Poring over my map, I decide to explore Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch, together known as the Dry Fork slot canyons, on a whim. I do not research them—and that turns out to be a stupid mistake.

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

Other slot canyons: Southern Utah has other tight-squeeze slot canyons, ... The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, ...

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

Other slot canyons: Southern Utah has other tight-squeeze slot canyons, ... The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, ...

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

The Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch loop near Escalante, Utah, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most popular beginner-friendly options.

By Erika Oreskovich, CNN (CNN) — At first glance, the desert landscape of Southern Utah seems like a sweeping, sun-baked canvas — wide open and ...