Ride the Red: UTV to Peekaboo Slot Canyon and Sand Boarding in Kanab
Glow-lit narrows, dune-top thrills, and a 2.5-hour shot of pure Southern Utah
Dawn pushes a thin gold line across the Vermilion Cliffs as the UTV growls awake. The sand here stirs at the slightest hint of motion—grains skittering like restless sparks—as your guide points the nose toward a ribbon of track that vanishes into open desert. Kanab sits behind you, quiet and compact, while the day ahead feels anything but small. The desert inhales, the engine answers, and you fly across the flats toward Peekaboo Slot Canyon: a sandstone seam the earth stitched tight and painted red.
Trail Wisdom
Mind the Time Zone
Tours run on Mountain Time—often an hour ahead of Las Vegas and parts of Arizona. Arrive 15–20 minutes early so the group can depart on schedule.
Flash Flood Awareness
Avoid slot canyons if storms are forecast anywhere in the drainage. Your guide will evaluate conditions, but it’s wise to check weather before you go.
Footwear for Sand and Stone
Closed-toe shoes with traction perform better on soft dunes and slickrock than sandals. Gaiters or tall socks help keep sand out.
Protect Your Camera
Carry lenses in a zip bag and use a blower to clear dust. Change lenses only in the canyon’s calm air, not out on windy dunes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Belly of the Dragon—an atmospheric man-made tunnel carved in sandstone, great for a short family walk
- •Toadstool Hoodoos—easy roadside hike to photogenic mushroom-shaped formations
Wildlife
Desert cottontail, Common collared lizard
Conservation Note
Avoid stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soil and never carve into canyon walls. Pack out all trash and follow your guide’s instructions to minimize impact on BLM lands.
Kanab’s heyday as “Little Hollywood” brought film crews to these very cliffs, while the wider area remains part of the Southern Paiute homelands with deep cultural ties to canyons and springs.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Reflected light photography
Challenges: Windy afternoons, Occasional muddy patches
Cool mornings and comfortable highs make spring ideal for slot exploration and sand boarding with fewer crowds.
summer
Best for: Early starts, Family outings
Challenges: High heat, Monsoon storms and flash-flood risk
Plan dawn or late-day tours for cooler temps and watch monsoon forecasts closely; hydration is critical.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Golden light
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Cooler evenings
Consistent conditions and warm days make fall a standout; the canyon glow is especially rich in October.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Unique snow-dusted photos
Challenges: Cold temps, Possible icy patches and limited tour availability
Bundle up for crisp air and solitude; occasional snow makes the red walls pop but can make sand firmer and chilly.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe trail shoesEssential
Traction and protection make sandy climbs and slickrock sections more secure than sandals.
2L hydration pack or water bottlesEssential
Desert air dehydrates quickly; steady sipping keeps energy up during the ride and hikes.
Buff/neck gaiter and sunglassesEssential
Cuts dust during the UTV ride and shields eyes from windblown sand on the dunes.
Lightweight long-sleeve layer
Adds sun protection and warmth on cool mornings without overheating in the canyon.
Common Questions
Do I need to drive the UTV?
No. A professional guide drives the UTV; you’ll enjoy the ride, short walks, and time in the slot canyon and on the dunes.
How tight are the canyon passages?
Peekaboo features moderately narrow sections but is generally comfortable for most visitors; those with severe claustrophobia should discuss concerns with the guide beforehand.
Is sand boarding included?
Yes, sand boards or sleds are provided and you’ll have time for runs on nearby dunes after exploring the canyon.
What happens if there’s rain in the forecast?
Tours may be delayed, rerouted, or canceled for safety due to flash-flood risk. Providers typically offer to reschedule or refund when weather makes the canyon unsafe.
Are there restrooms on the route?
There are no facilities at the canyon or dunes. Use restrooms in town before departure and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Is there cell service?
Expect little to no cell service along the route and at the canyon; download maps and communicate logistics before departure.
What to Pack
Closed-toe trail shoes for traction in sand and on slickrock; 2 liters of water per person to handle desert dryness; Buff or neck gaiter to filter dust on the UTV and dunes; Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen for all-day exposure.
Did You Know
Peekaboo Slot Canyon is also known as Red Canyon, carved into the Jurassic-era Navajo Sandstone—a formation built from ancient windblown dunes roughly 190 million years ago.
Quick Travel Tips
Book early morning tours for cooler temps and softer light; Confirm Mountain Time to avoid late arrivals; Bring a small daypack to keep hands free in the slot; Don’t rely on cell service—download directions and save the meeting point offline.
Local Flavor
After your ride and slides, head to Kanab’s walkable center for tacos and house-made salsas, or settle into a local café for a cold brew and desert-made pastries. If you’ve got time, swing by a community gallery to browse regional art—sandstone palettes and canyon shadows reimagined by people who call this place home.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: St. George Regional (SGU), ~1.5–2 hours; Las Vegas (LAS) ~3 hours. Meeting point is typically in Kanab with UTV transfer to the canyon; the sandy access road requires high-clearance and experience if self-driving. Expect limited to no cell service at the canyon. Guided tours don’t require personal permits; independent travel is on BLM land—check road conditions and weather.
Sustainability Note
Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust—one footprint can take decades to heal. Stay in washes or on durable surfaces, never mark canyon walls, and keep group sizes small to preserve the quiet character of the narrows.
Continue Reading
The Pulse of the Gulf: Exploring Cabo Pulmo’s Living Reef
A living reef that fought its way back: Cabo Pulmo is a compact, community-protected marine park where coral gardens and pelagic encounters reward deliberate travel. Here’s how to see it responsibly.
Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur
Under the Limestone Roof: Exploring Cenotes Sac Actun’s Subterranean Rivers
Descend into the Yucatán’s submerged cathedral: Sac Actun’s cenotes offer crystalline snorkeling, hushed caverns and a direct link to Maya water lore—best experienced with a local guide and a careful eye.
Tulum, Quintana Roo