Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons were something we had been anticipating since we arrived in Utah. They are located in Coyote Gulch about 26 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. From the trailhead we had to descend approximately 700 ft down to a dry riverbed and then hike along the riverbed until. Peek-a-boo and Spooky gulch slot canyons – Escalante 8/8/20: COVID RV road trip continues While driving 26 miles on the unpaved `Hole in the Rock’ road is not exactly a pleasant experience, the thrill of hiking in the narrow slots makes it up! Kanab's Peek-a-Book Canyon is an awesome slot canyon that's easy to hike too and not as crowded as other in major parks. En route to the canyon, you'll enjoy an exciting off-roading adventure while getting to the canyon. Hiking Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons is basically a loop between the two canyons. You come to Peek-a-Boo first, hike up that canyon, and then take a short trail that connects to the top of Spooky to hike down that canyon. Once you reach the bottom of Spooky, a trail then takes you back up to the entrance.

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.

When it comes to great canyoneering, we sure are spoiled here in Utah. The Colorado Plateau holds virtually a lifetime of canyons waiting to be explored, and slot canyons here are plentiful. Peek-A-Boo, Spooky, and Brimstone Gulch are three of the best little cracks in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. If you are looking for a slot canyon adventure, or perhaps putting together a bucket list of “must-see” places, these should be near the top.

The best part about Peek-A-Boo, Spooky, and Brimstone slot canyons is that they can all be explored in a single day. Get yourself down to the town of Escalante, and point your vehicle south on Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The road is graded and passable for most vehicles, though it can become seriously muddy after a storm. Drive approximately 25 miles on Hole-in-the-Rock Road and make a left at the signed turnoff for the Dry Fork Coyote Gulch trailhead, about 1.5 miles further. A register and some signs mark the beginning of the trail.

Descend the slickrock shelf towards Dry Fork Coyote Gulch. Cairns (small piles of stacked rocks) help to keep hikers headed in the right direction. Soon you will arrive in Dry Fork, and a short hike will bring you to the mouth of Peek-A-Boo Gulch. My advice is to continue down Dry Fork, saving Peek-A-Boo for the end of the hike. There is no true trail in Dry Fork; instead, hikers simply make their way down the wash. Continuing down Dry Fork will eventually bring you to a short section of narrows with a chockstone blocking the path. Hikers can scramble past this problem, or bypass it by backtracking a short distance and finding a way around on the north side. Once you are back in Dry Wash, it’s just a short hike to the mouth of Brimstone Gulch. A cairn often marks the way. The first 1/4 mile is a tough trek through the sandy lower portion of Brimstone. Eventually, the walls begin to close in. Brimstone Gulch is the deepest and darkest of the three canyons in the area, and it often contains water that can be up to waist deep. Exploration of Brimstone ends when the canyon is simply too narrow to continue. Head back out and retrace your steps up Dry Fork wash- it’s time for Spooky and Peek-A-Boo.

Spooky Gulch can’t be seen from Dry Fork, but an obvious hiker trail through the sand will direct you where to go. Almost immediately upon entering Spooky, the walls close in and the light gets low. This is an aptly named slot canyon, with walls so close together that you will have to take off your pack and turn sideways to continue on. As you get further up canyon, some scrambling up small obstacles is required. Exiting Spooky demands hikers complete a Class 3 move to upclimb a cluster of chockstones. Many folks will decide to turn back at this point, but if you have the skills to proceed up the rocks, you’ll soon be at the end of Spooky. From here, simply head west on an obvious hiking trail (again, the trail is marked with cairns to keep you on the right path) until you arrive at the top of Peek-A-Boo.

Brimstone is the deepest, Spooky has the skinniest narrows, and Peek-A-Boo may have the best colors and features. Gorgeous hues of red and orange glow in morning and afternoon light. There are several places where Peek-A-Boo can collect water, but all of these can be scrambled around without getting your boots wet. There are many outstanding features in Peek-A-Boo, including a double natural bridge near the mouth. Leave Peek-A-Boo by sliding or climbing down the steep rock face that marks its beginning.

Hikers of any skill level can explore the majority of these three slot canyons. The most difficult obstacle is the exit climb out of Spooky Gulch. Plan to take anywhere from 3-6 hours to explore all three slots. The best seasons for hiking are spring and fall; summer is just too hot for most of us. The slots are all cool and dark, and sometimes contain water, so be prepared with extra gear. Never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast for the surrounding areas. Free, overnight permits are needed for camping below the canyon rim (anywhere below the parking lot area) and can be obtained from the Escalante Visitor Center. There are also plenty of at-large camping spots along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. And don’t forget your camera…you don’t want to miss the awed expressions of fellow hikers in these incredible slot canyons!

Getting There: From the town of Escalante, drive southeast on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for approximately 25 miles. Turn left at signed road for Dry Fork Coyote Gulch. Drive 1.5 miles over rough road to the parking area.

Maps: Big Hollow Wash 7.5″ topo map; Trails Illustrated Canyons of the Escalante Map #710

Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the hike, but a sign at the trailhead warns that it is not an appropriate hike for them. I have personally seen several dogs making their way up the canyons with their masters. Know your pooch’s limits and consider that sand and slickrock is very hard on their paw pads.

Special Gear: Good hiking boots or shoes and a pair of water shoes if it has rained recently; plenty of water

Peek A Boo And Spooky Slot Canyons Utah Near Goblin Valley