The locals call it Peek-A-Boo Canyon, but the mappers name it Red Canyon.   It is in the sand hills,  a side canyon off Kanab Creek, 8.6 miles north of Kanab, Utah.   To get there, turn onto a side road off Highway 89 and park, then hike in to the hills.    Locals can drive in, but the road is very sandy and 4WDs need to deflate their tires.   I parked my rental and hiked in.   The track loops around for 3 miles to the slot canyon entrance.   I found progress on the sand too slow, so I hiked over the sand hills in a straight line, hard work in the hot southwest sun.

When I finally arrived at the east end of the slot canyon, the sun was high in the sky, but so the slot was not (yet) dark.

The walls of the slot are red Navaho sandstone.   The length is about half a mile and is very narrow in a few spots.   The floor is sandy.   The canyon was formed by water, but the canyon was dry on this April day.

Where direct light shone into the canyon, photography was difficult.   Other spots were dark. Narrow sections were lined by layers of rock, highlighted by reflected light.

About midway through the canyon, a more open “courtyard” awaits the explorer.

At the upper end, progress is blocked by a difficult climb, even though the canyon continues on for a long ways yet.   Hiking alone, this was a good place to turn-around, but not before taking dozens of photos.

Back out in the sunshine, my eyes had to adjust to the bright southwest day.   The return trek was slow.   To the north, the white hills rose into the Grand Staircase.   In that direction is Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument calling me for further explorations.

This is a remote spot that is difficult to get to, but worth the effort for explorers, hikers, and photographers.   My return trip is now booked.

Coordinates:

• Trailhead – N37 09.282 W112 34.396
• Canyon – N37 10.761 W112 33.551