the trek is exposed to sunlight yet downhill, making your return uphill more challenging, especially under heat conditions. Continue downhill until you reach the sandy Dry Fork Wash and discover access to four slot canyons clustered closely together!
• Dry Fork Narrows
The first slot canyon along this hike is the Dry Fork Narrows. If approaching from the Upper trailhead, you will pass through this area on your way to Peekaboo and Spooky. However, if starting from the Lower trailhead, a bit of detour will be needed.
The path through Dry Fork Narrows is wide and welcoming, making it ideal for those new to slot canyons. As you proceed, watch your step for any rattlesnakes that might be lurking; however, sightings are rare.
The slot section lasts around 0.5 miles, concluding at a sandy wash, which allows you to return to the starting point or proceed to Peekaboo Canyon’s entrance with an additional 150-yard walk.
• Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo Slot Canyon is where the real adventure begins! This captivating slot is filled with fun obstacles and stunning red rock walls. Despite its short length, it stands out as one of Utah’s most beautiful slot canyons, featuring heart-shaped rock formations and elegant arched ceilings.
The most challenging aspect of Peekaboo is a steep climb at the outset on a slickrock ledge of about 15 feet high. It requires careful footing, particularly for shorter individuals who may need assistance.
Fortunately, Peekaboo Canyon is more spacious compared to Spooky Gulch, allowing for moments of relaxation and admiration of the breathtaking scenery.
Upon reaching the top of Peekaboo, the path opens up and sunlight returns as you make your way to Spooky Gulch. However, be cautious of unmarked trails in this area, which can lead to confusion.
Maintain an easterly direction for approximately 0.5 miles until reaching another sandy wash, marking the start of Spooky Gulch, with an identifiable entrance noted on Google Maps.
• Spooky Slot Canyon
Prepare yourself, as Spooky Gulch is an exhilarating yet cramped experience. The canyon spans roughly 600 yards but feels considerably longer due to its narrowness. You will have to navigate sideways through sections, which may require your backpacks to be hoisted overhead.
Although Spooky Gulch is not as visually appealing as Peekaboo, it offers remarkable photo opportunities, including a small natural arch tucked within its walls.
There are challenges to overcome in Spooky, such as a drop of about 10 feet down a narrow opening between boulders, which is best navigated by maintaining control while holding onto a rope.
Additionally, you must descend through a constricted crack that appears unpassable at first. With persistence, you will find this opening has more space than it initially seems.
Despite the difficulties encountered, the experience remains enjoyable, confirming this hike as one of the most exciting activities in Utah!
At the end of Spooky slot canyon, you have the option to either retrace your steps or continue to Brimstone Gulch, a fourth slot canyon.
• Brimstone Slot Canyon
If you’re still energized, Brimstone Gulch can be explored after exiting Spooky. Walk east through the sandy wash for one mile to find Brimstone Gulch’s entrance, a wider side canyon to the left. Continue for 0.7 miles to fully appreciate this narrow slot canyon.
Be cautious in Brimstone; it is known for rattlesnake sightings and may occasionally contain standing water. Although the scenery is stunning, the slot is less colorful than Peekaboo or Spooky.
Eventually, Brimstone narrows to a mere 6 inches wide, making further exploration impossible, requiring you to turn back.
Peekaboo & Spooky Trailhead Location
Two trailheads exist for this hike: the Upper Dry Fork and Lower Dry Fork trailheads. The Upper Dry Fork is recommended as it leads through Dry Fork Narrows en route to Peekaboo and Spooky, thus providing extra shade.
While the Lower Dry Fork trailhead is closer to the slot canyons, it lacks shade and requires a longer drive on rugged roads. You can still access Dry Fork Narrows, but expect a detour.
- Upper Dry Fork Trailhead: 37.479149121392624, -111.24137861032003
- Lower Dry Fork Trailhead: 37.47726316541605, -111.22028826343339
Base yourself in the nearby town of Escalante, Utah, located just one hour away, offering a range of camping and hotel choices.
Trailhead Conditions
The final segment of your drive to the Peekaboo and Spooky trailheads consists of one hour on a bumpy back road (BLM200/Hole in the Rock Rd). Although rough, any vehicle can manage if the road is dry and driven cautiously.
Avoid this route after rain unless you possess a capable vehicle. Stay updated on the road conditions through local resources as necessary.
Upon arrival, you will find vault toilets, informational signs, and trail maps at both trailheads – note that both locations underwent upgrades in 2020.
As always, respect nature by keeping the trail clean and being considerate to fellow hikers. Adhere to the principles of leaving no trace!
Slot Canyon Safety Tips
Flash Floods: Stay informed of weather conditions. Never enter slot canyons if rain is expected, even if it’s far away, as flash floods can occur suddenly.
Sunscreen: Be prepared for exposure to the sun on different trail sections by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat.
Water: Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person; it is crucial to stay hydrated, especially in Utah’s arid climate.
Map: Download an offline map of your hiking area. Using apps like Google Maps will assist with navigation even in low reception areas, crucial for safe exploration in the desert.
Where To Stay In Escalante
More Things To See Nearby
As part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Spooky and Peekaboo slot canyons provide ample opportunities for exploration and attractions in the vicinity!
Consider visiting the nearby Zebra Slot Canyon, which is accessible within a 30-minute drive along the same road. Additionally, the Devils Garden offers family-friendly attractions showcasing stunning hoodoo rock formations, all without the need for an extensive hike.
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this guide to the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons hike in Escalante, Utah, informative and inspiring.
