Escalante Utah Slot Canyons Spooky

Overview

Spooky Slot Canyon is still a bit down the canyon, so either head down the wash or look for the trail that cuts through. After about a quarter to a half mile from Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Spooky Gulch appears from a small side canyon. Peek-a-boo and Spooky are two of the premier slot canyons in the Escalante Canyons, and have become one of the most popular destinations in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The crux move in Peek-a-boo is at the beginning, where you have to climb a 20’ pour-off using moqui steps (footholds chiseled into the rock). Peek-a-boo Gulch is located in the scenic Grand Staircase National Monument near Escalante, Utah and adjacent to Spooky Gulch. It is not to be confused with Red Slot Canyon AKA Peekaboo. These two slot canyon hikes are usually hiked together as a loop that totals in about 3.5 miles. The trail is not really long but it is a fun area to explore. It is a great hike for any skill level and for. These canyons have a moderate flashflood danger, check the local weather before entering these slot canyons. Trailhead Information: From Main and Center in the town of Escalante, Utah travel 5.0 miles east on Highway 12 to the signed Hole-In-The-Rock Road (N37° 43' 39', W111° 31' 54').

Peekaboo and Spooky are the quintessential first slot canyon experience for many. Relatively easy access, incredible slots, and a short day make this a hike to bring the family on. These canyons are popular for good reason.

Escalante Utah Slot Canyons Spooky Adventures

The story goes the canyons received their names by a school group visiting from the town of Escalante around Halloween one year. The names fit, and this is a place that will make you feel like a kid again working through the fun slots. For the more energetic, it is a short distance down canyon to Brimstone, the fiercest of the 3 canyons in the area, and well worth the time to visit.

Getting There

Head east out of the town of Escalante about 5 miles on highway 12 until the well signed Hole in the Rock road.

• Turn onto the Hole In The Rock Road and reset your odometer. ( 12S 453596mE 4175370mN / N37° 43' 28' W111° 31' 36' )
• Go down the Hole in the Rock road 26.5 miles to the signed Dry Fork Trailhead road on the left. ( 12S 480188mE 4146664mN / N37° 27' 60' W111° 13' 27' )
• Follow this road 0.7 miles to a junction where you go left (road #252) ( 12S 481239mE 4146571mN / N37° 27' 57' W111° 12' 44' )
• Another half mile to the end of the road is the trailhead. ( 12S 480523mE 4147775mN / N37° 28' 36' W111° 13' 13' )

Route

From the trailhead, follow the marked trail north down into Dry Fork. The trail is well-worn and easy to follow. At the bottom turn right, and find Peek-a-boo coming in 4 minutes down the canyon on the left. A 6 m ( 20 ft. ) up-climb guards the entrance to Peek-a-boo. The climb has carved steps but is still a little tricky. A short rope for a handline may be useful for beginners. This up climb is the biggest obstacle of the hike.

Once in Peek-a-boo, enjoy the many arches and narrows. What a gem! Continue up the canyon until the canyon opens into a wide open wash. Here a cairned trail takes off on the right. Follow this trail about 10 minutes over the open country to where it drops into Spooky, a large open wash at this point.

Head down Spooky! It gets deep and dark very quickly. Several spots are narrow enough you have to turn sideways. Spooky is an amazing canyon, and a lot of fun to descend. A couple of minor down climbs occur in the upper section, but if you look around, an easy path over or under the obstacle can be found. Once Spooky opens up, follow it down to its junction with Dry Fork in about 5 minutes.

Escalante Utah Slot Canyons Spooky Games

Last on the list is Brimstone. From the junction of Spooky and Dry Fork, hike down Dry Fork about 30 minutes to the first major canyon coming in on the left. This section can change with each flood, but is usually an easy walk.

30 minutes down from Spooky a wide side canyon comes in on the left with impressive sand slides on the west side. This canyon is Brimstone. Hike up the wide wash 10-15 minutes to where it suddenly narrows to an incredibly deep and dark slot. Work your way up as far as you comfortably can, but be careful, at least one person has gotten stuck in Brimstone. Return up Dry Fork to Peek-a-boo and the trail you came in on.

Maps

Escalante Utah Slot Canyons Spooky Nights

Escalante Utah Slot Canyons Spooky Park