Exciting Trip to Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab
Have you heard of Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab? Also known as Red Canyon or Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, this hidden gem is one of Southern Utah’s most scenic and accessible slot canyons. It’s a short but unforgettable adventure—perfect for adding a little thrill to your road trip through the Southwest. In this guide, we’ll share our best tips on how to visit Peekaboo Canyon: whether to hike it on your own or join a guided tour by ATV or Jeep. We’ve done the exploring, and now we’re breaking down the most exciting and practical options to help you plan your perfect trip!
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Peekaboo Canyon (Red Canyon) in Kanab – Quick Overview
What is Peekaboo Canyon?
Tucked away on the Glendale Bench, just east of Zion National Park, you’ll find a stunning 0.7-mile-long slot canyon known as Peekaboo Canyon—also called Red Canyon. This short, scenic slot is carved from the region’s signature deep red Navajo sandstone. It’s part of a drainage system that feeds into Kanab Creek and offers a classic Southern Utah slot canyon experience without the crowds.
Hike Distance
Peekaboo Slot Canyon is about 0.7 miles one way through the canyon itself. It’s a relatively easy and flat walk once you reach the slot entrance.
How to Reach the Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, ATV/UTV, or a hike through deep sand. From the Red Canyon Parking Area (just off Highway 89, 9 miles north of Kanab), it’s nearly 4.5 miles one way to the slot canyon if you’re walking. The sandy route can be tough, so hiking cross-country over the sand hills can make it a bit easier. Tours are also a great option (more on that below).
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather. Summers can be extremely hot, so plan accordingly.
Best Time for Photography
For the best light inside the slot canyon, aim to visit around midday. That’s when the sun is directly overhead and light filters beautifully through the narrow walls.
Peekaboo Canyon Kanab – Our Experiences
Exploring Peekaboo Canyon is one of the best things to do while visiting Kanab. As big fans of slot canyons, we couldn’t miss it! On one of our recent trips to this charming Western town (which we’ve visited many times and absolutely love), we booked a combined guided tour to Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the stunning Great Chamber.
The price was reasonable, and the experience was unforgettable. If you’re planning to see both of these incredible natural spots, we highly recommend this combo tour—it was one of the highlights of our stay. Chris and I truly enjoyed every minute of it.
That said, a few years earlier, we also hiked to Red Canyon on our own. So we know the area well, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through all your options.
We’ll share how to reach Peekaboo Canyon by yourself (if you have a 4WD or ATV), whether it’s worth booking a local guided tour, and which type—ATV or Jeep—is the better fit for your adventure style.
And if you’re thinking about hiking the entire way in (nearly 14 miles round trip!) because you don’t have a 4WD and don’t want to book a tour, we’ll tell you honestly if it’s worth the effort.
Facts About Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Kanab
Are There Two Peekaboo Slot Canyons?
Yes—there are actually two different slot canyons in Utah named Peekaboo, and it can definitely be confusing! One is near Kanab, and the other is near Escalante. They’re not too far apart, so visiting both in one day is possible if you’re up for the drive.
This article focuses on the Peekaboo Slot Canyon located on BLM land, about 9 miles north of Kanab. It’s also known by its original name, Red Canyon.
The second Peekaboo Slot Canyon is near Escalante, in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. That area includes Spooky Gulch, and both slot canyons are often hiked together on a popular loop trail known as Peekaboo and Spooky.
How Long Is Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab?
Peekaboo Slot Canyon (Red Canyon) near Kanab is a short and easy walk—about 0.7 miles round trip through breathtaking orange sandstone walls. It’s ideal for families, casual hikers, or anyone new to exploring slot canyons.
The challenge isn’t the hike itself, but getting to the canyon. The road leading to the trailhead is almost 4 miles one way through deep sand and dunes, and it can be completely impassable in some conditions. You’ll need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle or an ATV, along with the experience to drive in soft, shifting desert terrain.
If that sounds daunting, don’t worry—there are other options, including hiking or booking a local ATV or Jeep tour (more on that below).
Is Peekaboo Canyon Free?
Yes, entry to Peekaboo Canyon is free if you’re going on your own. But reaching it isn’t easy. If you choose to hike in, it’s about 2 miles one way through deep sand with very little shade. We did this hike ourselves in November, and it was beautiful but tiring.
Alternatively, you can reach the canyon by ATV or UTV—either by renting one in Kanab or joining a guided local tour, which is a great stress-free option.
Driving Directions
To reach the Peekaboo trailhead, drive 9 miles north of Kanab on US-89. Look for the Peekaboo sign and turn east after the cattle guard. Head up a small hill, and you’ll find a large gravel parking area with restrooms.
From the parking lot, follow BLM Route 102 on the eastern side. When you reach a dry riverbed (a wash), continue west onto BLM Route 106H, which leads you straight to the slot canyon.
Important: This entire route to the trailhead is deep sand, so only 4WD high-clearance vehicles should attempt it. In summer, the route may become impassable even for experienced drivers. Most visitors use ATVs or UTVs to get from the parking lot to the canyon entrance.
If you want to connect this stop with other highlights, our Utah road trip guide will help you build a logical route.
How to Get To Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab?
Rent a Jeep or ATV and do a Self-Guided Tour
If you have a 4WD vehicle or ATV and you’re comfortable driving in deep sand, you can reach the slot canyon on your own. The route is well-traveled and easy to follow, so it’s hard to get lost.
Hike to Peekaboo Slot Canyon
If you don’t have a 4WD or ATV and prefer not to book a guided tour (though we highly recommend it—great price, supports locals, and it’s fun!), you can hike from the parking lot to Peekaboo Canyon. It’s about 4 miles one way to reach the canyon, plus another 0.7 miles inside the slot. We’ve done this hike ourselves.
It’s not technically difficult, but it’s tiring. The full round trip took us about 5 hours.
Here’s why the hike is challenging:
- Deep sand: Wear closed-toe shoes for comfort. In summer, the sand gets extremely hot—enough to burn your feet.
- Full sun and no shade: Even in November, it felt hot. In summer, it can be brutal. Cover your shoulders, wear a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen.
- Bring plenty of water and electrolytes: Staying hydrated is crucial.
- Watch for vehicles: This route is popular with ATVs and UTVs. You’ll be walking alongside them in soft sand and occasional dust clouds.
Once you reach the canyon, the slot hike is short and easy—about 0.7 miles one way. It’s not tight like Zebra Slot Canyon or as long and technical as Buckskin Gulch. It’s a beautiful and relaxing walk between colorful sandstone walls.
Agnes’ Advice: Even though it’s a short hike, always come prepared. Check the weather and ask about trail conditions at the Kanab Visitor Center before heading out. They also have free trail maps for Peekaboo Canyon, which are helpful.
We recorded this trail on our Garmin Fenix 5 Watch—scroll below to check out the route and stats from our hike!
Off-Road UTV Private Tour with Guide
If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Kanab, this private guided UTV tour to Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a fantastic adventure. You’ll ride across soft sandy trails and enjoy the thrill of off-roading before reaching this stunning red-rock slot canyon.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating facts about the landscape and geology. It’s a fun, scenic, and memorable experience—perfect for anyone who wants a taste of adventure in southern Utah.
Agnes’ Advice: If you love ATV riding, don’t miss Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, also located in Kanab. It’s another great spot to explore Utah’s sandy terrain. The dunes aren’t as towering as the ones in Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado) or White Sands (New Mexico), but they offer plenty of thrills and are definitely worth a visit.
Off-Road Jeep Tour & Hike
If you don’t have a 4WD, don’t want to drive on deep sand, or prefer not to ride ATVs, a jeep tour is a fantastic alternative.
It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and comes with a local guide who will tell you all about the geology and history of Red Canyon (Peekaboo Canyon). You get transportation, guidance, and the comfort of a sturdy vehicle without the stress of off-road driving.
Perfect for: families with kids, travelers on a budget, and anyone new to hiking in slot canyons. This is a great way to explore the area safely and learn a lot along the way.
Guided Combo Tour: Peekaboo Canyon & Great Chamber
One of the best discoveries from our recent trip to Kanab in May was this guided tour that combines Peekaboo Slot Canyon with the Great Chamber (Cutler Cove). If you haven’t heard of the Great Chamber yet, check out our photos and tips—it’s a hidden gem that left us speechless.
We’ve explored many incredible spots in Utah, but the views and formation of the Great Chamber are truly next-level.
The combo tour lasts around 5–6 hours and is 100% worth it. The price is very reasonable considering you get to see two remote and extraordinary places. We consider it one of our favorite local tours in southern Utah.
Important note: Access to the Great Chamber is tough—about 17 miles one way through extremely deep sand. Even with a 4WD, it’s not easy. We rented a 4WD Jeep but still chose to take a guided tour, especially since our rental agreement didn’t allow off-roading on such difficult terrain.
Final Thoughts on Peekaboo Canyon in Kanab
If you’re spending time in Kanab, we definitely recommend adding Peekaboo Canyon to your itinerary. This short slot canyon—also known as Red Canyon—is a fantastic experience for families, first-time slot canyon hikers, or anyone curious about exploring these narrow sandstone wonders.
The trail is easy to follow, and the canyon itself isn’t too tight or intimidating, making it a great introduction to slot canyons. It’s also a good way to find out if you’re comfortable in narrow spaces, as some people can feel a little claustrophobic.
While Peekaboo Canyon doesn’t have the iconic light beams of Upper Antelope Canyon or the dramatic twists of Lower Antelope or Canyon X in Page, it’s still a beautiful place worth visiting. And unlike those famous Navajo lands, Peekaboo is free to visit if you hike or drive yourself—making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Plus, it fits perfectly into a Utah National Parks road trip. Kanab is just 40 miles from Zion National Park and about 75 miles from Bryce Canyon.
Whether you explore it on foot, with a Jeep tour, or on an ATV adventure, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a memorable stop full of scenery, fun, and the kind of peaceful beauty southern Utah is known for.
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