Classic slot canyon. Free permit for overnight.
“Scramble through a sculpted slot canyon where natural hand and footholds make you feel like you're playing on a giant playground carved by water.”
Plan your Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Peek-a-Boo Gulch
Peek-a-Boo Gulch is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit season
- route distance, out and back
- 3mi
- elevation gain
- 300ft
Peek-a-Boo Gulch elevation profile
Lower Dry Fork Trailhead to Peek-a-Boo Gulch exit, one way300 ft of descent · 3.2% average grade
Lower Dry Fork Trailhead
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 4,901 ft
Peek-a-Boo Gulch landmarks
How to get a Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit
As of September 2026, Peek-a-Boo Gulch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. Peek-a-Boo Gulch rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Peek-a-Boo Gulch route covers 3 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at Bureau of Land Management before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Peek-a-Boo Gulch: Live availability activity
The Peek-a-Boo Gulch hike
- Distance
- 3 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 300 ft
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 2-4 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 4,700 - 5,000 ft
Scramble through a sculpted slot canyon where natural hand and footholds make you feel like you're playing on a giant playground carved by water.
About this permit
Peek-a-Boo Gulch is a sculpted slot canyon requiring climbing and scrambling through natural obstacles. Combined with nearby Spooky Gulch, it makes a full day of slot canyon exploration.
Why it matters
Peek-a-Boo Gulch adds vertical challenge to the slot canyon experience. Unlike Spooky's pure narrowness, Peek-a-Boo requires climbing and scrambling through sculpted sandstone obstacles. It's more physical but equally rewarding.
The feeling
The slot dips and rises, forcing you to climb over sculpted pouroffs and drop into sandy chambers. Your hands find holds worn smooth by thousands of hikers. The rock feels warm and friendly, like it wants to be climbed. It's slot canyon as jungle gym.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch hike highlights
- 3 miles round trip
- Scrambling and climbing required
- Sculpted sandstone obstacles
- Can combine with Spooky Gulch
- More physical than Spooky
How hard the Peek-a-Boo Gulch hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route2/5
Best for: Hikers comfortable with climbing and scrambling.
Recommended experience: Basic scrambling ability.
Not recommended for: Those uncomfortable with climbing. Claustrophobic individuals.
When to hike Peek-a-Boo Gulch
Best time to visit
Spring and fall. Summer is hot but doable. Avoid when wet.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Sturdy footwear with grip
- Headlamp
- Small pack
- Water
Rules & regulations
- 01Free permit for overnight
- 02Day use welcome
- 03Pack out all waste
- 04No fixed anchors
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods
- Falls from climbing sections
- Heat in summer
- Some downclimbs are committing
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Peek-a-Boo Gulch.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Peek-a-Boo Gulch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Peek-a-Boo Gulch FAQ
How do I get a Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit?
Peek-a-Boo Gulch is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Peek-a-Boo Gulch?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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