Escalante Slot Canyons
Peek-A-Boo, Spooky, and Brimstone slot canyons share both the Upper and the Lower Dry Fork trailheads along Hole in the Rock Trail (BLM200) off Scenic Byway 12 in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah. Hole in the Rock Trail is a dirt road and 80% washboard but does not require a vehicle with either high clearance or 4x4. Although both trailheads are approximately 1.5 miles from the Peek-A-Boo and Spooky loop, I prefer using the Upper Dry Fork trailhead as it takes you through the Dry Fork Narrows (which are awesome!). The trailhead has ample parking, signage with a trail map, a vault toilet, and a cake tester! Too much cake, and it’s a no-go for you my friend! As stated on the sign in the parking lot, “If you have trouble fitting your body between these posts, DO NOT PROCEED THROUGH SPOOKY GULCH. You may become STUCK and need rescue.” For reference, I am 5’4”, 140 lbs. and did not experience any close calls. A friend of mine went through successfully at 6’3”, 260lbs. Although he did not require rescue, he did need to crawl towards the end of Spooky Gulch as the canyon is only 10” wide but A-shape; therefore, wider at ground level.
Consistent with many reviews found on AllTrails, I recommend entering the Peek-A-Boo and Spooky loop clockwise; therefore, beginning with Peek-A-Boo Gulch. The entrance requires a moderate 12’ climb (using depressed hand/foot holds) up into the sandstone slot. Ropes and harness not required. Once inside, you will experience fun twists and turns brought to you by yours truly, mother nature. As you exit Peek-A-Boo Gulch, you will be brought back up to ground level and need follow the cairns through the sage brush and junipers across to the entrance of Spooky Gulch. Spooky is significantly more narrow and most of the canyon walls are beaded. The beaded texture provides improved grip in the event you need to stem over water (shortly after a rain or snow), but also creates pulls in more delicate clothing fabrics. When you get to the boulder fall, stick to the left and go under the boulders. YES, go into the black hole in between the rocks (feet first) and crawl under the boulders to proceed.
Exiting Spooky Gulch can be likened to a birthing canal, you will know when you are out. You can then follow the loop trail back to your car or take the less travelled side-quest to Brimstone slot canyon!
The Dry Fork Coyote Gulch Trail to Brimstone slot canyon is on the left, shortly after exiting Spooky Gulch. The trail turns left again to Brimstone Gulch Trail but is not well marked; therefore, I would strongly recommend downloading the map on AllTrails. Following a rain, this trail can be more difficult to decipher as there will be no footprints. The Brimstone Gulch Trail is a SLOG through sand, sand, and more sand. The entrance to the out-and-back slot canyon is all the way at the end. You will question yourself and ask, was this a mistake (as you think about having to walk back through all that sand)? Brimstone slot canyon is wider with extremely tall and sheer black walls. The vibe is more creepy and looming, as opposed to the fun vibe of Peek-A-Boo. It’s cool. Walk until you hit water and turn around.
Spooky Slot Canyon, Escalante Utah
For the optimal experience, time your hike in the slot canyons to catch the sun as it washes down one side of the canyon wall. The light creates shapes similar those seen in Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Leave your oversized backpacks at home as they will only get in the way. Once you enter the Peek-A-Boo and Spooky loop, the only way out is all the way around or back the way you came. Another reason to begin with Peek-A-Boo Gulch, assuming you can make the 12’ climb, is you will still get a great experience even if you cannot or do not want to continue on through Spooky Gulch.
When not camping, I have stayed in Canyon Country Lodge when visiting this area and would do so again. The hotel is less than 5 mins from a Sinclair gas station (great for hiking snacks!) and about one hour from the Upper Dry Fork trailhead. It also has a helpful staff, an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a rather generous continental breakfast included with the room.
If able to accommodate time for a nice sit down dinner, Hell’s Backbone Grill is your place. I cannot recommend this establishment enough, farm-to-table with a staff of sommeliers. Get the Jenchilada!