Slot Canyons Around Moab
There are few slot canyons in Canyonlands National Park since the rock most conducive to their formation (Navajo sandstone) is exposed only in a few high elevation areas, in the Island in the Sky; across most of the park it is the Wingate, Moenkopi, White Rim and Cedar Mesa formations that are visible, and the ravines, although often sheer-sided, are relatively wide, bounded by cliffs, benches and ledges. :- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link. Slot Canyons Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utah’s layered sedimentary deposits. They are named for their narrow width, often squeezing down to a sliver. It is said that Utah has the largest concentration of slot canyons in the world, and many of them are easily accessible.
Slot Canyons Near Moab
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.