Some of the best slot canyons are found in Grand Staircase Escalante, and these two are some of the bests I’ve been to, totally adventurous. After each corner awaits you a surprise, you can take fantastic pictures in both slot canyons. Spooky is much darker, so I recommend a tripod for excellent shots.
The narrow Spooky Slot Canyon
I would say this is the busiest place of all in the Grand Staircase Escalante. It was the only marked hike along the Hole in the Rock Road. Therefore, we decided to start in the afternoon when most visitors were on their way back.
Spooky was the narrowest slot canyon I have ever entered.
Come early if you do not plan to camp along Hole in the Rock Road. We did several hikes in this breathtaking area and camped nearby.
Peek-A-Boo Slot
Thanks to our decision, we accessed the trail early afternoon when most visitors were on their way back, and the light inside Peek-A-Boo was outstanding.
How Difficult is Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon?
The most picturesque part is at the beginning or end of Peek-A-Boo.
It is a moderate hike with difficulties in some sections. If you are an experienced hiker, I rate this hike as easy, but for occasional hikers, I rate this track as moderate to difficult. The key spot is the beginning respectively the end of Peek-A-Boo. Read on my tips; good preparation is key, and start early.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyon?
In Spooky, you must carry your backpack in your hand most of the time.
It took us 3.5 hours to hike both slot canyons, but better plan roughly 4-5 hours for this poorly marked hike. There are signs but only a few.
The gap in the middle is the entrance-exit of Peek-A-Boo
The track is roughly 5 miles long from Upper Dry Fork parking and a little shorter from Lower Dry Fork. Because of a rockslide, you must walk a detour – more below.
This is the only difficult part of Peek-A-Boo.
The slot canyons are not that long. In fact, you can follow Spooky and Peek-A-Boo Gulch much longer; therefore, you should hike with a hiking app or at least a map. You can get lost here.
Best Time and Daytime for Peek-A-Boo and Spooky
The light in Peek-A-Boo was great in the afternoon.
The best time is the drier months, from March/April to late June, late September, and October until December. If intense summer rainfall occurs, the wash, the Hole in the Rock Road, is impassable. Always check the weather forecast first; these slot canyons are a threat if heavy rain is predicted.
I am at a rock arch in Spooky Slot Canyon - you never know what comes next.
The best daytime is the morning before it gets busy and hot. The entire trail is exposed to the sun except for the slot canyons.
9 Must-Know Tips for Peek-A-Boo and Spooky
A rare map in GSENM about this track - Map full size
It is a tough ride of more than an hour through a wash the Hole in the Rock Road in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Don’t come in a 2 WD. There are big potholes along the road. The speed Limit is 35 miles per hour but for some sections still too fast. Don’t drive on this dirt road in darkness!Hole in the Rock Road - dirt road with potholes - 4 WD only
Parking Peek-A-Boo and SpookyThe best parking lots with restrooms in the entire Escalante Monument.There are even three parking lots that we do not experience anywhere else here in Escalante. The closest parking is Lower Dry Fork, plus an overflow parking and the newly built Upper Dry Fork Parking. I highly recommend parking at the Upper Dry Fork because from here, you are able to also hike through the Dry Fork Narrows. Google Maps LocationThis hike lead through the desert without any shade.
Go early or later (late only when you camp somewhere nearby) otherwise, you may get into trouble in the narrow Spooky when hikers come from the opposite side, where you are forced to walk sideways and the same goes for the entry/exit of Peek-A-Boo.The further you get the tighter it is.
In summer, go early and bring plenty of water; one gallon plus electrolytes for each hiker.Bring plenty of water!
Depending on the season, you walk through puddles in the canyons. The slot canyons are usually dry in June before heavy summer rainfalls occur.I am in a narrow section of the slot canyons
Pack light but water and snacks are a MUST!We were lucky there wasn't any water in the slot canyons in late June.
The traverse between Peek-A-Boo and Spooky is poorly marked; we only found the path with our hiking app.The last sign shortly before you reach Peek-A-Boo
It was once a loop trail where you could combine both slot canyons, but there was a rockslide in Spooky, which forced us to hike a detour. You definitely can’t get down and continue or up, depending on which route you choose.We tried to find a way down into Spooky, but it was too deep.There was a backpack laying on the ground, which let me believe if you climb down, you do not get out of it. So, we decided to turn around.Below the rockslide, Spookey continued, but there was no way to get into it.
We never go without a rope, luckily. The entrance or exit of Peek-A-Boo is roughly 15 feet high. I couldn’t make it in without help from Markus and the rope. We also pulled up the backpack with a rope. It would have been too difficult to climb up otherwise.Halfway up at Peek-A-Boo - I couldn't manage without a helping hand.
Accommodation Tip Escalante
What a treat and comfy bed
We camped on the BLM property along the Hole in the Rock for a couple of days which was a great experience, but afterwards, we were glad that we took a real shower and slept in a huge comfy bed. Also, the pool was amazing, and even breakfast was included in the Canyon Country Lodge in Escalante. There are limited hotels in Escalante. If you wish to visit this area during the high season, bank holiday weekends, summer or Christmas holidays, it is advisable to pre-book your hotel.
A lovely organic food store, cafe, and bakery in Escalante.
The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a vast landscape with spectacular natural wonders encompassing a size of 1,870,000 acres (7,568 km²).
A photographer's dream is Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
You can't see all these highlights in a single visit but plenty along Hole in the Rock Road. More soon about the entire Monument in my Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Guide.
Packing Checklist for Peek-A-Boo and Spooky
We usually use these ropes and carabiners for via ferratas in the Alps. We never hike without this gear.
Plenty of water, at least one gallon for each hiker and electrolytes; you definitely break a sweat on this trail.
Bring a snack, some nuts or fruits, and a sandwich for this challenging track.
The sun is intense, a hat, and sunscreen (I only use ISDIN for my face) are highly recommended, and I protect my shoulders during the day too.
Scorpions in Grand Staircase Escalante
A flashlight illuminated the scorpion in the night during our tour.
This area is a “Scorpion Wilderness Study Area”. There are plenty of different scorpions in different sizes in this area, but as long as you wear closed shoes, you are fine. You can’t spot them with your eyes during the day.
The kids loved to "hunt" scorpions with this special UV flashlight
We went on a guided night tour to spot scorpions with ultraviolet light, and we spotted more than we expected in just one hour. No worries, there is just one venomous where you can die from in the US all others can harm you. The venom of the scorpion is also used in cancer research.
Do you wish to know more about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument? Check out my new guide and the 17 Must-Visit Places and where they are located. Not all are difficult to get to, some are even family and dog friendly.
