Into the Slot Canyons, Part 2

Emerging from Dry Fork Slot Canyon

November 15th, 2020

Yesterday, we navigated through Dry Fork Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah. Today, we’re continuing on the trail through Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons.

Climb up to Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon starts with a 12-foot climb at its entrance. Shallow depressions in the sandstone can be used as hand and foot holds but they’re so smooth, they’re of little help. Inexperienced climbers may find this difficult but there is a rope which can be used to pull up or even drag up those who need assistance, as was the case with the party ahead of us.

Peek-a-Boo

Beyond the climb, the canyon is not really a slot but more like a series of strangely shaped passageways requiring you to contort your body to get through them. People were ahead of and behind us, so we were also trying to maintain distance while moving forward. I didn’t get as many photos of this slot canyon as I would have liked. I shot the whole experience on my iPhone because dealing with a DSLR in such a small space, while needing my hands to get through it, was too much to do all at once.

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

On to Spooky Slot Canyon

We gained some ground between Peek-a-Boo and Spooky, leaving the large groups behind us. Spooky is a far skinnier slot canyon and aptly named because of the claustrophobic feelings it provokes. The sandstone is more tactile, with intriguing textures not found in the other two canyons.

Entrance to Spooky Slot Canyon

Spooky Slot Canyon

Spooky Slot Canyon

Spooky Slot Canyon

The Crux

The crux of this canyon (pictured looking back at it) is a 10-foot drop through boulders wedged between the canyon walls. This took some figuring out. We braced between the walls with our legs before letting go and dropping to the ground. Successfully through the hardest section (but not the skinniest), the rest of the journey was filled with views sculpted by time, water and weather. Although beautiful, I would not have wanted to be here any later in the afternoon as color started to fade and shadows crept in.

Spooky Slot Canyon

Spooky Slot Canyon

Spooky Slot Canyon

Getting Spookier

Light at the end of the tunnel

The end!

Finally, Spooky Slot Canyon spit us out into the sunlight and sand of a dry riverbed. What an afternoon!

More tomorrow from somewhere else,
Kelly

Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.