10 routes · Hiking
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons
Combine two of the most beautiful slot canyons in the Desert Southwest into an otherworldly loop!
Hiking Severe
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Ascent
- 146 m
- Descent
- 146 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.4 km
- High Point
- 1.5 km
- Gradient
- 6˚
Two of the most incredible slot canyons in the Desert Southwest—Peek-a-boo and Spooky—can be combined into an otherworldly 3.5-mile loop. Located in the Grand Escalante National Monument, a whole host of other adventures, like Coyote Gulch, are located nearby, so if 3.5 miles of scrambling through slot canyons isn't enough, you can easily find more hiking in the immediate vicinity.
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Description
These slot canyons are so narrow in places that you will be forced to squeeze through the canyon walls or scramble up and over rock features. The requirement to scramble goes well beyond standard hiking, and has earned this route a "Severe" FATMAP rating. However, for relatively fit and agile hikers, scrambling through the slots should be no problem. After all, since you're at the bottom of a canyon, there isn't even any fall danger to worry about.
In places, the canyons open up to provide wide sandy floors and glimpses of the sky above. But throughout most of the hike, little to no sunlight reaches the canyon floor. Consequently, "there is usually standing water," according to Mackenzie Russell on MatadorNetwork.com. "Commit to getting your shoes wet or take them off — the sandstone is forgiving on bare feet," she continues. "Since the water never sees the sunlight, it is chilly, and the weather in the canyons may be cooler as well, so dress accordingly."
As with all canyoneering adventures, remain ultra-mindful of the weather in the immediate area, and higher in the hills above where you are canyoneering. Flash floods do occur, and they can be deadly.
Source: https://matadornetwork.com/read/epic-guide-hiking-american-southwests-best-10-trails/
Difficulty
Severe
Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.
Features
- Picturesque
Guidebooks in this area
9 routes · Hiking
9 Fabulous Slot Canyon Hikes in Southwestern Utah
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