Narrow slot canyon. Free permit for overnight.
“Squeeze through a slot so narrow you'll turn sideways, where walls tower 100 feet overhead and the sky becomes a thin ribbon of light.”
Plan your Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Spooky Gulch
Spooky 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.
Spooky Gulch permit season
- route distance, out and back
- 3mi
- elevation gain
- 200ft
Spooky Gulch elevation profile
Lower Dry Fork Trailhead to Spooky Gulch upper end, one way200 ft of descent · 1.7% average grade
Lower Dry Fork Trailhead
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 4,901 ft
Spooky Gulch landmarks
How to get a Spooky Gulch permit
As of September 2026, Spooky Gulch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. Spooky Gulch rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Spooky Gulch route covers 3 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated easy.
- 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 Spooky Gulch: Live availability activity
The Spooky Gulch hike
- Distance
- 3 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 200 ft
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 2-4 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation Range
- 4,800 - 5,000 ft
Squeeze through a slot so narrow you'll turn sideways, where walls tower 100 feet overhead and the sky becomes a thin ribbon of light.
About this permit
Spooky Gulch is a non-technical slot canyon narrow enough to require sideways walking in sections. Part of the Dry Fork canyons complex, it can be combined with Peek-a-Boo Gulch for a full day.
No ropes or technical gear required, but the slots are tight. Larger individuals should assess clearance carefully.
The route
From Dry Fork Trailhead (off Hole-in-the-Rock Road), a short hike leads to the slot canyon entrance. Spooky Gulch descends through several extremely narrow sections, some requiring you to remove your pack and push it ahead.
The route can be combined with Peek-a-Boo Gulch (accessed via the same trailhead) for a full day of slot canyon exploration.
Why it matters
Spooky Gulch is one of the most accessible true slot canyons in Utah. No ropes, no swimming, just pure narrowness. Some passages require turning sideways. It's an introduction to what slot canyons are all about.
The feeling
The walls close in until you're walking sideways. Light filters down from impossibly far above. Your pack scrapes rock on both sides. Then the slot opens for a moment before closing again, even tighter than before. It's thrilling and slightly claustrophobic and absolutely addictive.
Spooky Gulch hike highlights
- 3 miles round trip
- Extremely narrow passages
- Non-technical (no ropes)
- Some sections require sideways movement
- Can combine with Peek-a-Boo
How hard the Spooky Gulch hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required2/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route1/5
Best for: Anyone comfortable with tight spaces seeking slot canyon experience.
Recommended experience: None required beyond basic fitness.
Not recommended for: Claustrophobic individuals. Larger body types (measure before committing).
When to hike Spooky Gulch
Best time to visit
Year-round when dry. Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot but slots provide shade.
Spooky Gulch rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Sturdy footwear
- Headlamp (dark sections)
- Small pack that fits through slots
- Water
Rules & regulations
- 01Free permit for overnight
- 02Day use welcome
- 03Pack out all waste
- 04No widening passages
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods
- Getting stuck in narrow sections
- Larger individuals may not fit
- Heat in summer
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Spooky Gulch.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Spooky Gulch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Spooky Gulch FAQ
How do I get a Spooky Gulch permit?
Spooky 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 Spooky Gulch?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Spooky Gulch permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Spooky Gulch permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Spooky Gulch trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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