Walk-Up6/10
GSENM Zebra Canyon permit
Distinctive striped slot canyon....
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Peek-a-Boo Gulch Permit
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
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.”
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 watch.
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 watch.
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Peek-a-Boo Gulch Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
This permit is not bookable online
You get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone. There is no online reservation to race for, so availability alerts do not apply. We still track key dates and season info for your trip.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2-4 hours
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
4,700 - 5,000 ft
Highlights
- •3 miles round trip
- •Scrambling and climbing required
- •Sculpted sandstone obstacles
- •Can combine with Spooky Gulch
- •More physical than Spooky
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall. Summer is hot but doable. Avoid when wet.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods
- !Falls from climbing sections
- !Heat in summer
- !Some downclimbs are committing
How to Get This Permit
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.
2
Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served, and quotas can fill early on weekends and holidays.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers comfortable with climbing and scrambling.
Recommended Experience
Basic scrambling ability.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with climbing. Claustrophobic individuals.
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.
The Experience
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •Free permit for overnight
- •Day use welcome
- •Pack out all waste
- •No fixed anchors
Gear Checklist
Required
- Sturdy footwear with grip
- Headlamp
- Small pack
- Water
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Peek-a-Boo Gulch
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
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Key Landmarks
↑
300ft
Gain↓
300ft
Loss⛰️
5,000ft
High📏
1.8mi
Distance📐
3.2%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•3 landmarks
Landmarks (3)
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.
Peek-a-Boo Gulch FAQ
How do I get a Peek-a-Boo Gulch permit?
Peek-a-Boo Gulch is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Peek-a-Boo Gulch?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally 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?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Peek-a-Boo Gulch trip
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Book campsite
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Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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