Red Canyon (Peek-a-Boo Canyon) in Utah 2024

A rare slot canyon is perfect for photography and adventures

Best time: March–May | September–November

Red Canyon or Peek-a-Boo Canyon, located near Kanab, Utah, is a series of narrow slots going through the thick red sandstone rock of the Glendale Bench. It lies a few miles from Zion National Park. Slot canyons are a hidden treasure of this area that attracts many adventurers willing to explore everything in depth. Kanab's Peek-a-boo Canyon can be reached only with a 4WD car as you'll be driving through a desert landscape. The best time to hike in the area is spring and fall, when it's not too hot and the chances of rain are low. Flash flooding can be dangerous in this area so don't explore the canyon when it rains.

Kanab's Peek-a-Boo Canyon has about half mile of winding passages up to 100 ft (30 m) deep that can be accessed from US 89 at the Mount Carmel Junction. The slot canyon is parallel to the highway and can be reached by a 2.8 mi (4.5 km) sandy trail that can be covered on foot or in a 4WD car.

The walls of the canyon were formed from the Navajo sandstone and are dark red in color. The first slots are quite shallow, but they get deeper towards the end. Some parts are dim due to rocks blocking the light. The canyon can be checked out in about one hour.

Practical info

When is a good time to visit Peek-a-Boo Canyon, and why?

Peek-a-Boo Canyon is best to visit during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) as it is less hot compared to summer, risking flash flooding from sudden rain or storms. Visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of colorful rocks and go through the trails with comfort in these seasons.

What is the distance between Peek-a-Boo Canyon and Zion National Park, and how can visitors reach the canyon?

Peek-a-Boo Canyon is located near Kanab, Utah, about 50 miles away from Zion National Park. You can reach the canyon by driving through the desert landscape that surrounds the area, preferably in a 4WD car, for approximately 4.5 km.

How would you describe the Peek-a-Boo Canyon walls, and how deep are they?

Peek-a-Boo Canyon is a slot canyon that winds half a mile long through the area's Navajo Sandstone rocks. The walls are strikingly colored in dark red, formed from the iron oxide (rust) in the Navajo sandstone rock. The slot canyon walls can rise up to 100 feet (30 meters) deep, making it a perfect destination for photography and exploration. The slots start shallow and get progressively deeper towards the end of the trail.

What is the color of the Peek-a-Boo Canyon walls, and what else is unique about the area?

The Peek-a-Boo Canyon walls stand out in a remarkable dark-red color due to the iron oxide in Navajo sandstone rock that creates a striking difference against the blue sky. Besides its unique color, Peek-a-Boo Canyon also offers breathtaking rock formations, a perfect location for hiking and photography enthusiasts.

Is it safe to visit Peek-a-Boo Canyon in the rainy season, and why or why not?

Visiting Peek-a-Boo Canyon or any slot canyon in the rainy season is dangerous due to the risk of flash floods that can occur with little warning. Rainy seasons increase the threat of flash flooding that even occurs without rain in the area. Visitors are advised to avoid visiting during bad weather and check weather forecasts before starting the hike to reduce the risks.