
Planning a trip to Kanab or southern Utah? Don’t miss a exploring one of the area’s most beautiful hidden slot canyons!
Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, also known as Red Canyon, is a gem located just outside of Kanab, Utah, and one of my favorite must-do activities in the area.
Finally exploring some of Utah’s famous red-rock slot canyons had been on my adventure bucket list for years. And when I got to visit Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon on my April 2024 trip to southern Utah, it did not disappoint!
If you’re interested in visiting Peek-A-Boo slot canyon in Kanab, this guide includes some must-know information, including important details about reaching the trailhead, recommendations for tour guides (and why you might want to get one) and more details from my adventure to help you plan your trip.
If you’re headed to Kanab, Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, or anywhere else in the region, don’t miss a side trip to this beautiful corner of Utah!
Disclosure: My tour to Peek-A-Boo was comped by ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co. As always, all my opinions and experiences are 100% honest and totally my own! This page may also contain affiliate links, where I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These sponsorships help keep Brooke In Boots running.

Heads Up! Don’t confuse Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Kanab with Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Escalante!
Before we jump any further into exploring this beautiful slot canyon – make sure you’re reading about the RIGHT Peek-A-Boo Canyon.
Wait, what?
Yup, there are multiple slot canyons called “Peek-A-Boo” Canyon in Southern Utah, including Peek-A-Boo near Kanab [thats the one we’re talking about here!], and Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
To (somewhat) avoid confusion, you’ll hear Peek-A-Boo in Kanab also referred to as Red Canyon. When I visited Kanab and Peek-A-Boo in 2024, I only heard locals refer to it as Peek-A-Boo, but just know that you may see both on maps.

Guided Tour vs Visiting Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon On Your Own
Wondering whether to explore Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon on your own or with a guided tour?
While I’m usually a huge advocate for ditching the tours, doing your own research, and adventuring without a guide, I strongly recommend using a tour or guide to visit Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Kanab.
Why?
The access road to Peek-A-Boo is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or an off-road vehicle like a UTV. Your crossover-SUV AWD is likely not going to cut it here.
The “road” is better described as a sand and dirt OHV track, and the sand can be very deep.
I debated driving myself here vs hiring a guide, and I’m so glad I went with an experienced tour guide.
On our way to the trailhead we saw multiple SUVs stuck in the sand, literally spinning their wheels trying to get traction, and that was under ideal conditions.
Unless you have experience driving off-road, airing down your tires, and navigating deep sand , it really is best to let a guide handle this part of the trip. Just remember, the cost of the guide will be cheaper than having to pay for help to get you out of the sand.
Ready to handle the roads, but don’t have the right car? You can rent Jeeps and UTVs at several locations in Kanab that are up for the task.

Recommended Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tours
I explored Peek-A-Boo, nearby Great Chamber and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co. They’re a locally based company that’s been offering tours in the Kanab and southern Utah area for years.
I absolutely loved my guides from ROAM and wouldn’t hesitate to take a tour with them again!
Other reputable tour providers in the area include:

Where to Stay Near Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon in Kanab
The closest town to Peek-A-Boo Canyon is Kanab, Utah. Kanab makes a great basecamp for exploring southern Utah’s many gems, including slot canyons and state parks like Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
You’re also within day-trip distance to some of the world’s best National Parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon North Rim.
In Kanab, there are tons of great hotels, ranging from budget and pet-friendly to luxury glamping. Some of my favorite spots to stay in Kanab are:
- Best Budget Hotel: Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Canyons Boutique Hotel
- Best Glamping & Luxury Hotel: Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch
- Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile
Find more hotels in Kanab, and check prices using this map:

Getting to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon AKA Red Canyon
From Kanab, Utah, head North on US-89, past the turnoffs for Moqui Caves and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. After about 9 miles, make a right turn (East) after a Peek-A-Boo Canyon sign on the the highway.
Look for a gravel road and dirt parking area. There are pit toilets and ample parking if you need to leave one of your vehicles here.
From the eastern edge of the Parking area, follow signs onto the dirt and sand road for BLM route 102. Follow BLM 102 until you reach a large dry riverbed (wash) and take a left (West) for BLM route 106H until it dead ends at the entrance to Peek-A-Boo Canyon.
There’s a medium sized parking area here before the entrance to the actual slot canyon itself. Park your UTV or 4×4 here and get ready to explore!
You can use the AllTrails Map below for directions to accessing the canyon.
Brooke’s Tips: Check the recents comments if you plan on driving to Peek-A-Boo yourself. There’s usually tons of helpful comments on current road conditions that could help you decide if your vehicle and driving skills are up to the challenge.

Hiking Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
From the parking area, follow the red canyon to the left as it narrows into slot canyon.
The entire hike through the canyon is only around 0.35 miles, one way. But don’t be surprised if you spend up to an hour exploring the narrow twists and turns of the canyon.
Don’t forget to look up! The gorgeous red walls of the canyon tower 50 feet above you, and layers of red, orange, and white sediment create stunning patterns and textures in the canyon walls.

Along the way, you’ll see boulders and tree stumps lodged into the canyon walls. It’s hard to imagine, but this debris has been swept away and left here from the many flash floods that ravage these canyons during rainstorms. Never explore Peek-A-Boo or any slot canyon when it is raining or during a flash flood warning.
After about 0.35 miles, the canyon dead ends at a large overhanging rock. Turn around here and head back towards the parking area.
I asked my guide if it was possible to climb up beyond this point, but was told that the canyon was basically impassible from this point and tops out very shortly after.
Tips for Visiting Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
Ready to visit one of Kanab’s favorite slot canyons? Remember these important tips before exploring Peek-A-Boo or any slot canyon for a safe and enjoyable time!
- Never enter Peek-A-Boo or any slot canyon if it is raining or there are flash flood warnings nearby. Flash floods frequently occur in this area, especially during monsoon season, typically July and August.
- Even though this is a short hike, bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as sun protection. I recommend closed-toed shoes with good grip, like hiking boots, a hat, and sun-protective clothing. You are entering unforgiving desert territory on this hike, so plan accordingly.
- Drive carefully on BLM dirt and sand roads, obey all posted signs, and yield to hikers.
- If you are traveling without a guide, make sure that at least one person outside your group knows your plans and location.
- There is no cell service in this area. If you need to call for help, you will either need to to walk the entire 8 sandy-road miles back to the trailhead, or use a satellite device.
I personally always carry a Personal Locator Beacon / Satellite communicator when visiting a National Park like my Garmin InReach Mini 2 (monthly subscription required). With this device I can send text messages, track my hike, view offline maps, or hit the SOS button to contact search and rescue in a true emergency.

Is Peek-A-Boo / Red Canyon in Kanab Worth It?
Wondering if Peek-A-Boo canyon is worth the hassle to visit?
Red Canyon / Peek-A-Boo Canyon is a beautiful red rock slot canyon that can be explored by families and hikers of all abilities.
Plus, you can easily combine a trip to this canyon with other nearby sights in the Kanab area, like the Great Chamber, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, or a visit to Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary into an action-packed day.

During my trip, my guide (a Utah local himself) said that while Peek-A-Boo might not be quite as spectacular as famous slot canyons nearby like Antelope, it’s apparently far, far less crowded. During my visit, I had ample time to take photos, and even enjoy some serene peace and quiet away from the other tours.
Lastly, once you get over hassle of getting to the trailhead, Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon is accessible to visitors of most ages and skill levels. The short, 0.7-mile round trip hike requires no technical skills or equipment, making it very family-friendly.
Overall, if you’re willing to pay for a guide or rent the right vehicle, Red Canyon aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Kanab is a beautiful canyon to explore, and makes a great introduction to Utah’s red-rock slot canyons.

More Adventures in Southern Utah
Ready to explore more of the Southwest’s best adventure destinations? Check out my other guides on these epic Southern Utah destinations:
12 Epic Things to do in Kanab and Southern Utah
Exploring Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon aka Red Canyon in Kanab: Directions, Tours & Tips
Exploring Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park In Utah: Sandboarding & More Things To Do
Ultimate 2 Days In Zion National Park Itinerary: Plan The Perfect Weekend In Zion