Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
What it’s like to hike through one of the most unique slot canyon routes in southern Utah.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele
Spooky Gulch Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
When I heard there were slot canyons in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument called Peek-a-Boo and Spooky, I knew I had to do it.
This ended up being one of the most unique hikes I did in Grand Staircase–Escalante — and really anywhere.
Not because of distance. Not because of views.
Because of squeezing through tight sections and figuring out how you’re going to move through parts of the canyon.
There are some tricky spots.
Getting There
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky are accessed from Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a dirt road off Scenic Byway 12 within Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.
It’s about 26 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road to reach the Dry Fork turnoff, which leads to the trailhead parking area.
The road itself is part of the experience. It’s long, rough, and has some of the worst washboard I’ve driven.
From the parking area, the hike starts across open desert before dropping into a wash that leads to the slot canyons.
Dry Fork wash leading toward Peek-a-Boo in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
The route connects Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch into a loop, but it’s not a clearly defined trail the entire way. You’re following the terrain and figuring it out as you go.
Pro Tip:
There is a great dispersed camping area right off Hole-in-the-Rock Road near Scenic Byway 12.
It’s commonly referred to as Hole-in-the-Rock Road Dispersed Camping on The Dyrt, and there are a ton of spots where you can pull off and set up camp.
I stayed here a few nights. It’s easy to access and doesn’t feel remote in an uncomfortable way.
Coordinates:
Hole-in-the-Rock Road Dispersed Camping (near Scenic Byway 12)
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument37.71879301 N, -111.52849155 W
Camping + Trail Apps I Use
Trailforks Pro
I used Trailforks a lot here to gauge where I was and make sure I was heading in the right direction. There’s no cell service in this area, so downloading the map ahead of time is key. The Trailforks Pro version is worth it for offline access in places like this.
Download Trailforks before you go.
The Dyrt Pro
I use The Dyrt to find camping spots like this and check reviews from other campers before pulling in. It’s helpful for seeing what to expect and finding additional options nearby.
Download The Dyrt before you go.
The Route
You’ll want to park at the Upper Dry Fork Trailhead (North Trailhead). This lot has a restroom and a metal frame you can walk through to gauge if you’ll fit through the slot canyon.
It’s tight. In some places, it’s even tighter than that frame.
From the parking lot, you’ll cross Hole-in-the-Rock Road to access the trail, starting hiking across the open desert.
You’ll come to a fork early on — go straight, not right. You’ll know you’re on the right path when you pass through a small zig-zag style gate.
From there, the trail continues across open terrain before dropping into Dry Fork Narrows, where you start to feel like you’re entering a slot canyon.
You’ll eventually come back out onto open land again, and this is where things can feel a little unclear. The entrances to Peek-a-Boo and Spooky are just around the corner from here.
Getting Into Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-Boo entrance — steeper than it looks
The climb into Peek-a-Boo
This is the part that catches people off guard.
You don’t just walk into Peek-a-Boo.
You have to climb up and into it.
It’s not a long climb, but it requires using your hands and paying attention to your footing. It’s enough to make you pause for a second and think, how am I going to get in there?
To be clear, I wouldn’t have made it up without help from a couple behind me — they gave me a boost. There aren’t many solid footholds or handholds, which makes it more of a challenge than it looks from below.
There’s also another section like this shortly after you get into Peek-a-Boo.
Inside Peek-a-Boo
The walls start to close in, the light shifts, and you’re moving through curved sandstone that feels carved out rather than formed.
You’re stepping over rocks, moving through narrow sections, and constantly adjusting how you move.
It’s not difficult, but it keeps you engaged the entire time.
Between Peek-a-Boo and Spooky
After you exit Peek-a-Boo, you’re back out on open trail again, and this is where things can start to feel a little unclear.
The route isn’t consistently defined. You’ll see stacked rocks (cairns) from time to time, but they’re not always obvious or consistent enough to rely on them the entire way.
Cairns help guide the way between Peek-a-Boo and Spooky, but the route isn’t always obvious
👉 This is where Trailforks came in handy for me, helping me gauge where I was and make sure I was heading in the right direction.
You’re not in narrow canyon walls the entire 1.7-mile loop — this section opens up before dropping back into Spooky, so it feels more like open desert travel for a bit before you’re back in the slot.
Spooky Gulch
Spooky is tighter.
Much tighter.
There are sections where you’re turning sideways to get through, pressing against the walls, and working your way forward in a way that feels completely different from a normal hike. There is one spot where you have to get down and crawl under giant boulders. This is where I looked down, and my key fell out of my pocket. That was a lot of drama. It’s also the kind of section where people realize what’s ahead and turn around. A couple behind me did exactly that once they saw the drop.
If Peek-a-Boo is about movement, Spooky is about space — or the lack of it. It is tight, and near the end, you are like, "Is it ever going to end?"
What It’s Like
This isn’t a hike you can zone out on. You’re paying attention the entire time — where to step, how to move, and what’s coming next — and that’s what makes it different. It’s not about getting somewhere or reaching a viewpoint; it’s about how you move through the canyon from start to finish.
Coordinates & Access
Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Slot Canyons (Dry Fork Trailhead)
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
37.476782, -111.220040What I Used on This Hike
There are a few things that are a must on this hike for the best experience: water, shoes with grip, and sunglasses, as the desert is bright.
Why It Stood Out
This was one of the few hikes where the movement itself was the experience.
You’re not hiking to something.
You’re moving through it.
And every section feels a little different from the last.
Final Thoughts
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky aren’t long hikes, but they’re not something you just check off a list.
They require attention, movement, and a willingness to get into tight spaces.
That’s what makes them different.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares firsthand travel experiences across the American West — from desert landscapes and national parks to small towns layered with history. Her work blends movement, place, and the stories that shape them.
Some posts may include affiliate links to products or services she uses on the road. If you choose to purchase through those links, she may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps support continued travel and storytelling. She only links to items she personally uses or would use herself.