One of Southern Utah’s hidden gems
Deep in the heart of Southern Utah lies a hidden gem, a bucket list worthy hike that few people know about, and even fewer attempt. Hiking through Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons was the highlight of our southern Utah trip. It’s not for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic but it is absolutely worth the effort it takes to get here. In order to prepare, check out our list of 5 things to know before hiking Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons.
Be Prepared for the drive
Getting to this hike requires a 45-minute drive down a dusty, wash board dirt road outside of Escalante, Utah. There are no amenities on this road (and not many cars traveling down it) so make sure you have all the gas, water, spare tires, food and directions that you will need. There will also be little to no cell service if you need help. You must be truly self-sufficient to be safe on this drive.
A 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicle would also be ideal for this road. There are several spots where you will drive up and down hills with deep sandy dirt covering the road. It feels just like driving in sand and if you don’t have enough speed, you could get stuck. I took a rental car, which was not 4-wheel drive and felt very nervous during a few sections. But we made it, so it is definitely possible in a normal car!
Do not attempt this drive if it has rained recently or rain is in the immediate forecast. This dirt road turns into a deep mud road very quickly and would be a terrible place to get stuck.
Choose the Upper Dry Fork Trailhead parking area
After 45 minutes driving down the above-mentioned washboard dirt road, your bottom half will be sufficiently numb, and you will be eager to get out of the car and get started.
The main parking area (Lower Dry Fork Trailhead) requires you to travel 26 miles down Hole in the Rock Road and then turn off and drive 1.7 miles to the parking lot. This is a road which requires a high clearance vehicle and I do not recommend it.
Instead, watch for the large parking lot that pops up around mile 24 (Upper Dry Fork Trailhead). This lot is easily accessible (especially if you are driving a wimpy rental car) and has a bathroom. It also allows you to hike through Dry Fork Narrows slot canyon in order to reach Peekaboo Canyon. Dry Fork Narrows is a great preview to the other slot canyons but is more accessible for dogs and people worried about the tight spaces. Parking here allows you to complete all 3 slot canyons with a shorter and less steep hike and a shorter drive. This parking area can be seen here.
Be ready for big climbs, big drops and tight spaces
Dry Fork Narrows is an easily navigable slot canyon that never gets too narrow. The same cannot be said for Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons. Peekaboo requires a 12-foot climb (It really is more of a 5-foot climb to a ledge and then an additional 7-foot climb after that.) to get into the canyon. There is usually a rope stationed there to help with the ascent. If you are comfortable with bouldering and are a good climber, then you will have no problem here. If you are neither of those things, then bring a buddy to help you.
After entering Peekaboo, you will have a few other places where you have to climb up 5-6 feet on the rocks and upper body strength (or a buddy) will again be helpful. We did see one hiker attempting to bring a dog on this hike, and while it is allowed, I would not recommend it. There are some big climbs and big drop offs that would be difficult to navigate. You might be able to get away with it in Peekaboo, but not in Spooky!
Once you exit Peekaboo, you will walk about 0.5 miles over very dry and hot desert to reach Spooky. Once you reach Spooky, you are once again in the shade. And now the real fun begins… (cue ominous music). Spooky canyon has extremely narrow walls that would be difficult to squeeze through if you are a large sized adult. This slot canyon gets as narrow at 10″ wide. There is a helpful guide in the parking lot warning you exactly how narrow it is, and this allows you to test and see how well you can fit.
The most difficult part of Spooky Canyon is near the rock fall. Several boulders have fallen and created a spot where you have to lower yourself 8-12 feet in order to continue. There are a few different routes of varying height that you can take, and it helps to have a buddy or a rope to help lower yourself down. Either way, be careful and choose the route that will be the safest for your group.
Download the map to use offline before you get there!
I will repeat this again for emphasis. You must download the map to use offline before you get there. There is no cell service near these trails. These trails are nearly impossible to follow without having the map constantly showing your pinpoint location. There are seriously trails going every direction and we never would have found our way without the map being downloaded beforehand. Please do this and avoid being lost and wandering in a desert wasteland.
Check the weather and get an early start
Do not attempt to drive Hole in the Wall Road or to hike any of these slot canyons if it is raining, or rain is in the forecast. These can flood quickly and become very dangerous. The road is also impassable when wet.
Due to the hot, dry temperatures, it’s best to start early in the day and avoid the worst of the heat. You also avoid the summer thunderstorms that can sometimes pop up in the afternoon.
What to bring
Water and snacks: But not too much. Because you want to be able to fit through a 10-inch slot canyon and a heavy backpack would be burdensome.
A Rope: There are a few places where this would be super helpful for anyone attempting this with children, or adults who have limited upper body strength.
Phone with map downloaded and camera: I can’t emphasize enough how much you need the map along with your pinpoint location. Also, you will want to take lots of pictures and videos to show your friends that awesome adventure you have had.
Shop before you come: Escalante, Utah is a very small town with only the most basic of amenities. It has a very small grocery store and a few restaurants and gas stations. If you need specialty items or equipment, shop for them before you get to Escalante.
Check out some more of our adventures:
4 Ways to Spend the day at Cuyahoga National Park.
A happiness retreat at the Art of Living Well Retreat Center.
