Spooky & Peekaboo are the most popular slot canyons in the Escalante area. The access is easy, you can easily do both as a loop in a few hours, and hikers without technical canyoneering equipment or skills can enjoy both. Spooky slot canyon is one of the narrowest canyons in the world that hikers can safely navigate. It's much longer and slimmer than Peekaboo, forcing hikers to carry daypacks to the side as you shuffle through. Add in a few short obstacles and one 5 ft scramble to make it that much more fun. Claustrophobic people will have a hard time with this Spooky.
The Rochester Panel and Molen Reef Petroglyphs are near Emery, Utah, and consists of one very large panel of hundreds of images likely carved by the Fremont Native Americans. The vast majority of the petroglyphs have a strong Barrier Canyon influence, including animals, female/male figures, and one large rainbow-like image. Molen Reef Petroglyphs are much smaller, but still expose what the native people were contemplating. You can easily combine both in one afternoon, as the hike to the Rochester Panel is only 1/2 mile, and you can drive right up to the Molen Reef area. Kids, dogs, and casual hikers will enjoy these areas, but please respect the rules and DO NOT touch any of the petroglyphs.
Exploring Dutchman Arch & Head of Sinbad Pictographs – San Rafael Swell, Utah
Located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell, the Dutchman Arch and Head of Sinbad Pictographs are two fascinating sites rich in natural beauty and cultural history. While both are surprisingly close to I-70—just about 1/4 to 1/2 mile north—the drive requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to sandy and rough road conditions.
Exploring the Swasey Cabin & Lone Warrior Pictograph – San Rafael Swell, Utah
Located in the San Rafael Swell, just west of Green River, Utah, the Swasey Cabin and Lone Warrior Pictograph are two historical gems worth exploring. This area is rich in both outlaw history and ancient Native American rock art, making it a fascinating stop for hikers, history buffs, and off-road adventurers alike.
The trails I gravitate to most are the ones right out the door - no more than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City. These are the trails I do right before or after work, with friends, solo, or save the bigger hikers for the weekend. Whether you want to see new trails, improve your fitness, or lose weight, use this book as a tool for motivation.