![]() ![]() The Bryce Canyon region of Utah receives very little moisture on an annual basis causing the soil to not absorb much water. Combine that with erosion from the wind and over time slot canyons form, growing wider and deeper. Winter snow-melt or irregular rain storms will accumulate water that then passes through these narrow crevices. Within Bryce Canyon Country, sandstone slot canyons are formed by the flow of water. The trailhead for Peek-a-boo Gulch slot canyon is straight ahead, toward the north, and the trailhead to Spooky Gulch slot canyon is a bit farther down to the east. A short descent leads to Dry Fork’s sandy bed. At the end of Dry Fork Road, an overlook sits 300 feet above the canyons. The Dry Fork turnoff is a rugged, sandy road best suited for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Drive south for about 26 miles to Dry Fork Road and head northeast to the trailhead parking area. To reach Peek-a-boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch from Escalante, take Scenic Byway 12 to Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The combined hiking time for both canyons is about 2-4 hours. Peek-a-boo and Spooky are accessible year-round, but be cautious of mud, water and weather. The floor of this slot canyon is typically dry and sandy although pools of mud and water may form after it rains. The end of Spooky Gulch opens up to a wide, sandy bed. A section of large boulders near the upper end of the canyon and an extra narrow squeeze through a 5-foot vertical crevice require advanced skill and more caution. Hikers have occasionally gotten stuck in Spooky Gulch so be aware of your girth before squeezing into tight spaces. ![]() The bottom openings are typically a bit wider for those willing to crawl and scoot. The walls begin closing in merely 300 feet in, requiring hikers to turn sideways and squeeze between the slot canyon walls. The canyon walls are narrow enough in some places that an average-sized adult will have a hard time passing through. Spooky Gulch isn’t for the claustrophobic, but it is a thrilling experience. Peek-a-boo Gulch is a fun, rock-scrambling slot canyon experience in contrast to Spooky Gulch’s deep, dark twists and turns. From the end of the trail, hikers can choose to retrace their steps back through Peek-a-boo or follow the cairns south to the mouth of Spooky Gulch slot canyon. The route continues up and out of the canyon. The highlight of the hike is the last 100 meters of the slot, where interlocking swirls, fins, and arches are cut into the red Navajo sandstone. At the top of the wall, a 3-foot-deep pothole is often filled with water but skilled scramblers will manage to navigate it without getting wet. Hand and foot holes are carved into a 10-foot high vertical rock wall to help your ascent. The hike to this particular slot canyon leads through the sandy Dry Fork Wash to the mouth of Peek-a-boo, a narrow, twisted slot canyon about a quarter-mile long. Peek-a-boo Gulch slot canyon is the recommended starting point. Both slot canyons are only moderately difficult but still require sure footing, some rock-scrambling agility, and, in some cases, the ability to squeeze through tight spaces. Combining the two slot canyons creates a 3.5-mile loop. ![]() Individually, the distance to Peek-a-boo Gulch is two miles roundtrip and Spooky Gulch is just over three miles roundtrip. Peek-a-boo Gulch and Spooky Gulch are within minutes of each other, about 26 miles south of Escalante on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water! No one wants to end a trip early because of dehydration. It’s always a good idea to hire a local guide when learning about a new area. Always check the weather prior to entering a slot canyon and before descending the Hole in the Rock road. Be aware of road conditions and don’t take your car if it’s not suitable for handling rugged, sometimes muddy conditions. With beautiful, challenging slot canyons, backcountry trails, and more it’s important to be mindful of where you are going. The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a haven for canyoneering.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |