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.