Two of the most thrilling and diverse slot canyon hikes in the world, Peekaboo and Spooky Canyon offer an adventure in the middle of Grand Staircase Escalante that will have you climbing, squeezing and crawling.
The Peekaboo and Spooky Canyon trail is a 4-6 mile figure-8 hike in Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah. There is an easy option to tack on the Dry Fork Canyon as well. Due to the distance and challenging scrambling within the slot canyons, this hike is considered moderate to difficult. Please note, there are portions of this slot canyon where you must slither between rock openings no wider than 10 inches, and another section that requires a significant drop using a rope. It is not advised for larger people or pregnant women to take this hike. Dogs are not allowed on this hike. It took us 3 hours with lots of stops to take pictures and to marvel at the slim slot canyon walls.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Peekaboo and Spooky Canyon Loop trailhead, search for the Peekaboo Gulch Parking Area in Grand Staircase Escalante, Utah or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Kanab, Springdale or Hatch head north on Highway 89 and then take Highway 12 East. Go for 64 miles and turn right onto BLM200/Hole in the Rock Road. Go for 26 more miles and then turn left on BLM52 until you reach the parking lot.
Driving Info: This is an easy paved drive until you turn off Highway 12. The dirt road goes for 26 miles and is manageable without 4×4 or high clearance, but it’ll take you a while. And if it’s rained or snowed recently, this road will become difficult and require 4×4 and higher clearance.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in late February and started hiking around noon. The weather was windy and moderately cold at 50 degrees. As you descend into the canyons it warms up and the wind calmed down.
Gear: We wore 1-2 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. Poles are not advised, as the slot canyons are so slim it will be more of a hinderance.
Trail Navigation: As you descend into the canyon, look out for cairns to ensure you take the proper route down. Once you’re in the canyons there is no way to get lost.
Water & Food: We drank about a liter each, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. There is no water source along the trail. We at a few snacks but the hike only takes a few hours.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts at the main parking lot that often fills up during the busier months. There is a bathroom at the trailhead parking lot.
Pictures of Peekaboo and Spooky Canyon:
Hike along the ridge overlooking the canyons below. This section can get particularly windy and has total exposure.
Panoramic shot of the descending canyons below.
The curved slot canyon walls change depths as the sun moves overhead.
After Dry Forks, you climb up this 8 foot wall to enter Peekaboo Canyon.
Voluptuous canyon walls and arched overheads bend in and out of sight.
After Peekaboo Canyon you get into Spooky Canyon where certain spots require a tight squeeze. We had to take off our packs and protect our cameras and phones to make sure we didn’t break anything.
Going to be in the Kanab area? There's a ton of hiking, camping and outdoor activities to get up to. Check out our Ultimate Hiking & Travel Guide for our tips on the most amazing hikes within a few hours of Kanab.
