Bryce Canyon: Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Slot Canyon Hike

Two slot canyons, five miles, one afternoon in Utah's red rock country

You hike a five-mile loop through two famous slot canyons in the Dry Fork area, starting with Peek-a-Boo's natural arches and potholes, then moving into Spooky Gulch's ten-inch-wide passages. Private transport, water and a guide who knows the route are included. You bring fitness, your own water supply, and punctuality to the trailhead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons

• Arrive at Dry Fork trailhead
• Hike 1.5 miles to slot canyons
• Explore Peekaboo Slot Canyon
• Hike to Spooky Gulch entrance
• Scramble down rock face into Spooky
• Squeeze through narrow Spooky Canyon
• Return 1.5 miles to trailhead

The experience

The trailhead parking is already filling up when you arrive, and your guide is ready to move. This is the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyon hike is the kind of loop locals do when they want to pack serious geology and scrambling into an afternoon without committing to a full day. You'll cover about five miles total (1.5 miles to and from the slot canyons themselves, then another half mile threading through each one), and the pace is steady enough that you feel it, but not so brutal that you're wrecked by the time you're back at the vehicle.

The walk starts in Dry Fork Wash, where you follow the creek bed until the mouth of Peek-a-Boo opens up in front of you. The canyon here is famous for its last hundred meters before the junction with Coyote Gulch. The ravine cuts deeper into the sandstone, and you'll see why it got its name: interlinked potholes, wild swirls and fins of rock, and several natural arches framing the sky. It's the kind of place where the rock does the talking, and you just move through it. Once you backtrack out, you head toward Spooky Gulch, where you'll scramble down a mellow rock face to get in. The canyon tightens fast (at some points it's only ten inches wide), and you're navigating the confines of something that feels genuinely narrow, genuinely fun. Your guide will have you squeeze through as far as you're comfortable going, and there are two climbs on the way through to break up the passage.

Private transportation is included, which means no coordinating a separate shuttle or figuring out logistics with other groups. Your guide will provide some water, but you should bring your own as well. The hikes are moderate, but you're moving uphill and downhill in the sun, and the creek wash doesn't stay wet the whole way. One thing to know: if you're more than 15 minutes late to the trailhead, the group leaves without you, so punctuality matters here. The total time includes travel to and from the park, so you're looking at a real afternoon commitment, not just the hiking hours.

What’s included

Private transportation to and from the trailhead, a guide for the five-mile loop through Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons, and some water (bring additional water of your own). Travel time to the Dry Fork area is included in the total tour duration.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by ROAM-Escalante

Is this one for you?Right for hikers who want serious slot canyon scenery and tight passages without a full-day commitment: the afternoon timing and private transport mean you're not juggling logistics or waiting for a larger group to move.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the total hike?

Five miles round trip: 1.5 miles to and from the slot canyons, plus about half a mile through each canyon. Moderate difficulty with uphill and downhill sections.

What is Spooky Gulch famous for?

It narrows to only ten inches wide at some points. You can travel almost halfway through before the first of two climbs, and the canyon is tight enough that you're actively navigating the rock.

Is transportation included?

Yes, private transportation to and from the trailhead is included. Travel time counts toward the total tour duration.

What should I bring?

Bring your own water in addition to what the guide provides. Wear hiking boots and clothes suitable for scrambling over rock and moving through narrow passages.

What happens if I'm late?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, the group will depart without you.

Is this hike difficult?

It's rated moderate. You'll go up and down hills and squeeze through tight canyon sections, so a good level of physical fitness is needed. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What makes Peek-a-Boo Canyon special?

The last hundred meters before the junction with Coyote Gulch feature interlinked potholes, rock swirls, fins, and several natural arches carved into the sandstone.

Can I bring my dog?

Service animals are allowed.