Peekaboo Slot Canyon Tour Review (Kanab, Utah)
This was one of those experiences where I went in thinking, “this will be cool,” and came out like… why is this not talked about more?
If you’re anywhere near Kanab, Utah, and trying to decide between all the options—Antelope Canyon, sand caves, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, day trips toward Lake Powell or even the North Rim—this one deserves a serious look.
Because it hits that rare combination:
super easy + genuinely stunning + not exhausting.
And after several days of bouncing between national parks, that mattered more than I expected.
If you’re planning a bigger southern Utah road trip, this fits really nicely into a Utah Mighty 5 itinerary, especially as a lower-effort day between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
The Part You’re Probably Wondering First
Is this one of those long, hot, sandy hikes where you question your life choices halfway through?
Nope.
Once you get dropped off near the entrance, it’s about a 1 mile round trip walk, totally flat, mostly sand but nothing crazy. It felt more like a wandering stroll than a “hike.”
And almost immediately, the canyon walls start closing in around you, and you get that slot canyon feeling right away.
No long buildup. No “is this it?” moment.
It’s just… boom. You’re in it.
If you want help mapping this out without overthinking every stop, my Utah Mighty 5 travel planner lays out exactly where something like this tour fits into a realistic, not-exhausting itinerary.
Why We Did a Guided Tour (And Why I Wouldn’t Change That)
So yes—you can drive yourself out there.
But that last stretch off the main road is deep sand. Not “oh this is a little soft,” but the kind where you’re very aware you could get stuck if you don’t know what you’re doing.
We went with Dreamland Safari, and our guide, Jaron, picked us up at the parking lot in what I can only describe as a very confident SUV.
We had a private tour, which made everything feel relaxed from the start.
No navigating. No second-guessing the dirt road. No stress.
And honestly, after doing a lot of driving on this southern Utah road trip already, it was kind of nice to just… not be in charge for once.
We actually did this the same week as our Zion National Park itinerary, and it was the perfect contrast to the busier, more structured days inside the park.
First Impressions Inside the Canyon
I’ve seen photos of slot canyons before (who hasn’t at this point), but walking into one is different.
The canyon walls are smooth and curved, almost like they were carved on purpose. The colors shift depending on where the light hits—deep reds, oranges, even softer pink tones in the shadows.
Jaron pointed out how a lot of that comes from iron oxides in the rock, and once he said it, you could actually start to see the layers and variations.
It’s not as tight or as dramatic as something like Buckskin Gulch, and it’s definitely less crowded and chaotic than Antelope Canyon, which I appreciated.
It felt more… approachable.
Like a slot canyon for people who don’t want a whole ordeal.
If you’re heading toward Bryce Canyon National Park next, this is an easy add from Kanab and gives you a totally different landscape from the hoodoos.
The Golden Hour Thing (Do This If You Can)
We went later in the day, heading into golden hour, and I’m really glad we did.
There were other people around—we weren’t the only ones—but it never felt packed. At times we had sections completely to ourselves.
And the light?
Yeah… this is where it gets really good.
The sandstone basically starts glowing. The shadows get deeper, the colors get richer, and everything looks a little more dramatic than it did earlier.
If you’re deciding between a mid-day tour or later, I’d lean later every time.
After doing bigger parks like Arches, this felt like one of those “wow without the effort” stops—very different from the longer walks in our Arches itinerary.
What Made This Tour Stand Out
Jaron (our tour guide)
I feel like this can go either way on tours—sometimes the guide is just… there.
That was not the case here.
Jaron was great. Super easy to talk to, knew the area really well, and pointed out things we absolutely would’ve walked right past.
At one point he was explaining how these slot canyons form during flash flooding events, and it made the whole place feel a little more alive (and also a little more intense, if I’m being honest).
It Didn’t Feel Rushed
Because it was a private tour, we could stop whenever we wanted, take photos, wander a bit, or just stand there and look around.
No one was pushing us along or trying to keep a tight schedule.
That alone made it feel very different from some of the more structured guided tours in the area.
If your trip includes Capitol Reef National Park, this is a great way to break up the driving days with something short but memorable.
The Unexpected “Extra” Stops
This was something I didn’t even realize was part of the experience.
After we finished the canyon, we still had some time before sunset, so instead of heading straight back, Jaron drove us to a few other spots nearby.
One of them was Hidden Lake Recreation Area, which is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Totally different landscape, really quiet, and honestly kind of peaceful after being in the canyon.
We found this to be a nice contrast to wide-open viewpoints like you get in Canyonlands National Park, since you’re fully immersed between canyon walls instead.
The Sunset… This Was The Best Way to End the day
And then we drove up to this overlook.
No crowds. No noise. Just open views out over the desert and mountains.
Jaron pulled out chairs (which I was not expecting), plus a cooler with snacks and drinks.
We sat there for about an hour as the sun went down.
And after days of doing “all the things”—Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, driving all over southern Utah and northern Arizona—it was probably the first time we just stopped moving.
That part stuck with me more than I thought it would.
If you’re already heading out this way, I’d absolutely pair this with a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park—we actually did both and they complement each other really well.
Who This Is Perfect For
I would recommend this to:
- First-time visitors to southern Utah
- Families who want something doable (this is a legit easy hike)
- Anyone who’s feeling a little worn down from bigger national parks
- People who want the slot canyon experience without the stress
It’s also a really good option if Kanab is your home base for a few days and you’re mixing in other best things nearby like Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the sand caves, or even a drive toward Horseshoe Bend.
Quick Reality Check
If you’re looking for something super adventurous—tight squeezes, climbing, or more technical routes—this isn’t that.
This is more of a “high reward, low effort” experience.
And honestly? That’s exactly why I liked it.
Travel Tips
- If you don’t have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, just book the tour
- Wear shoes with good traction (sand + small rocks)
- Go later in the day if you can (better light, fewer people)
- Bring water—even for a short walk
- Don’t overthink it… this is one of the easier wins on a southern Utah itinerary
Final Thoughts
This ended up being one of those “quiet favorites” from the trip.
Not the biggest name. Not one of the major national parks.
But really, really good.
If you’re building out a southern Utah road trip—and especially if you’re staying in Kanab—this is an easy add that doesn’t require a ton of time or energy, but still feels like something special.
FAQ
Do you need a guided tour?
Not technically—but unless you’re comfortable driving in deep sand, it’s one of the best ways to get there without stress.
How long is the hike?
About 1 mile round trip, flat and easy.
Is this good for kids?
Yes. This is one of the more accessible slot canyons for a wide range of ages and skill levels.
How far is it from Kanab?
It’s a short drive from town, which makes it a great half-day activity.
Is it better than Antelope Canyon?
Different experience. Antelope is more famous and dramatic—but also more crowded. This feels more relaxed and personal.
