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Peekaboo Canyon & Spooky Gulch: Utah Slot Canyon Hike

One of the best slot canyon hikes in Utah has to be the Spooky Gulch and Peekaboo Canyon hike, where you can see one, two, three, or even four amazing slot canyons in a single trail.

This is a moderate loop hike near Escalante that first takes you to Peekaboo Slot Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful slot canyons we’ve ever seen, and then Spooky Gulch, which is extremely tight and claustrophobic.

Last, but not least, when you visit the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons you also have the option to add on two more slots: Brimstone Gulch and the Dry Fork Narrows. That way you get to see four of the best slot canyons in Utah in one hike!

This guide and map will show how to do the Spooky and Peekaboo slot canyons hike, where to find the trailhead, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Quick Facts 2) Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons: What To Expect 3) • Trail Beginning 4) • Dry Fork Narrows 5) • Peekaboo Slot Canyon 6) • Spooky Slot Canyon 7) • Brimstone Slot Canyon 8) Peekaboo & Spooky Map 9) Peekaboo & Spooky Trailhead Location 10) Trailhead Conditions 11) Slot Canyon Safety Tips 12) Where To Stay In Escalante 13) More Things To See Nearby 14) Best Utah Tours 15) More Utah Slot Canyon Guides

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 m)
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

Peekaboo And Spooky Slot Canyons: What To Expect

This hike takes you to a desert gulch with 4 different slot canyons: Dry Fork, Peakaboo, Spooky, and Brimstone.

The main reason people do this trail is to see the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, which are especially amazing, but the other two slots are also nice if you have time.

The dark and mysterious looking Spooky Gulch

If you’re new to slot canyons and just want an introduction (or if you’re bringing a dog), you can simply walk through the wide and easy Dry Fork Narrows slot for an out-and-back hike with nice beginner friendly views.

If you want something more exciting, you can continue to the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons loop, which is really spectacular, although it’s not good for pets.

These two slots are moderately difficult, but beginners can still do them. You don’t need any special gear or technical skills, but you do need to be in good shape and not at all claustrophobic.

Peekaboo Canyon may be our favorite slot canyon Utah has to offer.

One important thing to note is that BLM recommends going up Peekaboo slot canyon first and then down Spooky slot canyon.

It’s theoretically possible to do them in the opposite direction, but it’s harder, and you’ll have a problem when you run into other hikers doing the slots in the correct order. These are very tight slots so it’s not a good place to have a traffic jam.

Depending on when you go, and how much rain there’s been recently, you may also run into a bit of standing water or mud in the slot canyons, in which case you’ll have to do some extra gymnastics to pass.

The sections below explain each part of this trail and what to expect. The entire hike is so worth it!

• Trail Beginning

There are two different trailheads for the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, so the route is slightly different depending on which one you use. I’ll share a map later in this guide.

Either way, you’ll start out on a plateau in the desert, and you have to hike down into a shallow gulch to reach the slot canyons.

The first part of the trail is on dirt and sand paths with some occasional slick rock, and you’ll see plenty of little stacked rock cairns to help you find your way.

This part of the hike is exposed to the sun, but it’s all downhill. A bigger challenge is going back up the hill later, because even though the elevation gain is mild, it’s a bit harder because of the heat.

Keep going downhill until you reach the sandy Dry Fork Wash, and then the trail flattens and you have access to 4 slot canyons within a short walking distance of each other!

Dry Fork Wash has 4 slot canyons you can visit in a single hike.

A sign in the Dry Fork Wash pointing to the 3 main slot canyons.

• Dry Fork Narrows

The first slot canyon you’ll encounter on this hike is the Dry Fork Narrows.

If you’re coming from the Upper trailhead, you’ll actually pass through this slot on the way to the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons. If you’re coming from the Lower trailhead, you can still visit this slot, but it’ll require a bit of detouring — the exit from the Dry Fork Narrows is near the entrance to Peekaboo Canyon.

The path at the Dry Fork Narrows is wide and easy, so it’s perfect for slot canyon newbies and pets. This passage is bigger and tamer than the slot canyons at Spooky and Peekaboo, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery as you walk through.

I have heard of people seeing rattlesnakes in this slot, so you’ll want to watch your step and keep your eyes on the trail, but we didn’t see any snakes ourselves.

The slot section of the Dry Fork Narrows lasts for about 0.5 miles and then ends at the sandy wash, after which you can return to the trailhead, or walk 150 yards to the Peekaboo Canyon entrance to continue the adventure.

Dry Fork Narrows

• Peekaboo Slot Canyon

The Peekaboo Slot Canyon is where things really start to get interesting!

This is like an adult playground, with lots of fun obstacles to cross and wonderful red rock walls to admire.

Even though it’s a short slot, I think it’s one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Utah, featuring a heart shaped rock passage and rose colored arch ceilings.

It’s also moderately difficult, although beginners can still do it.

Natural rock window at Peekaboo slot canyon

The steep climb at the beginning of Peekaboo Canyon (pictured below) is the hardest part.

It’s a slickrock ledge about 15 feet tall, and there isn’t much to hold. This part could be dangerous if you fall, but as long as you have shoes with good grip you should be okay.

The subsequent obstacles in Peekaboo Canyon are easier and more enjoyable.

Arch ceilings at Peekaboo slot canyon

When you reach the top of Peekaboo slot canyon, the path will widen dramatically and you’re back in the sunshine.

Keep going until you reach the sandy wash, which signals that you’ve reached the end and it’s time to cross over to Spooky Gulch. This part is easy to get lost because the trail is unmarked except for rock cairns, and there are lots of paths from lost hikers leading in all directions.

You need to walk east in a straight line for about 0.5 miles, and then you’ll come upon another sandy wash, which is the start of Spooky Gulch.

The entrance to Spooky slot canyon is marked with a pin on Google Maps called ‘Spooky Gulch Top’.

You have to cross a bit of desert to reach the top of Spooky Gulch

The gradually narrowing top entrance to Spooky Gulch

• Spooky Slot Canyon

Take a deep breath of fresh air, because this is your last moment of freedom for awhile! Spooky Gulch is only about 600 yards long, but it feels much longer because of how cramped it is.

This slot is extremely tight. There are parts where you have to shuffle sideways just to fit your body through the slot, and backpacks have to be carried awkwardly overhead.

Your knees and elbows, clothes, and any other gear you’re carrying will get pretty scraped up as you go.

Mini rock arch

There is one tough obstacle at Spooky slot canyon that involves dropping about 10 feet down a narrow opening between boulders while holding a rope (pictured below).

The best way to do this is to put your back flat against the nearest rock wall, place your feet on the opposite wall, and then inch your way down while holding the rope.

Exiting Spooky Slot Canyon

• Brimstone Slot Canyon

Brimstone Gulch is a fourth slot canyon you can visit on this hike if you’re still feeling energetic.

As you exit Spooky Gulch , walk east in the sandy wash for about 1 mile until you reach the entrance to Brimstone Gulch , which will be a wide side canyon on your left. From this canyon, walk another 0.7 miles to reach the Brimstone slot canyon.

This is a very tight slot frequented by rattlesnakes and occasionally holds a long pool of water, so be careful. The walls of this slot are picturesque, but darker and less colorful than Peekaboo slot canyon or even Spooky Gulch.

Brimstone Gulch eventually shrinks to a slot just 6 inches wide, at which point it becomes basically impassable and you’ll have to retrace your steps.  

Peekaboo & Spooky Map

Here is a map of the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, with the main trail routes highlighted in red.

Not shown on this map is the Brimstone Gulch, which is a bit further east of Spooky slot canyon.

Peekaboo & Spooky map showing the trail routes in red. There are two different places to start this hike: Upper Dry Fork trailhead or Lower Dry Fork trailhead.

Peekaboo & Spooky Trailhead Location

There are two different trailheads for this hike: Upper Dry Fork trailhead or Lower Dry Fork trailhead.

The Upper Dry Fork trailhead is a better choice in my opinion, because it takes you right through the Dry Fork Narrows (another slot) on the way to Peakaboo Canyon and Spooky, and that also means more time walking in the shade.

The Lower Dry Fork trailhead is slightly closer to the slot canyons, but it’s more exposed to the sun. It also takes an extra 15 minutes of driving on bumpy roads. If you start from this trailhead you can still visit the Dry Fork Narrows slot canyon, but it’ll require a bit of detouring.

• Upper Dry Fork Trailhead: 37.479149121392624, -111.24137861032003
• Lower Dry Fork Trailhead: 37.47726316541605, -111.22028826343339

The best place to base yourself for this hike is the town of Escalante, Utah, which is just 1 hour away and has plenty of camping and hotel options.

Sign at the Upper Dry Fork trailhead

Trailhead Conditions

The last part of the drive to the Peekaboo and Spooky trailheads involves 1 hour on a very bumpy back road (BLM200/Hole in the Rock Rd).

This is pretty much the bumpiest washboard road I’ve ever seen (absolutely atrocious), but I think you could do it in any vehicle as long as the road is dry and you take your time.

I wouldn’t try to come here after rain unless you have a capable vehicle. You can check the latest road conditions here .

When you arrive at either of the trailheads, there are vault toilets, information signs, and a trail map. Both of the Dry Fork trailheads were upgraded by BLM in 2020 .

As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace . Thanks and happy travels!  

Information signs at the Lower Dry Fork trailhead

Slot Canyon Safety Tips

Flash Floods. Always be aware of the weather forecast. Do not enter any slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, even if it's outside of your immediate area. Flash flooding can be very dangerous in a slot canyon.

Sunscreen. Even on a slot canyon hike, there are still plenty of parts on the trail where you'll be exposed to direct sun, so you might want sunscreen. A hat helps too.

Water. Try to pack at least 3-4 liters per person. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need.

Map. It's a good idea to download an offline map of your hiking area on an app like Google Maps, that way you can keep using it to navigate or find your position even when you're out of reception. Getting lost in the desert can be dangerous.  

Where To Stay In Escalante

Canyons B&B

Slot Canyons Inn

Inn of Escalante

Escalante Yurts

More Things To See Nearby

The Spooky and Peekaboo slot canyons are part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, so there are lots of great attractions nearby!

Another amazing slot canyon to check out in the area is the Zebra Slot Canyon , which is located just a 30 minute drive from this one on the same road.

There’s also the Devils Garden nearby, which is a neat family friendly spot where you can see some nice hoodoo rock formations without any hiking.  

Best Utah Tours

More utah slot canyon guides.

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this guide for the Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons hike in Escalante, Utah.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Utah Slot Canyon Guide to see more of the best slot canyons in Utah!  

• Best Hikes In Utah: A Complete Guide
• Best Slot Canyons In Utah

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Last summer we went to Brimstone canyon with my 2 firends , i never go Dry Fork, Peekaboo and Spooky ones, after i saw your photos i decide to go thanks.

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Peek Joins Utah’s IT and Outdoor Industries

Pete Codella April 14, 2016 News

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced today that Peek ( www.peek.com ) will open a regional office in Utah, adding up to 100 jobs.

“Peek’s business model combines IT and outdoor recreation, two industries in which Utah really excels,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “It’s certainly exciting that we’ve attracted such a high-end company, though not surprising. Peek will be right at home here.”

Based in San Francisco, Peek is disrupting the $100 billion plus global activities industry. The platform combines Peek.com, an award-winning marketplace to book amazing activities, with Peek Pro ( www.peekpro.com ), the No. 1 tour operator software in the U.S. Whether it’s going ziplining, swimming with sharks or taking a cooking class, Peek connects people with everyday adventures. Hidden gems come from “Perfect Day” itineraries from tastemakers such as Tory Burch and Wolfgang Puck. Peek.com was named one of TIME’s 50 Best Websites, one of the world’s top-10 most innovative companies in travel by Fast Company , and the company has been featured in dozens of leading publications like Forbes magazine, Vogue and USA Today.

“We couldn’t be more excited about opening up this new office in Utah,” said Ruzwana Bashir, co-founder and CEO of Peek. “After extensive research and market diligence, it became incredibly clear that Utah provided the perfect mix of employee talent, technology DNA, and a hard-working culture to make this new operation a home run for our rapidly growing company.”

Peek has indicated that the expansion will create up to 100 jobs over the next five years. The total wages in aggregate are required to exceed 110 percent of the county average wage. The projected new state wages over the life of the agreement are expected to be approximately $17,248,103. Projected new state tax revenues, as a result of corporate, payroll and sales taxes, are estimated to be $1,374,770 over five years.

“One of the most exciting aspects of doing economic development is when we see truly innovative companies come to the state and enhance the ecosystem we already have,” said Jeff Edwards, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. “Peek is a great example of this — a paradigm-changing company that can make both our IT and outdoor products industry clusters better. We’re so happy to have them in the state.”

Peek may earn up to 15 percent of the new state taxes they will pay over the five-year life of the agreement in the form of a post-performance Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax credit rebate. As part of the contract with Peek, the GOED Board of Directors has approved a post-performance tax credit rebate not to exceed $206,215. Each year as Peek meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax credit rebate.

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1 Week, 5 Utah National Parks: A Curated Road Trip Itinerary

In just one eye-popping, mind-blowing, camera-clicking week, experience all of utah’s mighty 5..

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You may have heard, Utah is home to some pretty amazing national parks. And by amazing we mean jaw-dropping, breathtaking, heart-racing stuff. Cliffs, hoodoos and pillars made of candy colored rock; slot canyons, natural arches and verdant valleys. The scenery goes on and on and on. 

So obviously you’d like to see for yourself, did nature really design a valley of castle turrets? Can a bridge of rock be held up by sheer willpower? Yes and yes, and we have a customizable Utah national parks itinerary to prove it. Use our free PDF map download to navigate your road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 in one fell swoop. Well, a 1,000-mile scenic drive, gallons of drinking water and miles of hiking swoop. Tuh-MAY-toe, tuh-MAH-toe.

What's so great about that arch on Utah license plates? See for yourself in Arches National Park.

Travel tips

Before throwing your hiking shoes and sunhat into your carry-on, take care of a few details.

• Buy an America the Beautiful park pass; the $80 fee covers entrance to all the national parks, saving you some cash for souvenir T-shirts. Get your pass through the National Park Service .
• Make park reservations. Arches requires a timed-entry ticket from April through October; visit Recreation.gov to make your vehicle reservation. Some hikes in Zion have a permit lottery; sign up at Recreation.gov . 
• April to October is peak season: Make camping or hotel reservations well in advance.
• Check the weather . It gets HOT during the summer months; pack appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, reusable water bottles and plenty of sunscreen.
• Plan to start your days early. Most people visit the park between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; go during the off hours for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, the lighting is better for your Insta pics.
• Remember, you can come back! It’s impossible to hike every trail in one park in just a day or two, let alone all five. So plan what you can reasonably do this time around. And don’t worry, the scenery has been around for thousands of years, it’ll be here for you next time.

Accommodations

You can experience the outdoor wonders in three ways: fully immersive, semi-immersive and I-need-a-good-night’s-sleep immersive. If you want the deep dive experience — dirt in your shoes, campfire smell in your clothes — you can set up a tent in or near the national parks.

If you want to dip your toes in the wilderness but still want a mattress, consider renting an RV, campervan or camper trailer . But, if you’re more of a hot shower, hot tub kind of traveler, there are hotels and cabins , either inside the parks or in nearby towns. Can’t decide? Try glamping , camping-like lodging with some luxury hotel amenities.

Arrivals and Departures

The national parks are located in the southern half of Utah, so the two closest international airports are in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Plan your travel as a round trip, or fly into one city and leave from the other. Pick up your rental vehicle and let your Utah national parks road trip begin.

Introduce yourself to Zion along the Riverside Walk.

Day One: Airport to Zion National Park

• Salt Lake City to Zion: 313 miles, 4.5 hours
• Las Vegas to Zion: 168 miles, 3 hours
• Lodging: Camping (spots inside the park fill quickly), hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, glamping

We suggest starting your Utah national parks road trip at Zion , when your legs are the freshest; there are some serious hikes here. In fact, there are so many swoon-worthy hikes at this park, it’s hard to choose just one. Or two. Or three. There’s a reason Zion sees some 5 million visitors every year. Plan on spending at least two days, if you can, to soak up all the scenery. And hey, if you decide to stay even longer, we totally get it.

Temple of Sinawava

After checking into your accommodations, head over to the park to stretch your legs on a warmup hike. Catch a free shuttle at the Visitor Center; it travels the length of Canyon Scenic Drive, with stops at the Zion Lodge and the trailheads.

Stay on until the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the Riverside Walk for the perfect introduction to the park. The paved, 2-mile (round trip) walk takes you along the Virgin River and into a canyon. You’ll see hanging gardens, weeping walls and maybe some wildlife.

This trail ends where the Narrows hike begins. If it’s open and you have sturdy shoes, step into the river and walk the first portion of the hike. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle back or you’ll be walking an extra nine miles. Fuel up for tomorrow at one of Springdale’s many eateries.

• Grilled grub: Camp Outpost, Whiptail Grill
• Fancy fixin’s: Spotted Dog, King’s Landing Bistro
• Family fare: Zion Pizza & Noodle, Porter’s

Get the best view in Zion National Park from Angels Landing.

Day Two: Zion

If you can get a permit, hike Angels Landing . It has a lot of uphill, steep switchbacks and some sheer drop-offs, but the view of the canyon from way up there? Matchless. Plan on taking several hours for the 5-mile hike. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top; it’s definitely a better view than any rooftop restaurant can offer. Be sure to pack out all your trash. Register for permits with the National P ark Service .

If you didn’t get a permit, there are plenty of other (and easier) hikes . We recommend Emerald Pools . You’ll see three natural ponds and some waterfalls, separated by a short climb through desert vegetation. The lower pool is a fairly easy hike; it’s a bit more work to get to the other two, but the trail is easy to follow. At the upper pool, cool off in the grotto surrounded by enormous, weeping rock walls.

If you still have some energy, you may want to try another short but noteworthy hike . When you're properly worn out for the day, head back to Springdale for dinner, then maybe catch a show at the Bumbleberry Inn .

Day Three: Zion to Bryce Canyon

• Zion to Bryce: 2 hours, 84 miles
• Lodging : Campgrounds, cabins, B&Bs, glamping

Next stop, Bryce Canyon . Drive back into Zion, heading east on scenic Highway 9 toward Mt. Carmel. You’ll drive through the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. In addition to gaining a mad respect for 1920s sandstone blasters, you may catch a glimpse of some bighorn sheep through the built-in windows.

Make one last stop before you leave the area: Checkerboard Mesa . Imagine a giant sat down to do his math homework and got a bit carried away drawing lines. Then, on to Bryce.

Note: Oversize vehicles, such as RVs, are only allowed through the tunnel during limited hours and must pay an additional fee. Read more about restrictions at the National Park Service .

Walk among sandstone towers in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce is Nice

Remember when you tried to make an epic sandcastle? Well, Bryce Canyon did it first. See an entire valley of the tallest, coolest, colorfulest hoodoos on a walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. 

If your legs are still a bit wobbly from Zion, take the Mossy Cave Trail , an easy 1-mile round trip among the spires. Another option is the Bristlecone Loop Trail , which will give you a bird’s-eye view. A little more challenging, the Navajo Loop is the most popular trail in the park; you’ll descend 800 feet into the heart of the hoodoos.

Got more stamina than that bighorn sheep you saw on the drive over? Try the 8.3-mile Fairyland Loop . You’ll hike down into the pink and white canyons, see natural amphitheaters and be surrounded by hoodoos. No need for wings, but you may wish you had some.

Park your tired puppies back in the car and head over to the tiny town of Tropic for some tasty respite. Steaks, house specials, lavender sponge cake and a wine menu await you at Stone Hearth Grille . For more casual fare, stay in Bryce Canyon City for Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room .

The vistas are wide and grand in Canyonlands. Photo by Chad Hurst

Day Four: Canyonlands

• Bryce to Canyonlands: 4 hours 20 minutes, 256 miles
• Lodging : camping, hotels, cabins, glamping

Are you ready to mumble? Under your breath in awe, that is. Definitely not because your quads and hammies are jiggly; they can rest on the drive. Pull out our map of Utah national parks and head toward Moab. It’s the home base for Canyonlands and Arches.

Where Bryce seems like fine handiwork, Canyonlands was made with broader strokes. Get an overview of Utah’s largest national park from the Grand View Overlook . The easy hike takes you up a 1-mile sandstone stairway — to heaven? Just about. It ends at a mesa with an unobstructed view of Monument Basin. Be aware, while the path is wide, there are sheer cliffs.

Catch a perfectly framed sunrise at Mesa Arch.

Mesa Arch is another sweet spot for sweeping vistas, evident by the dozens of photographers shooting here at sunrise. The 27-foot long arch is so obliging, it perfectly frames your photos of the La Sal mountains. It’s worth squeezing into your day no matter the hour, since the trail is only 0.6 miles round trip. Hint: Walk to the arch clockwise, then retrace your steps back to avoid some of the stone steps.

If you’re visiting Canyonlands in the spring or winter, consider hiking the Confluence Overlook Trail , a moderate, 11-mile round trip. You’ll do some scrabbling up and down rocky slopes but it’s mostly flat. The payoff is the vista, 1,000 feet above the spot where the Green River and Colorado River come together. We don’t recommend it for a summer’s day; the trail is fully exposed — no shade — and the heat can be brutal.

The Confluence Overlook Trail is long, but the views are unparalleled. Photo by Chad Hurst

Even if you’re camping, head to Moab for some dinner and a casual walk down its charming Main Street. For a small town, there’s a surprisingly large assortment of dining options, from traditional kebabs at Sultan Mediterranean Grill to curry from Thai Bella Moab.

Day Five: Arches

• Canyonlands to Arches: 29 minutes, 26 miles

Just half an hour away from Canyonlands, Arches has mesas, buttes and some wiiiide, gravity defying arches. The most popular — so popular it can be seen on one-third of Utah’s license plates — is Delicate Arch. It’s not an easy hike to see it; there are some steep stretches on the 3-mile trip. But you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent, solitary arch standing in a bowl of sandstone. Wax as poetic as you like, it’ll be fitting.

Visit one of the world's longest natural bridge in Arches.

Actually, rare beauties are a thing for Arches. You’ll understand what we mean when you head over to Landscape Arch ; it’s the fifth longest natural bridge in the world. The slab of rock spans 290 feet, but it is only 18 feet wide. How does it stay up? No idea.

Day Six: Canyonlands or Arches

Have time to stick around for another day? You could take another hike in Arches, or head back to Canyonlands. Or consider some activities nearby such as white-water rafting , kayaking and off-roading . 

Drive on to the town of Torrey, just outside Capitol Reef, for the night so you can get an early start in the morning.

Day Seven: Capitol Reef and Home

Park logistics.

Arches to Capitol Reef: 2 hours, 133 miles

Lodging : camping, glamping, hotels

The final stop on our Utah national park itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . This compact park is no slouch in rock sculptures, either. 

Reach for the stars at Cassidy Arch, named for a local outlaw.

First hike: A moderate 3.5 mile climb to Cassidy Arch . It’s a big one — standing 400 feet tall. It’s pretty photogenic, too, much like the movie star who played the arch’s namesake, Butch Cassidy. 

Next up, a moderately easy jaunt up to the Hickman Bridge . The 2-mile round trip trek includes fantastic scenery along the way, culminating in not just one, but TWO arches.

Grab a late lunch outside the park at Capitol Burger, a food truck serving gourmet burgers (find its exact location for the day on its Facebook page). Then settle your trail-worn body into your vehicle, crank up the air, choose your playlist and head back to the airport.

Home Logistics

Capitol Reef to Salt Lake City: 3 hours 23 minutes, 218 miles

Capitol Reef to Las Vegas: 5 hours, 327 miles

On the long drive back, make your case for which national park deserves a second, longer look. Utah.com will be here to help you plan your next trip and all your other excursions around our state.

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Exploring Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – An Adventure in Kanab Utah

Kanab is a small southern Utah town located just across the border from Arizona. The town is surrounded by lots of natural beauty, and the entire area is an adventure wonderland.  We had an unexpected long weekend pop up in mid-October and I jumped at the chance to spend it in Kanab.  It was one of the last areas we hadn’t yet visited during our many southern Utah road trips during the pandemic.  While tripping Kanab, I discovered a plethora of tours and activities to choose from. One adventure I booked was a Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour with the Kanab Tour Company.  We spent an afternoon driving Polaris RZR Side-by-Sides across remote sandy trails to spectacular viewpoints, culminating in a hike through one of the area’s favorite slot canyons…Peek-A-Boo.  

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So Many Slot Canyons, Not Enough Names

A slot canyon is a long narrow passageway eroded through sandstone with tall, sheer rock walls often reaching 100 feet or higher. Utah has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world with an estimated 1000 of them in the southern part of the state.  Kanab is a great base for exploring several of the most popular.

I guess when it comes to naming 1000 slot canyons, creativity can become an issue. There are two Peek-A-Boo slot canyons in Utah.  One is located in the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, and the other is 8 miles north of Kanab on BLM land.  Adding to the confusion, the Kanab Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is also known by its original name Red Canyon. This not to be confused with Utah’s other Red Canyon located near Bryce Canyon National Park.  Canyon confusion!

(I’ve also written about the other Red Canyon on this blog)

We were later told that no one knows exactly why the Canyon’s name was changed from Red to Peek-A-Boo.  But some locals believe it’s named for a tiny “window” in the canyon’s wall that allows for photos like this….

Kanab Tour Company

Most of the popular slot canyons near Kanab are not easy to access.  Many are at the end of dirt roads that absolutely require high clearance 4×4 vehicles, as is the case with Peek-A-Boo slot canyon.  I looked into renting a high-clearance 4×4 while in Kanab, so we could see many of the area’s off-road sites.  We had done something similar at Capitol Reef National Park last year, spending a day exploring the remote Cathedral Valley Loop in a rented Jeep.  However, because it was a last minute trip (during Utah’s busy Fall Break weekend no less) rentals were booked. 

So I sought out alternative ways to explore slot canyons, ultimately discovering Kanab Tour Company and their Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour .  We could drive one of their Polaris RZR UTVs along the rough access road, while also having fun exploring the surrounding trails. Plus we could drive the RZR ourselves. Many other tour companies located in Kanab insist on doing the driving for you.  I definitely wanted to drive, and thinking that this sounded like a great afternoon, signed us up.

Getting Started

The Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tour starts at the Kanab Tour Company office in Kanab. Here we were fitted with helmets and protective eyewear, signed the usual waivers, and watched a quick video explaining a little bit about the day ahead. We then drove the 8 miles in our own car to the Peek-A-Boo trailhead parking area.

Upon arrival at the dirt parking area, we found our group of 4 RZRs already lined up, and met Jason – our guide for the afternoon.  

I’ve never driven a RZR Side-by-Side (or any other kind of ATV/UTV) before.  Jason gave us a quick lesson in everything we needed to know.  It seemed pretty straight-forward.  Standard steering wheel, no clutch, high and low gear. Jason would give us hand-signals along the way directing us which gear to choose.   He did mention that if any of us rolled, we would likely be protected by the roll bars, but that rolling tended to be a buzzkill for the rest of the afternoon.  He encouraged us to avoid turning sharply at high speed to prevent being buzzkills.  

And we were off…

A View from the Knoll

Since the drive to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is only a few miles from the parking area, Jason took us in the opposite direction for an hour of off-road adventures first. I was immediately surprised at how rutted, sandy, and uneven the road was, and at how fun it was to drive through it all – at speeds up to 35 mph. Despite the shocks and suspensions on the RZR, it was still really bumpy, and at times even bone-rattling. But it was undeniably fun. And I never felt, at any time, that we were at risk of rolling. 

Our first destination was Red Knoll – an isolated hill in the area.  We took the RZRs along a rocky road to the top.  Here we were greeted with an amazing 360 degree view.  We could see Zion National Park to the north, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to the west, and the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument to the east.  We could even spot the southern edge Bryce Canyon National Park in the distance

Hiking Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon

After descending from Red Knoll, we followed Jason across more sandy, rutted trails to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon.  We parked our RZRs in the ravine near the canyon’s mouth and headed in for the 0.7 mile round trip hike. 

The hike through Peek-A-Boo is relatively flat and sandy.  Large rocks do protrude from the pathway at times, and a small ladder is set along the way to help hikers get past one particular elevated break in the mostly flat path.  The hike ends in a rock alleyway with a high end wall too difficult to climb.  

The canyon features many opportunities for those classic slot canyon photos of beautiful low-lit spaces between narrow irregular sandstone walls….

A 0.7 mile hike through a slot canyon takes a lot longer than the average 0.7 mile hike. It requires time to take in all the beauty….. and stop for multiple photos. Plus the canyon was fairly crowded.  Several tour groups had made their way to the canyon along with private vehicles too.  So, many extra stops were required to let others pass, or wait for the perfect photo spot to clear out. 

After 45 minutes or so in the canyon, we hopped back on the RZRs and headed back the few remaining miles to the parking lot. 

Final Thoughts and Tips

We arrived at the Kanab Tour Company office at 12:30 and finished our tour just before 4pm.  The cost for this full afternoon activity varies according to the size of UTV required by your group.  Our 2-seater cost $269 plus tax. 

Our guide Jason grew up in Kanab, riding all of these trails and exploring all the canyons.  His insight was a great addition to the afternoon.

While hiking through a slot canyon, it’s easy to forget to watch your step as you gawk at the towering rock walls. A member of our group tripped over a rock and hit his head firmly against a sandstone wall (fortunately, he was OK).

Some visitors to Peek-A-Boo Canyon hike from the parking area.  AllTrails.com lists the round trip distance at 8.7 miles.

It was unseasonably cool during our October visit with afternoon temperatures in the mid 50s.  Layers are important at this time of year when exploring slot canyons anyway.  The canyon itself is much cooler with those high walls blocking out most of the sun. And never enter a slot canyon when there are thunderstorms in the the area. Flash flooding is a life-threatening risk through slot canyons in rainy weather.

The following day, we went canyoneering through another area slot canyon called Ladder Canyon. This slot canyon’s floor wasn’t so flat, and required us to rappel (from 7 different heights), slide, and spider walk our way from the beginning to the end. Click here to read my post about canyoneering through Ladder Slot Canyon. I’ve also written a Thorough Guide to Kanab – there are so many other things to do in the area surrounding this perfectly located town.

And here are some alternative options through Viator for seeing Peek-A-Boo canyon without needing to drive a UTV yourself.

43 Comments

Beautiful photos and as usual your very insightful information for visitors thinking of going to Kanab!

thethoroughtripper

Thanks Sasha! I hope that other visitors to Kanab do find it useful.

You photos are great and the area looks an interesting place to visit.

It’s definitely a very photogenic spot

Robin Jackson

I’m happy that you enjoyed the slot canyons and other wonderful explorations. I love the absolute beauty and stillness of the desert. I live in Kanab and go out almost every day to the desert to feed my soul with my dogs. I am running out of places to go with the relative explosion of atv tours. The quiet stillness of my favorite spots is gone. The once familiar trails I hike have been obliterated by the atvs to the point that I got lost trying to find the original trail. Delicate desert flora, cacti, sages and cliff roses are ground into the sand by roaring atv’s. It’s really hard to see and I grieve for the loss of such beauty. I guess it’s inevitable this happens.

Thanks for sharing that perspective

Wendy White

Such stunning photos Steven, Peek-a-boo canyon looks incredible. The Kanab tour is something we would love to do, it sounds so much fun and we enjoy hiking. Utah is certainly high up on our list for places to visit in the US.

So much to do over here Wendy once you get the chance to make the long journey

Ryan K Biddulph

Phenomenal shots guys. This region has so much to offer. Definitely high on our travel list as we will be in the US for a while.

Thanks Ryan. I continue to be amazed at all the beauty in my home state.

Janet Quinn

Great photos! Thanks for posting. We hiked Peek A Boo years ago but I think it’s time to revisit.

You can’t go wrong with a revisit

Gregory Wolfley

I wish you peoplw would quit advetising these Southern Utah gems! These areas are not Disneyland with an infastructure to accomodate millions if people? Too many people just trash and trample! Now please just enjoy it and move on your way! Thank You

I can see your point. I avoided the National Parks in Utah for years because I thought were too crowded. Especially Zion

Chalk and cheese travels

Wow those rock formations are unbelievable and huge, would love to see it for myself. Driving the RZR would be fun just itself what a great all round trip Utah is still well on the list to visit

Yes it was a great all-around way to spend an afternoon

Travel for a while

I love those Utah colors! Beautiful photos as usual. Good tips on explorin slot canyons too.

Those Utah colors are nice aren’t they?

Carina | bucketlist2life

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon looks absolutely gorgeous. All the pictures are amazing! Anotheer place to add to our Utah bucketlist…

The Utah bucket list tends to be a long one!

Vanessa Shields

What a fun way to see the slot canyons! I think I’d want them to drive for me. Haha. I’ve always wanted to visit this area of Utah just to see them. Your photos are so pretty and I can imagine you could spend hours taking photos. That does seem a little confusing as many slot canyons have the same names!

Driving is half the fun!!

You really are getting into the nooks and crannies of Utah now! I would love to take this tour and the ATVs would be a real pull. When we visited Antelope Canyon, we had to travel there in special 4 x 4 minibuses (there is no option. Visitors to AC have to take the guided tours) so driving these karts would be so much more exciting. The canyon looks awesome. Looking forward to reading about the next one where you had to abseil down. Makes Antelope Canyon look very tame!

Antelope Canyon is an hour or so away from Kanab but I decided to not go there for that very reason. Too tame. I want some excitement with my slot canyon tours!

The photos are like from another planet. Stunning! Sounds like a real adventure, would love to visit it one day.

Southern Utah really seems like another planet sometimes

I am so mesmerized by slot canyons. So surreal and beautiful! This Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon ATV tour in Kanab, Utah looks and sounds like a fun experience.

It was my first slot canyon and fulfilled every expectation

Stefan (Berkeley Square Barbarian)

Those UTVs look like a whole lot of fun, Stephen. How funny that there is a canyon confusion. Your pictures look amazing. When will we read about your climbing/abseiling adventure?

It’s coming next Stefan. It was great fun too as you will see in a few weeks

What an incredible place to see, I can’t get enough of the unique formations and I love the peek-a-boo name! I’m definitely adding Kanab to the list, also I’ve never been to Utah, so that will be an adventure for me too!

Hope you get the chance to visit Lisa

Tiffany Pence

It’s amazing that all these parks are so close together. You definitely have a lot of beauty near you. My parents have talked about taking me up to to some of these national parks when I visit. I’ll have to let them know to check out Kanab!

There is so much to see in that part of Utah. Hope you have time to see as much as you can!

Tom smalltownplussize

I have always wanted to hike through a Utah slot canyon. I enjoyed reading about your visit and your amazing photos. Hiring a RZR is the way to go for this!

A good day all around. Hope you get the chance sometime

John CarpeDiemEire

If I was only looking at the photos here, I would assume I was reading about the new Mad Max movie. This is super cool. The RZR’s look like so much fun. I didn’t realise there was tons of canyons like this. I thought antelope canyon was unique. It’s a pricey tour, but how often can you do this.

I agree that it cost more than I usually like to spend on a tour, but it was so worth it!

Jennifer Nilsson

I’m so jealous! We tried to take the van to Peek-a-Boo, but couldn’t make it all the way without 4-wheel drive. Next time! Saving this post so I have all the tips!

So wise of you not to try and go all the way. Getting stuck in that sand would not have been a good experience

A good day all around. Hope to get the chance sometime

Michigan Adventures

This is a great read as my husband and I are planning to visit peek a boo slot canyon this spring, so thank you for the insight 🙂

– Sara Billings

Glad you found it helpful! Such a great place. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

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How to see Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks on an epic road trip

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

Link up Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks with this epic driving route © Peter Unger / Getty Images

Utah might not have the most national parks of any state – that honor goes to California – but it certainly has the highest concentration.

All of Utah’s "Mighty 5"  are within easy driving distance of one another, meaning that the state is prime for an epic national parks road trip that you can even squeeze into a short amount of vacation time. With only a week to spare, it's possible to get to know the distinct personalities of each of the state's national parks.

Here's how to plan an unforgettable drive in Utah .

Where should you start a Utah national parks road trip?

You can tackle Utah’s national parks west to east or vice versa, depending on your starting destination. Going from west to east is generally the most popular option because Zion National Park is just a few hours from the international airport in Las Vegas . You could also start this road trip in Salt Lake City , heading for either Zion or Arches first.

Where should I rent a car for a Utah road trip?

If you’re flying in to visit Utah’s national parks, it’s easiest to rent a car at your arrival airport. After picking up the car, head to the grocery store to buy water, snacks and other supplies before you hit the road, especially if you’re looking for something specific. The gateway towns to Utah’s national parks are small, and their stores often don’t have as wide of a selection. 

When is the best time to drive between Utah's national parks?

Late spring and early fall are the best seasons for road tripping in Utah. Summer is a popular time, but that means more cars on the road and more hikers on the trails. Winter is great for solitude seekers, but make sure you have the know-how to drive on snowy roads and a backup plan in case of closures or worse. State highways in some areas might be shut down until May because of heavy snowfall, particularly in the high elevations around Brian Head, north of Zion National Park.

Stop 1: Zion National Park

The vibe: Awesome canyon and iconic hikes

What to do: Zion Canyon is one of the most intriguing natural wonders in the country, and it chalks up the visitor numbers to prove it. See what makes Zion so extraordinary by taking on the national park’s two iconic hikes: Angels Landing ( permit required ), a chain-assisted white-knuckle climb to a lofty narrow plateau, and the Narrows, where the trail is the Virgin River and you wade through the water as it churns through a towering slot canyon.

What to eat: In the heart of the canyon, the historic Zion Lodge has two places to eat: a small cafe and a full-fledged restaurant. The food isn’t particularly memorable, but the setting certainly is, and it’s the only place to eat inside the national park if you don’t bring your own supplies. Just outside Zion National Park’s south entrance, Zion Canyon Brew Pub was the first microbrewery in southern Utah and serves up pub grub that pairs perfectly with its beers. More restaurants, coffee shops and small grocery stores abound in Springdale, the gateway town hugging Zion’s south entrance.

Where to stay: Zion National Park has two in-park accommodation options: camping or Zion Lodge . You need to book months in advance to get a reservation for either. Springdale has lots of excellent places to stay. See if rooms are available at Under the Eaves Inn , Red Rock Inn or Desert Pearl Inn , or head a bit further from the canyon. In East Zion, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is ideal for families, with tons of activities for all ages. To the west, AutoCamp Zion offers a hip stay in Airstream trailers, and Under Canvas has set up gorgeous luxury glamping tents on Kolob Terrace Road.

The drive (75 miles, 1 hour and 25 minutes): Leave Zion National Park through the east entrance, driving through the tight-squeeze Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, which was the longest tunnel in the country when it opened in 1930. Continue on Hwy 9 to Mt Carmel Junction and then head north on Hwy 89. Turn east on Scenic Byway 12, nationally recognized as an "All-American Road" for its history and landscapes. You get a taste of what’s in store at the next national park as you drive through redrock arches and past intriguing rock formations shaped like Crayola crayons – and colored just as brightly.

Want to know more about Zion? Here's our guide

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park

The vibe: Alien rock formations

What to do: Bryce Canyon hides its treasures from view when you first enter the park, but as soon as you reach the rim of the plateau, an army of rock spires called hoodoos stands at attention in the bowl of the natural amphitheater. The paved road through the national park is sprinkled with scenic overlooks where you can stop and gawp at these mesmerizing formations. Inspiration Point and Rainbow Point are wow-worthy pull-off points. But getting in among the hoodoos is a must. Hike the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point, book a horse ride on Peekaboo Loop or find a quieter collection of hoodoos on the Fairyland Loop.

What to eat: Bryce Canyon is Utah’s only other national park (besides Zion) that has a historic lodge inside the park, which has a restaurant (don’t miss the elk chili). There’s also a park general store that sells pizza, craft beer, ice cream and snacks. Bryce Canyon City is just outside the national park gates, but the restaurants in the small town of Tropic, a short drive to the southeast, are better. Try the pulled pork at IDK Barbecue or have a classy white-tablecloth dinner at Stone Hearth Grille .

Where to stay: Book far in advance to snag a place to sleep inside the park, either a campsite or a room at Bryce Canyon Lodge . Bryce Canyon City has several options near the park entrance, but it’s worth driving a little further to Bryce Glamp & Camp , a scenic, secluded spot where you can watch the night sky from your bed in a bubble dome.

The drive (125 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes): Continue on Scenic Byway 12, which gets even more beautiful as you crest the rollercoaster hills and sail down the switchbacks. Much of the surrounding land is part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument , which covers nearly 2 million acres. Tempting trailheads beckon, particularly around the towns of Escalante and Boulder – pull over and hike if you have time. Scenic Byway 12 ends at Hwy 24 near Torrey, the gateway town to Capitol Reef National Park.

First time in Bryce Canyon? Here's what you need to know

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park

The vibe: Hikes through history

What to do: Capitol Reef wears its past on its sleeve, and when hiking in this national park, you’re following in the footsteps of many generations past, from the little-understood Native Fremont people to Mormon settlers. Don’t miss the petroglyphs east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center (accessible via a boardwalk) and on the hike through Capitol Gorge, where ancient Native rock art is carved a short distance from the Pioneer Register, recording the names and dates of 19th-century settlers who passed through this slot canyon. In the center of the park, Fruita was a Mormon settlement established in 1879 and is well known for its orchards, which the National Park Service still maintains. Pick up one of the famous fruit pies from Gifford Homestead , where Fruita's last inhabitants lived.

What to eat: Torrey is a short drive from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, and for such a small town, it has some impressive food options. At Torrey Grill & BBQ , a Culinary Institute of America graduate makes magic with smoked meats, while adorable Wild Rabbit Cafe serves phenomenal all-day breakfasts and sandwiches. Hunt & Gather is a surprising spot for fine dining, showcasing lovingly plated dishes of local ingredients.

Where to stay: Capitol Reef has one developed campground , as well as free primitive sites in the backcountry ( free backpacking permit required ). If you’d rather stay within four walls, try Torrey Schoolhouse B&B , a 1914 schoolhouse brought back to life as an elegant bed and breakfast. One of the best places to stay in Torrey is Skyview , which has rooms with hot tubs that look out on the redrock scenery, geodesic domes with skylights over the bed for nighttime stargazing, and a rooftop terrace.

The drive (155 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes): Head east on Hwy 24, called the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, which turns north at Hanksville. If you have time, detour west of Hwy 24 to Goblin Valley State Park to wander among its bizarre rock formations. On the east side of Hwy 24, Horseshoe Canyon is part of Canyonlands National Park and has one of the most significant Native rock art sites in North America – it’s nicknamed the "Louvre of the Southwest." The road to Horseshoe Canyon is not paved, and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. When Hwy 24 comes to an end near Green River, join Interstate 70 east and carry on until the Moab turnoff at Hwy 191. Turn west on Hwy 313 to reach another area of Canyonlands National Park.

Hanging around in Capitol Reef? Here's what to do there

Stop 4: Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky district

The vibe: Epic views

What to do: Canyonlands is Utah’s largest and least-visited national park. Few travelers venture to its most remote areas (and those who do require suitable vehicles and self-sufficiency), and Canyonlands’ quieter nature can be a welcome break from Utah’s busier parks. It is divided into four districts, the most accessible of which is Island in the Sky, near Moab . This area stretches out atop a majestic mesa thousands of feet above the Colorado and Green Rivers, the powerful forces that sculpted this land into sheer canyons and needle-like pinnacles. The scenic drive through the Island in the Sky district dawdles past a number of overlooks. Get a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the humbly named Grand View Point where the paved road ends.

What to eat: Moab’s main street is lined with great restaurants where you can fuel up for a day out, and the town is just a 40-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. In the northern part of Moab, Proper Brewing has an excellent beer garden where you can kick back and enjoy a burger and a Utah-made brew.

Where to stay: The Island in the Sky district has one campground . More campsites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land are scattered along Hwy 313, the main road into the national park, as well as along Hwy 128 and the Colorado River south of Arches National Park. For hotel accommodations, stay in Moab for an easy journey. Field Station is one of our top picks for location, price and adventure-seeking atmosphere, housed in a well-renovated roadside motel.

The drive (29 miles, 40 minutes): Canyonlands and Arches are about as close as two national parks can be, and it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center to Arches Visitor Center. If you can’t get enough of the views, take a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park for even more memorable vistas. Take Hwy 313 to Hwy 191 and drive south for a few miles to the turnoff for Arches National Park.

Want to see even more of Canyonlands? Here's what you need to know

Stop 5: Arches National Park

The vibe: Arches galore

What to do: The main draw of Arches is right in its name, and nowhere on Earth has more of this type of rock formation than this national park. Delicate Arch is the most iconic, enshrined on Utah’s license plates, and many more can be seen along the park’s main paved road on short hikes and from easy-to-reach viewpoints. At the end of the road, the Devils Garden Trail packs several arches into an easy or adventurous hike, depending on how far you want to go, including 306ft Landscape Arch, one of the longest in the world.

What to eat: There’s nowhere to eat inside Arches National Park, so bring in supplies from Moab or fuel up in town before or after a day of arch admiring. Find a variety of crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly options at Moab Food Truck Park or reserve a table at Desert Bistro , one of the best restaurants in this part of the state, for game and seafood in an 1892 former dance hall.

Where to stay: Arches has one campground inside the park (book far in advance), and campers can also find lots of sites on BLM land just outside the park boundaries. Otherwise, Moab makes for an excellent base camp, with plenty of hotels along its main street and beyond. Secluded south of town, ULUM Moab offers luxury glamping tents with views of its very own arch.

The drive: Round off your Utah national parks road trip by heading back to Salt Lake City (235 miles from Moab) or Las Vegas (460 miles from Moab). The fastest but least interesting way to get to Las Vegas is to take the interstates (I-70 north of Moab and then I-15 south), but if you have time, take the long road south from Moab, stopping at the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, checking out film-famous Monument Valley on Navajo land and testing your luck by trying to get a permit for the Wave – one of the most sought-after hikes in the Southwest – in Kanab.

Need more info about Arches? Here's our guide for first-time visitors

Tips for EV drivers

Despite how remote some parts of the state are, Utah is an excellent place for an EV road trip, especially to the national parks. Some campgrounds and many hotels, including Zion Lodge inside the national park, have EV chargers for guests. Tesla has several Superchargers across the state, particularly along I-15 and I-70, including in St George (about 45 miles from Zion National Park’s south entrance), Green River and Moab (close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks) and Blanding (about 70 miles from Canyonlands’ Needles district). 

A tricky stretch for EV drivers is the journey between Capitol Reef National Park and Moab. The Capitol Reef gateway town of Torrey has chargers, as does Green River, but you might need to be careful about how many places you explore in between.

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Utah sues TikTok again, this time alleging sexual exploitation of children

SALT LAKE CITY — The state of Utah has filed another lawsuit against social media giant TikTok. This time, the state is alleging the video app "created a virtual strip club" that allowed young people to be sexually exploited in exchange for money that TikTok takes a cut of.

The lawsuit, filed Monday by the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, alleges a live-streaming feature called TikTok LIVE would allow adult users to give a digital currency to younger users in exchange for sexual acts. TikTok, the state claims in the lawsuit, would take a commission on every transaction. In Utah, the state claims TikTok has made money from the exploitation of children, though the lawsuit itself redacts exactly how much.

"TikTok has created a virtual strip club allowing minors to be exploited across America by connecting innocent victims to predators in real time. Adding insult to injury, Live facilitates money laundering while TikTok quietly charges 50% on every transaction to profit in the billions from the entire enterprise," Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said in a statement Monday announcing the lawsuit. “Our investigation confirmed TikTok knows of the damage to young victims but feels it makes far too much money to stop."

FOX 13 News first reported last year that during a court hearing, the state hinted it had additional investigations into TikTok . Utah Division of Consumer Protection director Katie Hass confirmed this lawsuit emerged out of those investigations.

"Now that we’ve been able to obtain that information from TikTok, not surprising they didn’t want to turn this information over to us, we are taking this action now," Hass said.

The state of Utah's new lawsuit also makes claims that TikTok LIVE's virtual currency could allow criminals to host illegal gambling, sell drugs and fund terrorist activities. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection claims TikTok is avoiding regulatory requirements to identify criminal behavior and protect users.

"I find the new allegations against TikTok Live not merely concerning but incredibly disturbing. Such disregard for the safety of young users on the platform, much less profiting off their exploitation, cannot and will not be tolerated," Governor Spencer Cox said in a statement. "We will take all necessary actions to protect them from TikTok’s egregious behavior."

In a statement to FOX 13 News, a spokesperson for TikTok denied the allegations and insisted measures were in place to protect children.

"TikTok has industry-leading policies and measures to help protect the safety and well-being of teens. Creators must be at least 18 years old before they can go LIVE, and their account must meet a follower requirement. We immediately revoke access to features if we find accounts that do not meet our age requirements," the company said.

This is the second lawsuit that has been filed against TikTok by the state of Utah . Last year, the state sued alleging TikTok designed an addictive app that has harmed the mental health of the state's youth. That case is currently being litigated in court. Utah has also been locked in a battle with TikTok over internal documents. The Utah Attorney General's Office repeatedly pushed a judge to hold the company in contempt , claiming TikTok was not complying with subpoenas (something TikTok lawyers vehemently denied). The judge ultimately pushed a compromise .

The governor and attorney general have had a long-running campaign against social media platforms, alleging that addictive algorithms and content served up to young people have contributed to mental health issues, including lack of sleep, bullying and body image.

The state of Utah is also suing Meta, the owners of Facebook and Instagram, accusing them of contributing to harm to the mental health of Utah youth .

The Utah State Legislature has passed bills seeking to regulate social platforms, including demanding they implement age-verification , reduce their algorithm reach, implement time restrictions and stop serving up ads to children. Some of the state's restrictions have prompted a coalition of tech companies to sue Utah, alleging violations of the First Amendment . The state is also being sued by content creators who allege the state's restrictions harm their free speech rights .

In response to those lawsuits? The legislature rewrote the laws again .

Read the lawsuit here:

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Cicada map 2024: See where to find Broods XIII and XIX; latest info on emergence

If you haven't seen them yet, you may have heard them: the periodical cicadas that are out in full force in nearly 20 U.S. states across the Southeast and Midwest.

These 17 states, which range from Oklahoma to Wisconsin to North Carolina and more, are seeing the trillions of cicadas emerging this year in a rare, double brood event.

The two broods this year, the 13-year Brood XIX located mainly in the Southeast and the 17-year Brood XIII in the Midwest, have not emerged together in 221 years and are not expected to do so again until 2245.

Thanks to warm soil temperatures and ideal conditions, cicadas from both broods have already made their way above ground and the emergence is already in full swing.

Here's where you can find cicadas above ground this year.

What do cicadas eat? Lifecycle, diet and biting habits explained

2024 cicada map: Check out where Broods XIII, XIX are projected to emerge

The two cicada broods were projected to emerge in a combined 17 states across the South and Midwest. They emerge once the soil eight inches underground reaches 64 degrees, beginning in many states in April and May and lasting through late June.

The two broods  last emerged together in 1803 , when Thomas Jefferson was president.

Where are the cicadas already out in 2024?

Adult periodical cicadas from Brood XIX are now completing its emergence as the brood is out in full force in states across the Midwest and Southeast, according to  Cicada Safari , a cicada tracking app developed by Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

They have been spotted on the app in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Brood XIII has started to emerge in Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana and throughout the Chicago area and around central and northern Illinois around Peoria and Champaign, according to the tracking service.

What is a brood?

According to the  University of Connecticut , broods are classified as "all periodical cicadas of the same life cycle type that emerge in a given year."

A brood of cicadas is made up of different species of the insect that have separate evolutionary histories. These species may have joined the brood at different times or from different sources. These different species are lumped together under the brood because they are in the same region and emerge on a common schedule.

How long will the cicadas be above ground?

How long cicadas live depends on their brood and if they are an annual or periodical species.

The two periodical broods this summer are Brood XIX, which have a 13-year life cycle, and Brood XIII, which have a 17-year life cycle.

Once male and female periodical cicadas have mated and the latter has laid its eggs, the insects will die after spending only a few weeks above ground − anywhere from three to six weeks after first emerging.

That means many of this year's periodical cicadas are set to die in June, though some could die off in late May or July, depending on when they emerged.

The nymphs of annual cicadas remain underground for  two to five years , according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. These cicadas are called " annual " because some members of the species emerge as adults each year.

Why do cicadas make so much noise?

You'll have to thank the male cicadas for all that screeching. Male cicadas synchronize their calls and produce congregational songs, according to  Britannica , which establish territory and attract females. There is also a courting call that they make before mating.

The periodical 13-year and 17-year brood cicadas  are the loudest , partially because of the sheer number of them that emerge at once.

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What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel  

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

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