Peekaboo Gulch
Explore Utah's stunning Peekaboo Gulch, a slot canyon adventure with thrilling climbs and narrow passages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Peekaboo Gulch
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Utah's stunning Peekaboo Gulch, a slot canyon adventure with thrilling climbs and narrow passages.
"This is one heck of an adventure! We had a wonderful time climbing the canyons and squeezing in the narrow slots. 
🚗 Vehicle Caution
Deep sand and rough roads can trap vehicles. Check local towing company Instagrams for warnings. :car:
👟 Gear Up!
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip and bring gloves for climbing. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peekaboo Gulch Entrance
Lower Dry Fork Narrows Trailhead
A thrilling 12-15 foot climb is required to enter this stunning slot canyon.
Spooky Gulch
Connected to Peekaboo Gulch
Experience incredibly narrow passages where you might have to turn sideways to squeeze through.
Sandstone Arches
Throughout Peekaboo Gulch
Marvel at the natural sandstone formations and arches carved by water over time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Dirt Roads
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Caution
Deep sand and rough roads can trap vehicles. Check local towing company Instagrams for warnings. :car:
👟 Gear Up!
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip and bring gloves for climbing. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Heat exhaustion is a real risk. :droplet:
🗺️ Stay on Trail
Follow cairns carefully. Getting lost can lead to dangerous sun exposure. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Caution
Deep sand and rough roads can trap vehicles. Check local towing company Instagrams for warnings. :car:
👟 Gear Up!
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip and bring gloves for climbing. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Heat exhaustion is a real risk. :droplet:
🗺️ Stay on Trail
Follow cairns carefully. Getting lost can lead to dangerous sun exposure. :compass:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The slot canyons offer incredible photographic opportunities at every turn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty and thrilling adventure of Peekaboo and Spooky Gulches, calling them a must-do in Utah. However, the challenging drive, extreme heat in summer, and the physical demands of the hike can be significant deterrents for some.
"Off the rim trail, you find this place down the mountain. It is a beautiful hike down but wear your hiking boots and bring or wear gloves. Look for the sign, as it does not have the signs facing towards the walking g trail. I figured this out after walking past it and up part of Upper trail. lol
Awesomeness, once you get down.
My pics are from above on the rim. Sorry no slot pics as my phone battery was empty."
Kim Wilde
"We were so excited to do this hike and Spooky Gulch. Unfortunately, the weather predicted 92 degrees for a high that day but it was so much hotter. When we finally made it back to the truck at 3:30 the truck said 110 and it felt worse. Our first mistake was running late and not starting til noon. But we also anticipated much of the hike being in shaded slot canyons and it being 92, not 110. We brought plenty of water, thank God but nevertheless suffered with heat exhaustion and possibly even heat stroke for my 56 yr old hubby. We followed the trail with the cairns from the parking lot right off that awful "Hole in the rock" road, down to the creek bed and thought we were going the right way by just following that creek bed but we should have turned right there instead of follow it to the left. We still saw some cairns so I don't know what those were for but it confused us and we basically wandered around those creek beds, exposed to the sun 98% of the time, kind of paralleling the Hole in the Rock road. We were nowhere near where we thought we were. We were out there for 3.5 hours. We took time to rest in the shade whenever we found it but it was rare. I gave up, but my husband desperately wanted to find it. I refused. My 11 yr old daughter was in tears and nauseous. We were beyond hot. I was a little ahead of my husband and after I reached the truck, my daughter said "daddy passed out!" Just across the road and maybe 50 feet down the trail he passed out! He was able to get back up and walked to the road where I had the truck running with the ac on. He collapsed on the road in the sun. It was all me and my kids could do to get him up and in the truck. Then, as I'm trying to get to civilization, the shock blows out!! This was so scary and disappointing. We are all fine now. Super bummed to have missed the best part of the hike and the coolest! Would definitely try again if we weren't heading back to WY today but would try to find the road that goes all the way to Peek a boo instead of hoping not to get lost. We feel very blessed to be alive! Attempted this hike during a heat wave in mid July. We are somewhat fit and are very active and actually just finished a Spartan Sprint last month. Beware!!"
Keri Varkony
"Super fun, but not for people who aren’t nimble. There’s a lot of climbing up and down involved and some parts are pretty narrow. Our friends brought their 3-months old baby and it was not easy. With that said, it’s a very exciting canyon and it’s not very long. Shorts and shoes with good grip are recommended."
Angus Bennion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main access is via Hole in the Rock Road, south of Escalante. After about 26 miles, turn onto Dry Fork Road and stay left at the next junction. The road can be very rough and sandy, requiring high clearance and often 4x4. Consider a guided tour if unsure about your vehicle.
While some Subaru Foresters can make it, the deep sand and rough terrain pose a significant risk of getting stuck. Local towing companies often post photos of Subarus being towed from the area. It's advisable to check conditions and consider a guided tour.
No, Hole in the Rock Road is a long, washboard dirt road. The Dry Fork Road turnoff is also unpaved and can become very challenging, especially the last section.
The most common access is via the Dry Fork Narrows trailhead. From there, you can hike to Peekaboo Gulch, then connect to Spooky Gulch.
The drive down Hole in the Rock Road is approximately 26 miles, followed by a few more miles on the Dry Fork Road. The total drive time can vary significantly depending on road conditions and vehicle speed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Peekaboo Gulch and Spooky Gulch are part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and are free to access.
There are no official operating hours as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no entrance fee for Peekaboo Gulch or Spooky Gulch. They are free to explore within the national monument.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the spring or fall, will generally result in fewer crowds. Early mornings are also a good strategy.
The main restriction is your physical ability to navigate the narrow passages and climbs. It's not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike involves scrambling over rocks, squeezing through narrow sections, and a significant climb to enter Peekaboo Gulch. Spooky Gulch is even narrower.
The hike itself can take 1-3 hours, depending on your pace, how long you spend taking photos, and how busy it is. Factor in travel time to and from the trailhead.
It can be challenging for young children due to the climbing and narrow passages. Some reviewers found it difficult even with a 3-month-old baby. It's best for agile older children and adults.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Shorts are recommended for ease of movement, and gloves are helpful for climbing.
The main challenges are the steep 12-15 foot climb to enter Peekaboo and the extremely narrow passages in Spooky Gulch. Heat exhaustion is also a significant risk in summer.
📸 📸 Photography
The twisting sandstone walls, natural arches, and the dramatic light filtering into the narrow canyons offer endless photo opportunities.
Absolutely! It's a photographer's paradise with unique textures, shapes, and light play.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Experiment with different apertures to control depth of field.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Monuments. Check the official Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument regulations before flying a drone.
Mid-day can offer dramatic light shafts, but early morning or late afternoon can provide softer, more even lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts & Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the canyons, and be prepared for varying light conditions. The entrance climb to Peekaboo and the tight squeezes in Spooky offer dynamic and challenging subjects. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive: An Adventure in Itself
For those concerned about their vehicle or navigating the tricky terrain, guided tours are a highly recommended alternative. Companies often use specialized off-roading vehicles, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey to the trailhead.
Navigating the Slot Canyons: Peekaboo vs. Spooky
Once inside, the canyon walls twist and turn, revealing beautiful sandstone arches and formations. It's generally wider than Spooky Gulch, making it slightly more accessible, though still requiring some scrambling. Spooky Gulch, on the other hand, lives up to its name with incredibly narrow passages. In some sections, you'll need to turn sideways to squeeze through, making it a true test of agility.
It's important to note that hikers often connect Peekaboo to Spooky by walking a short distance between them. To avoid congestion and potential issues in the narrowest parts of Spooky Gulch, it's recommended to enter Spooky from Peekaboo and exit back the same way, rather than trying to pass others coming from the opposite direction. Safety and Preparedness
Footwear and gear are also crucial. Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are essential for navigating the uneven, rocky terrain and for the climbs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit