Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab: Our Self-Drive UTV Tour to the Great Chamber (2026)

Some tours are nice. But this one was simply great fun. Driving our own buggy through deep red sand, exploring a slot canyon and then climbing up into a huge sandstone alcove was one of the highlights of our whole trip through southern Utah.

However, Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab is not a place you just drive up to. After all, the trailhead sits at the end of a sandy track that normal cars cannot handle, which is why most visitors book a UTV tour. That is exactly what we did, and we combined it with the Great Chamber nearby.

In this guide I share how our tour worked, why the morning is the best time to go, what to expect in the canyon and the alcove, and the tips I would give you before you book.

Let’s get into it.

Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab at a Glance

Peekaboo Slot Canyon, also called Red Canyon, is a short slot canyon of fluted Navajo sandstone in shades of orange, brown and red, just north of Kanab. In fact, the hike itself is short and easy. Getting there, however, is the real adventure.

Our Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV Tour

Why a Tour Makes Sense

From the staging area on Highway 89, however, it is about 4 miles to the trailhead, all on a deep sand track. As a result, you need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle, and hiking in is not recommended. You can rent a UTV on your own, but a guided tour takes the stress out of it. That way, someone who knows the sand leads the way and you can simply enjoy the ride. The tracks out there branch again and again, there are many deep sand passages, and cell service is not available everywhere, so a guide who knows the route is worth a lot.

We booked our tour on GetYourGuide* and combined Peekaboo with the Great Chamber. This is the tour we booked, and because we loved it, I can warmly recommend it. If possible, choose the 8:30 AM start: the light in the Great Chamber is best in the morning, and you beat the crowds.

Drive Yourself or Ride Along

Above all, what I liked best about our tour was that the guide gave everyone the choice. For example, you could ride along as a passenger in the guide’s vehicle or drive your own buggy. Of course, we chose to drive ourselves. As a result, our group was three vehicles, two self-driven buggies and the guide with two passengers.

In fact, driving our own buggy through the red sand behind the guide was a big part of the fun. If you are comfortable behind the wheel, I would absolutely recommend it.

Our Guide Tim

Our guide was Tim, and he is a big reason  why I recommend this tour. Along the way he shared a lot about the history and geology of the area, plus his own personal insights, which made the stops so much more interesting than just looking at pretty rocks. I had shown up in shorts, although at the start it was only 8°C (46°F). The buggies are open on the sides, so the morning air goes straight to your legs. Luckily, Tim noticed and offered me a sweater to put over my legs. Such a kind gesture.

He also had water with him for everyone. At every stop he cleaned the windshields of our buggies, so we had a clear view again for the next stretch through the sand. Small things, but they show how much he cared. If you get Tim as your guide, you are in very good hands. You can always ask the tour company whether he is guiding on your date.

Check Tour Availability*

The Moki steps, carved into the canyon wall by the Ancestral Puebloans

What to Expect in Peekaboo Slot Canyon Utah

Fortunately, Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab is short, just over half a mile round trip. Even so, the canyon is wide enough to walk through comfortably, and the walls are fluted and marbled in orange, brown and red. When the sun reaches into the canyon, the colors almost glow.

There are no technical sections, but you may have to climb over a few obstacles, and the depth of the sand can vary. Also, keep an eye out for the Moki steps. For example, we saw them in the side walls of the canyon: holes carved into the rock as footholds. Long ago, the Ancestral Puebloans used them to climb up the canyon walls.

Tip: Do not confuse it with the Peekaboo Slot Canyon near Escalante. In fact, that is a different canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante, several hours away. When you search for tours, always add Kanab.

The Great Chamber Kanab

Simply put, the Great Chamber is a massive, wind-carved sandstone alcove at the base of a formation called Cutler Point. In addition, a huge sand dune sits right at its entrance, and from inside you look out over the valley.

However, the walk up is short but challenging. Since you climb through deep sand up the dune, every step slides back a little. As a result, we definitely worked up a sweat. Once you are inside, it is worth every step.

And the best part: because we started early, we had the Great Chamber all to ourselves for quite a while. Standing in that giant alcove with nobody else around, therefore, was a moment I will not forget.

► Read our full guide on the Great Chamber Kanab

Best Time for the Peekaboo and Great Chamber Tour

Book the morning tour. In fact, there are two good reasons for it.

First, the light. First, in the morning the sun stands in the right position for the Great Chamber, and the alcove looks its best.

Second, the crowds. Second, since our tour started at 8:30 AM, we were ahead of the masses. That is why we had the Great Chamber to ourselves for such a long time.

For reference, we did the tour at the beginning of October. Even so, in the morning it was only 8°C (46°F). By midday, however, it was 30°C (86°F). Start with a jacket and dress in layers, because you will be taking them off fast.

Tip: Morning tours fill up first. Book as soon as your Kanab dates are fixed.

What to Bring

• Layers: a warm jacket for the morning and a T-shirt for later. Wear long pants or bring something for your legs, because the buggies are open on the sides and the morning ride is cold. I learned that one in shorts.
• Water: our guide had water for everyone, but bring your own too, especially for the sand climb to the Great Chamber.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Shoes: closed shoes that can handle deep sand.
• Driver’s license: if you want to drive the buggy yourself, check the requirements in the tour details.

Finally, remember that the only bathrooms are at the staging area.

Book the Tour We Took*

Where to Stay and Eat in Kanab

As for us, we stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab, which is new and modern, with a pool, a whirlpool and views of the red cliffs. Then, for dinner, our favorite was Los Tapatios, a Mexican family restaurant with huge portions. We liked it so much we went twice. It is always busy, so try to be there before 6 PM.

► Next stop: The Wave hike, my honest trail guide

► Read our full guide on The Wave permit

Get Ready for Your Trip to Kanab

Book Your Tour

We booked our Peekaboo and Great Chamber tour on GetYourGuide*.

Book Your Accommodation

For Kanab I use Booking.com*. For example, our hotel was the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*. I also cross check on Hotels.com* and Expedia*. Alternatively, for cabins and vacation rentals, check Vrbo*. Compare rates on Kayak*, and when the big sites show sold out, I check Agoda*.

Book Your Flights and Rental Car

Similarly, for flights and rental cars into Las Vegas or Salt Lake City I compare on Kayak*.

Advertising: affiliate links. No extra cost to you.

Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab: Frequently Asked Questions

📄 Do I need a permit for Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab?

No. There is no permit required for Peekaboo Slot Canyon or the Great Chamber.

🚗 Can I drive my own car to Peekaboo Slot Canyon?

Only with a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. That is because the 4 miles from the staging area to the trailhead are deep sand. For this reason, most visitors book a UTV tour or rent a UTV.

🥾 Can I hike to Peekaboo Slot Canyon from the staging area?

It is not recommended. After all, the route is long, sandy and exposed, and there is no shade.

🚙 Can I drive the UTV myself on the tour?

On our tour, yes. In fact, the guide let everyone choose between riding along and driving their own buggy. Check the tour details before you book, because this can vary.

⏰ What is the best time to visit Peekaboo and the Great Chamber?

In the morning. That way, the light in the Great Chamber is best and you beat the crowds. Our tour started at 8:30 AM and we had the Great Chamber to ourselves for a long time.

🧭 Is this the same as Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Escalante?

No. In fact, there are two canyons with the same name. This one is near Kanab. The other, however, is in Grand Staircase Escalante, several hours away.

Final Thoughts on Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab

All in all, Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab and the Great Chamber make a perfect half day. First of all, the buggy ride is pure fun, the canyon glows, and the Great Chamber feels like something from another planet, especially when you have it to yourself. If you ask me which stop I liked more, I cannot choose. Even though they are completely different, both are great. That is exactly why the combination works so well.

Book the morning tour. Drive yourself if you can. Bring layers, and long pants. And if Tim is your guide, say hi from us. Check availability in Kanab here* and plan a few nights, because there is so much to do around town. Happy travels.

Check Out My Other Utah Travel Guides

Great Chamber Kanab: The Giant Sand Cave
Kanab Utah Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The Wave Permit: How I Won the Lottery Twice
The Wave Hike: My Honest Trail Guide
Things to Do in Kanab: Belly of the Dragon, Sand Caves and More
Where to Stay in Kanab: My Honest Hotel Picks
Kanab Itinerary: My Perfect 3 Days
Best Time to Visit Kanab: Season by Season
Is Kanab Worth Visiting: My Honest Verdict
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon: The Trails I Actually Did
USA Travel Guide: Road Trips, National Parks and Islands