FATMAP by Strava

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
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons Map

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.

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.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Features

  • Picturesque

Guidebooks in this area