Whenever visitors come to our auto shop, they always ask for tips on what to see and where to go. One of the places we regularly recommend is Kanab. This small town is the embodiment of southwestern charm. It’s no surprise that it used to be a popular filming location for old westerns and still draws a sizable crowd annually. There are plenty of things to see and do and from Kanab, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is quite close so you can include it as a side trip.
Slot canyons are also abundant in this part of the country and those who join us on our trail riding events are always mesmerized by these natural masterpieces. Formed by years of erosion, slot canyons entice you to explore and you can spend hours hiking, down climbing, and canyoneering checking them out. This makes them a great alternative to trying out the popular off-roading trails in Moab.
Peekaboo Canyon
While most other slot canyons will require a great deal of effort to explore, some only involve a short hike. One of these is Peekaboo Canyon located about a 10-minute drive from Kanab, then off Highway 89. This canyon should not be confused with the similarly-named one in Grand Escalante.
Getting to Peekaboo Canyon, also known as Red Canyon, isn’t easy. You have to have a 4WD vehicle with sufficient ground clearance otherwise you risk getting stuck in the deep sand. There are plenty of tour operators in the area offering a range of guided tours to the canyon. This ranges from ATV rides to UTVs and more.
If this isn’t what you’re looking for, you can simply take your Jeep, or rent one in Kanab, and enjoy a self-guided tour. Keep in mind that you’ll be heading into the desert so it’s easy to get lost out there. To avoid this, download a map of the area from our online store so you can easily find your way there and back again.
Peekaboo Canyon itself is a natural work of art. You’ll be captivated by the stunning reds, oranges and browns of the fluted sandstone as you explore more of the canyon. These colors provide an excellent backdrop for photos and we’re sure you’ll snap plenty of those. The canyon isn’t that long and it’s usually dry except during the rainy season. Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out.
Trip Preparation
Make sure you get a suitable 4WD for the trip and remember to air down your tires when driving on sand. You’ll also need a map of the area as well as suitable clothing and enough water and food for your trip. Also, don’t forget your camera!
If you’d like to enjoy trips such as these with a group of avid off-roaders, or you just want to talk shop about 4-wheels and different modifications and upgrades, contact us. We love hearing from other off-roading enthusiasts.
