Red Slot Canyon AKA Peek-a-boo
Kanab, Utah
| Address: | Red Canyon Slot Aka Peek a boo, Kanab, UT 84741, USA |
| GPS: |
37°9'17.7"N 112°34'24.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Utah |
| Trails/Routes: | 7.4 mi |
Hike
Red Slot Canyon — far better known as Peekaboo Canyon — is a short but stunning slot canyon on BLM land north of Kanab, Utah, on the doorstep of Grand Staircase-Escalante country. (Not to be confused with the more famous Peek-a-Boo near Escalante.) Glowing orange-red sandstone walls twist and narrow overhead, decorated with ancient Moqui steps carved into the rock and logs wedged high between the walls by past floods — a geologic and archaeologic gem packed into a tiny, magical space.
The hike through the slot itself is easy and short, only about three-quarters of a mile round trip, making it a wonderful, family-friendly adventure once you're there. Getting there is the hard part: the final 3.5 miles follow a deep-sand BLM road (Route 102) that is genuinely challenging — four-wheel-drive with aired-down tires is essential, and the route is sometimes impassable. Many visitors wisely book a guided tour from Kanab rather than risk getting stuck in the sand.
And heed the flash-flood danger: narrow slots like this turn deadly in flash floods, so never enter if rain is anywhere in the forecast, even far away. Floods also reshape the canyon — in recent years debris has created drop-offs and obstacles (at times requiring a ladder), so conditions change from season to season.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures (summer brings monsoon storms and flood risk; check the forecast carefully). Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, ask the Kanab BLM / Grand Staircase visitor center for current conditions, and pack out everything. For a jaw-dropping little slot-canyon adventure, Peekaboo is one of Kanab's best.
More Information
Red Canyon, or Peekabooo Slot Canyon, Kanab, Utah
Red Canyon forms a half mile long section of narrows through red Navajo sandstone rocks, near Kanab, a few miles east of Zion National Park. Known locally as Peekabooo Slot Canyon
https://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/red_canyon/index.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Kanab, Utah
- Head north on S 100 E (180 ft)
- Continue onto E Center St (0.4 mi)
- Continue onto US-89 N/
N 300 W Continue to follow US-89 N(8.1 mi) - Turn right (322 ft)
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