On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you'll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a scenic paradise of red and purple rock.
From the trailhead, get into Dry Fork Wash via moderate scrambling down some short cliffs and following cairns as needed. Once you're off the cliff and into the sand dunes, you'll hike along the creek wash until you see the mouth of Peek-a-Boo. There are hand and foot cut-outs in the rock to help you get up and into the canyon.
Once you leave Peek-a-Boo, keep hiking (longer than you think you should, most likely) until you come to a juniper tree, then follow the trail and cairns leading to the right and the entrance of Spooky Gulch. Scramble down a mellow rock face to get into the canyon. It soon tightens up, and you'll be having a good time navigating the confines of this fun canyon. The loop generally takes about 3-4 hours depending on pace and skill level.
Cameltoe Cameltoe is a fun canyoneering route just outside of Moab. As with most of the area canyons the actual slot is short, but the canyon makes up for its limited technical challenge by providing entertaining arches and a nice selection of native American rock art. |
Best Slot Canyons Near Moab Utah
Circle of Friends:
Cameltoe is part of the 'Circle of Friends' program. Members of the 'Circle of Friends' have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the 'Circle of Friends' visit the sign up page.
'Circle of Friends'
Best Slot Canyon Hikes Near Moab
General Information:
Cameltoe is best described as a fun hiking route with a short section of slot canyon. The canyon is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. Cameltoe requires complete technical gear. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate.
- Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. The creek flows year-round, along a canyon (known as Mary Jane Canyon) which is shallow for most of its length but one mile of the central section becomes fairly narrow and up to 100 feet deep.
- Hotels Near Moab. I recommend staying in Moab for about a night or two and explore Arches National Park or the Island in the Sky District. Here are some good hotel options: Red Cliffs Lodge has the impressive sunset views of the Colorado River, especially with your private patio. The area includes a winery, a western film museum, a horse corral.
On most Southern Utah bucket lists, you'll find the local favorite one-two punch of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. These magnificent hikes, located in the Dry Fork area of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument area, can be done individually, but they make for a killer loop you can tackle in one afternoon of adventure. Once you're in, all you have to do is walk through a scenic paradise of red and purple rock.
From the trailhead, get into Dry Fork Wash via moderate scrambling down some short cliffs and following cairns as needed. Once you're off the cliff and into the sand dunes, you'll hike along the creek wash until you see the mouth of Peek-a-Boo. There are hand and foot cut-outs in the rock to help you get up and into the canyon.
Once you leave Peek-a-Boo, keep hiking (longer than you think you should, most likely) until you come to a juniper tree, then follow the trail and cairns leading to the right and the entrance of Spooky Gulch. Scramble down a mellow rock face to get into the canyon. It soon tightens up, and you'll be having a good time navigating the confines of this fun canyon. The loop generally takes about 3-4 hours depending on pace and skill level.
Cameltoe Cameltoe is a fun canyoneering route just outside of Moab. As with most of the area canyons the actual slot is short, but the canyon makes up for its limited technical challenge by providing entertaining arches and a nice selection of native American rock art. |
Best Slot Canyons Near Moab Utah
Circle of Friends:
Cameltoe is part of the 'Circle of Friends' program. Members of the 'Circle of Friends' have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the 'Circle of Friends' visit the sign up page.
'Circle of Friends'
Best Slot Canyon Hikes Near Moab
General Information:
Cameltoe is best described as a fun hiking route with a short section of slot canyon. The canyon is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. Cameltoe requires complete technical gear. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate.
- Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. The creek flows year-round, along a canyon (known as Mary Jane Canyon) which is shallow for most of its length but one mile of the central section becomes fairly narrow and up to 100 feet deep.
- Hotels Near Moab. I recommend staying in Moab for about a night or two and explore Arches National Park or the Island in the Sky District. Here are some good hotel options: Red Cliffs Lodge has the impressive sunset views of the Colorado River, especially with your private patio. The area includes a winery, a western film museum, a horse corral.
The granddaddy of all slot canyons is The Narrows in Zion National Park. Walls rise nearly 2000 feet and are only 30 feet apart at the extremes. Other slot canyons have a different appeal and are unique in their own way. For more information about.
Trailhead Information:
The trailhead is located next to a paved highway and is accessible to all vehicles in all conditions. The trailhead is located within easy walking distance of a cheerful BLM Campground.
Hiking Information:
With a bit of effort, hikers can enjoy the nearly all of the Cameltoe route.
© Copyright 2000-, Shane Burrows
