![]() I’ve never driven a RZR Side-by-Side (or any other kind of ATV/UTV) before. 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. We then drove the 8 miles in our own car to the Peek-A-Boo trailhead parking area. 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. The Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tour starts at the Kanab Tour Company office in Kanab. I definitely wanted to drive, and thinking that this sounded like a great afternoon, signed us up. Many other tour companies located in Kanab insist on doing the driving for you. We could drive one of their Polaris RZR UTVs along the rough access road, while also having fun exploring the surrounding trails. So I sought out alternative ways to explore slot canyons, ultimately discovering Kanab Tour Company and their Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour. However, because it was a last minute trip (during Utah’s busy Fall Break weekend no less) rentals were booked. 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. I looked into renting a high-clearance 4×4 while in Kanab, so we could see many of the area’s off-road sites. 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. Most of the popular slot canyons near Kanab are not easy to access. But some locals believe it’s named for a tiny “window” in the canyon’s wall that allows for photos like this…. We were later told that no one knows exactly why the Canyon’s name was changed from Red to Peek-A-Boo. (I’ve also written about the other Red Canyon on this blog) This not to be confused with Utah’s other Red Canyon located near Bryce Canyon National Park. Adding to the confusion, the Kanab Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is also known by its original name Red Canyon. One is located in the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, and the other is 8 miles north of Kanab on BLM land. There are two Peek-A-Boo slot canyons in Utah. I guess when it comes to naming 1000 slot canyons, creativity can become an issue. Kanab is a great base for exploring several of the most popular. Utah has the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world with an estimated 1000 of them in the southern part of the state. If you are in the Kanab/East Zion area, this hike is worth a couple hours.A slot canyon is a long narrow passageway eroded through sandstone with tall, sheer rock walls often reaching 100 feet or higher. It is a little more remote and more difficult than the hike described here. It is also a great hike for families and new canyoneers. There is a totally different Peek-A-Boo canyon near Escalante, UT, that is part of the very popular Peek-A-Boo/Spooky Gulch loop. Many guides in Kanab and the surrounding area offer treks here. Many people utilize guides for this trek, mostly because they do not have a vehicle that can get to the trailhead. From there, just follow the sandy jeep road east until you drop into the canyon. The turnoff from Hwy 89 is clearly marked and easy to find. The access road has deep sand and can only be driven by high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. The most difficult part of this outing is getting to the trailhead. Never enter this or other slot canyons if there is a chance of rain anywhere in the drainage. It gives a sense as to the power of the water that occasionally thunders through. Some debris has been left in the canyon by floods. The walls are beautiful, sculpted and very photogenic. The canyon is deep, with red walls that have been carved by flash floods. Watch for the ancient Moki steps carved into the wall half-way up the canyon. The bottom of the wash is sandy and you do have to climb rocks, but the obstacles are minor and there is little elevation gain. Younger kids or people that are not sure on their feet may require a steadying hand in spots. Most kids enjoy climbing on rocks and can make the trek with no trouble. Winter temps can be chilly in the canyon but it can be enjoyable hiking if you have proper gear. Spring and fall days are ideal but summer is not bad because the canyon walls provide shade. This has become a popular hike and you will probably encounter other hikers. Go until you get tired or reach the end, which is an unpassable dryfall. It is also a wonderful canyon adventure for kids.įrom the trailhead, you just hike up the canyon, negotiating a couple minor obstacles. This is a great outing for someone who wants a safe slot canyon experience, or is just learning about canyoneering. It is a beautiful, fun, family-friendly slot canyon located just east of Hwy 89, north of Kanab. ![]()
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