Kanab: Peekaboo Slot Canyon & Great Chamber Tour/Guided Hike

Peekaboo Slot Canyon changes color as the sun moves, while Great Chamber opens into a huge sandy alcove at Cutler Point. The contrast makes this two-site adventure more varied than a single canyon walk. I like the small groups, capped at 10, and the guides’ attention to photography and local geology.

I also like that the rough driving is part of the experience, not just a way to get somewhere. The drawback is just as clear: deep sand, bumpy roads, and a steep climb make this a poor choice if you have back trouble, limited mobility, or are pregnant.

Key points

• Two very different stops: Peekaboo offers narrow, curving sandstone walls, while Great Chamber gives you a broad open alcove and sand dune.
• A real off-road ride: Expect highway driving at first, followed by rough sandy roads in a Jeep, SUV, or van.
• Helpful photo guidance: Sherwin and the other guides point out strong angles and explain how sunlight changes the canyon colors.
• Moderate hiking: The Peekaboo walk covers about 1.5 miles, and Great Chamber includes a steep climb through deep sand.
• Small-group setting: The tour limits participation to 10 people, keeping the guide close at both sites.
• Pack your own water and snacks: Food and drinks are not included, and there is no meal stop listed.

Two red-rock worlds in one Kanab outing

This tour combines two places that feel remarkably different despite being reached on the same off-road journey. Peekaboo Slot Canyon is all twists, curves, and close sandstone walls. Great Chamber is about scale, light, and the sweep of a giant sandy alcove.

You leave from the Coral Cliffs Tours office at 310 South 100 East, Suite 11, in Kanab. Depending on your departure time, the order of the stops may change. Plan for a half-day outing, though the full schedule can run from about four to six hours, with six hours a sensible amount of time to reserve.

The price is $132 per person. That is not a bargain for a simple walk, but it is reasonable if you want both sites without arranging a capable off-road vehicle, finding the route, and judging the rough roads yourself. Your fee covers transportation, a guide, and guided walks at both locations.

The strongest value comes from the combination. You are not paying only for admission or a short transfer. You are paying for access along difficult roads, local interpretation, and help with photography in places where light and position matter greatly.

The ride from Kanab to Peekaboo Slot Canyon

The first part of the drive is easy enough, with roughly 15 minutes on the highway. Then the road changes character. The vehicle heads onto rough sandy terrain for around 30 minutes toward Peekaboo’s base, and the ride can be bumpy enough to become one of the day’s main memories.

The exact vehicle may be a Jeep, SUV, or off-road van. The important point is that this is not a smooth shuttle ride. You should expect jolts, sandy tracks, and a slower pace as the vehicle works its way across the desert.

I like this setup because it reaches a quieter place than a roadside viewpoint. The tradeoff is comfort. If you have a serious back problem, are pregnant, or simply dislike rough vehicle travel, this tour may test your patience before the hiking even begins.

The drive also makes a guided trip practical. You do not need to worry about navigating the sandy roads or deciding if conditions are suitable for your vehicle. Your guide handles the route and gets you to the trailhead ready to walk.

Walking the 1.5-mile curves of Peekaboo

Peekaboo Slot Canyon is the more enclosed of the two stops. You follow a winding route between red sandstone walls, with the shape and color of the canyon changing as you move through it.

The guided walk lasts about an hour, and the total route is described as roughly 1.5 miles. That gives you enough time to look around instead of rushing from entrance to exit. Your guide explains the area’s geology, plants, animals, and past, while also showing you places where the canyon photographs well.

Sunlight matters here. As the angle changes, the walls can shift from warm orange to darker red and softer shades. This is one reason the guide’s timing and photo advice are useful. You may see a much richer range of color in the canyon than a quick midday glance would suggest.

The passage is winding, so the walk feels active rather than like standing at a single overlook. Still, you should not mistake the word slot for an effortless stroll. Comfortable walking shoes are important, and weather-appropriate clothing matters because conditions can change between the open road and the canyon walls.

Bring a camera if photography interests you. The guide can help you find strong compositions, and the narrow walls give you plenty of shapes, curves, and bands of sandstone to work with. You will likely get more from the stop if you slow down and watch how the light falls instead of taking only quick snapshots.

What a guide adds at Peekaboo

A guide makes a bigger difference here than at a place where the route is obvious and heavily marked. The canyon’s curves can look similar, and a local guide helps you pay attention to details you might otherwise walk past.

Sherwin received specific praise for explaining the area and helping with photography. You might have Sherwin, or another English-speaking guide from Coral Cliffs Tours of Kanab, depending on the day and departure. The tour is conducted in English.

The guide’s role is not limited to pointing down the path. Expect explanations about geology, local plant and animal life, and the story of the surrounding area. You can also ask for help with photo angles. That is useful in a slot canyon, where a small change in position can alter the balance of shadow and sunlight.

The group limit of 10 helps. It does not guarantee solitude, but it gives the guide a realistic chance to answer questions and assist with pictures. It also keeps the walking experience more personal than a large coach outing.

The second off-road leg to Cutler Point

After Peekaboo, you return to the vehicle for another rough ride toward Great Chamber at Cutler Point. The drive is listed at about 45 minutes, though the complete timing can vary with the route and conditions.

This is the point when you should be glad you packed water and a little food. Meals and drinks are not included, and the tour information specifically asks you to bring water. Sunscreen and a hat are also sensible choices because Great Chamber is more open than Peekaboo.

The long transfer is part of the access problem. Great Chamber is not a casual stop beside a paved road. You reach it by crossing sandy, rugged terrain, and the off-road vehicle removes the need for you to arrange that drive yourself.

The ride may feel long if you expect a series of quick attractions. I would view it differently: this tour is built around two substantial stops, not a string of roadside photo breaks. The reward is time at places that require more effort to reach.

Climbing through sand to Great Chamber

Great Chamber is the visual counterpoint to Peekaboo. Instead of walking between close walls, you approach a large alcove with a dune sweeping into its curve. The open space makes the place feel broad and bright after the confined turns of the slot canyon.

The walk is moderately challenging. The key difficulty is a steep climb through deep sand, which can make a short distance feel much longer. Wear shoes with good support and expect your pace to slow on the uphill section.

Once you reach the chamber, the effort makes sense. The sandy floor and curved rock create a natural setting for photographs, especially when the afternoon sun reaches into the alcove. The light can give the walls a warm glow and add shape to the dune.

Winter brings a different look. Snow on the dunes can contrast sharply with the red and tan rock, creating a scene that feels very different from the usual warm desert image. Weather conditions will affect what you see, so you should dress for the season rather than rely only on the tour’s desert setting.

Great Chamber is especially rewarding if you enjoy scale. Peekaboo gives you detail close at hand, while Great Chamber gives you a larger view with more space between you and the rock. Visiting both in one day makes that contrast easy to appreciate.

Photography help that earns its place

Photography is one of the tour’s most useful extras. The guide can point out the best positions at both stops, explain how the sun changes the canyon’s colors, and help you frame the chamber and dune.

You do not need professional equipment to benefit. A phone camera can capture the strong lines and warm rock, though you may appreciate having enough storage and battery for a full day out. A camera is recommended, but it is not required.

At Peekaboo, watch for the relationship between light and shadow. The canyon walls can appear different from one bend to the next. At Great Chamber, the challenge is larger scale: include enough of the alcove to show its size while keeping the dune as a clear foreground shape.

Your guide’s advice also saves time. Instead of repeatedly trying random angles, you can move to positions that have already proved useful. That matters on a tour with two stops and a fixed return drive.

Who should book this half-day trip

I would choose this outing if you want more than a viewpoint but do not want to plan your own off-road route. It suits active adults, photographers, couples, families with suitable walking ability, and anyone who enjoys red-rock scenery with a bit of physical effort.

It is also a good match if you want a small group. A maximum of 10 people is modest enough for questions and personal photo help, without requiring you to pay for a private vehicle.

You should think twice if you are looking for an easy, smooth sightseeing day. The rough roads, 1.5-mile canyon walk, and sandy climb all require reasonable fitness. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with serious medical conditions, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

You also need to be comfortable spending much of the day outdoors. Bring walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothes, water, and a camera if you want to make the most of the stops. Smoking is not allowed.

Timing, group size, and practical value

The pickup point is simple: 310 South 100 East, Suite 11, in Kanab. The itinerary includes vehicle transfers before and after the two guided walks, with the full outing returning to the same location.

Start times vary, and the order of Peekaboo and Great Chamber depends on the time you select. That can affect the light at each place, especially since Peekaboo’s colors respond strongly to sunlight and Great Chamber is described at its best in the afternoon glow.

The tour is offered with a live English-speaking guide. Since the schedule can last up to six hours, avoid booking another tight activity immediately afterward. The driving, sandy access, and walking all take time, and weather or road conditions may affect the pace.

At $132, the trip makes the most sense if you value convenience and interpretation. A person who only wants a short walk may find it expensive. A person who wants both locations, off-road transport, local information, and photo guidance may find the cost fair.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those terms are useful in Kanab, where weather can affect outdoor plans.

Should you book Peekaboo and Great Chamber?

Book this tour if you want two distinct red-rock experiences in one well-organized outing, and if a rough ride and sandy hike sound like part of the fun. The best reasons are the contrast between the sites, the small group, and the guide’s help with geology and photography.

Skip it if you need smooth transport, level paths, or an easy half-day. For everyone else, the combination of Peekaboo’s shifting colors and Great Chamber’s broad sunlit alcove gives you a fuller view of the Kanab area than either stop alone.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and returns to 310 S 100 E, Suite 11, in Kanab, Utah.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about four to six hours. The listed duration is six hours, so you should allow most of the day.

What places does the tour visit?

It visits Peekaboo Slot Canyon and Great Chamber at Cutler Point.

How long is the Peekaboo hike?

The guided Peekaboo walk is about 1.5 miles and lasts approximately one hour.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Off-road transportation is included in a Jeep, SUV, or van, along with a guided tour at both locations.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera if desired. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility or medical concerns?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with serious medical conditions.