Utahcanyons
your guides to escalante desert and canyon wildlands




home

canyons

hike

camp

roads

services

books/maps


Home >> Hike >> Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulches Guided hikes & shuttle service

peek-a-boo and spooky gulches
These are the slots that Escalante is famous for, the best day hike in the Escalante area. If you are not claustrophobic and can fit through a 12 inch wide gap, these non-technical slot canyons provide a day of fun exploration.

From the Dry Fork Trail Head the well marked trail descends through several layers of slickrock and arrives at the Dry Fork Wash, a major drainage for the area. Once in the wash head south or downstream less than 100 yards to the entrance to Peek-a-Boo Gulch. There is a 25 foot climb up into Peek-a-Boo which is easier to descend. Therefore, continue down the Dry Fork Wash another half mile watching for trails which take off to the left. You will encounter a large juniper tree growing right in the wash and the trail to the mouth of Spooky is located just past this tree to the left. In ascending Spooky Gulch you will encounter several little scrambles up and over minor obstacles. Spooky ends abruptly and you find yourself in a broad sandy wash above the slot. Look left and you will see a trail climbing a 50 foot sand hill and continuing north across the desert to the top of Pee-a-Boo. Descend Peek-a-Boo with the most exciting section being the last 200 yards of the canyon. Descend the 25 foot pour off at the end of the canyon using steps carved into the rock, and you have completed the loop. The Narrows are located upstream from Peek-a-Boo 200 yards and make for another interesting diversion. Head back to the trail head on the same route you came in on.

 
 
 
hike summary
  • Rating: Moderate
  • Distance: 3.5 mile loop
  • Topography: Elevation loss of 300 feet from TH to slots.
  • Access: Hole In The Rock Road, cars OK, but high clearance recommended.
  • Water: None available, carry at least 2 liters per person.
  • Fee: None.
getting there
From Escalante drive east on Hwy. 12 for 5 miles to Hole In The Rock Road. Drive south on Hole In The Rock Road 26.5 miles to the turn-off for Dry Fork Trail Head. There is a sign. Follow the trail head road for 1.7 miles to the trailhead parking area. The trail head road can be rough in spots and requires caution if driving a car.
maps / guide books

Utah Canyons Tour Logo