A thrilling slot canyon located off Hole-in-the-Rock Road in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Named for its narrow passages and dark, winding corridors, the canyon offers an adventurous half‑day hike through sandstone walls that squeeze down to mere feet apart.

Access & Route

• Trailhead: A small pullout on Hole-in-the-Rock Road, approximately 12 miles southeast of Escalante.

• Distance: Roughly 1.2 miles round‑trip when combined with nearby Peek-a-Boo Gulch (often paired as a loop).

• Difficulty: Moderate — sections as narrow as 3 feet require sideways scraping, and scrambling over low ledges is necessary.

• Navigation: No marked trail; route‑finding experience and a GPS track are recommended. Watch for cairns and natural footholds.

Pet Information
Dogs are permitted but must be under voice control or on a short leash in tight sections. The canyon floor is sandy and can get hot in warmer months; bring extra water and consider protective booties for paws. Be mindful of narrow squeezes — small to medium dogs navigate best.

Vehicle Requirements
Reaching Spooky Gulch requires driving on Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a well‑graded dirt road that remains passable in most conditions. A high‑clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain, to avoid ruts and slick mud. AWD may manage in dry weather, but 4WD is safer.

Camping Nearby
While there are no established campsites at Spooky Gulch itself, dispersed BLM camping is allowed along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Camp in previously disturbed areas at least 200 feet from water sources, and pack out all waste. For more amenities, the town of Escalante offers private campgrounds and lodges 15 miles northwest.

Best Time to Visit & Safety

• Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) provide the most comfortable temperatures.

• Avoid flash floods: Check weather forecasts; even distant thunderstorms can funnel water into the canyon.

• Flash floods are deadly in slot canyons — do not enter if rain is forecast.

Photography & Exploration Tips

• The interplay of light and shadow in the narrow passages creates dramatic textures — late morning when sun beams reach down yields striking contrasts.

• Blue hour at the canyon mouth offers a cool, soft glow against warm sandstone.

• Leave backpacks at the trailhead; the narrowest sections require side‑scraping and shimmying through tight slots.

Practice Leave No Trace: avoid carving graffiti into the walls, pack out trash, and respect this fragile sandstone environment for future visitors.