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Peekaboo Slot Canyon with White Wave Tour

Fully Guided Tour

Photography Paradise!

Something for Everyone!

Single Travelers & Private Tours

We can always accommodate single travelers via private tours.  Often times, we are also able to combine a single traveler with other scheduled parties; please give us a call at 435-644-5506 to discuss the latter option.

Private Tours are available to be booked online.

See all tours at a glance with our

We go out of our way to open the wonders of the West to EVERYONE.

We are permitted, licensed, and insured.

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the Grand Staircase Escalante National MonumentGrand Canyon National Park, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria Wilderness, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Kanab Bureau of Land Management, Kaibab National Forest, and Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management.

Don't see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour - and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

All listed tour durations and pickup times are approximate. Please allow 10-20 minutes of pickup time flexibility for unforeseen circumstances and varying pickup logistics. Water and snacks are provided on all tours. A lunch meal is included on all tours of 6+ hours. Vegetarian option available.

We reserve the right to fill all empty seats on non-private tours. Cancellation / Reschedule / Weather policy applies.

Please familiarize yourself with our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  before contacting us.

Contact us

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the "Book Now" Button on each tour page or click Contact Us for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

This tour combines our Peekaboo Slot Canyon Tour with The White Wave for our best short tour. This is our most popular slot canyon tour combination. The White Wave Tour has something for everyone: Sweeping views and cool rocks for photography, Rock Art to Ponder, Sand to Play in, and Geology and Botany to learn about.

Price

Adult $149
Child $129

Private Tour Upgrade Available?

Yes

Tour Length

4.5 hours

Departure Times

8:30am, 2pm

Difficulty (1-10)

5

Recommended abilities

At the White Wave there is significant elevation change, uneven footing, and sand, but the distances are minimal. Not recommended for those with physical difficulties.
No special permit is required for this tour.

Location

Kanab, UT

Attractions

Slot Canyon, White Wave

Special Interests

Geology, Rock Art, Photography, Archaeology, Wildlife, Flowers

These FAQs are specific to this tour. If you would like to view our general FAQs CLICK HERE.

1. What is the White Wave?
The White Wave is a gorgeous sandstone feature we found that lies a short, bumpy ride away from Peekaboo. Few people know about it and it’s not even labeled on maps of the area. It offers great opportunity for photography and the view of the surrounding landscape is incredible. Surefooted guests with some sense of adventure may hike around the backside of the butte where an arch is beginning to form and a Anasazi carved a panel of petroglyphs about 1,00 years ago.

2. How hard is the hike to the White Wave?
The hike to the White Wave is only 250 yards each way, but it’s up a steep, sandy trail. There is an optional hike around to the backside of the butte where you’ll see Anasazi petroglyphs. This hike is also short, but there is steep stone, deep sand and loose rocks to negotiate. It takes good balance and surefootedness. Many guests choose not to do the optional walk behind the butte, but tend to enjoy waiting 20-30 minutes while enjoying the view and the peaceful setting.

3. Is Peekaboo Slot Canyon an easy hike?
The walk through Peekaboo Slot Canyon is very easy. We drive you right to the entrance of the slot. From there, it is a slow, 1-mile round trip meander through a gorgeous, red rock slot canyon. The ground is fairly flat and level, but there is some sand to walk through and loose rocks to negotiate. There are two small obstacles most people can cross without difficulty: One boulder about 3 feet high, and one large log that must be stepped over or ducked under.

4. How does Peekaboo Slot Canyon compare to Antelope Canyon?
Both Peekaboo and Antelope are carved from the same Navajo Sandstone formation. Peekaboo is a bit longer than Lower Antelope Canyon. The stone is more red, but it is not carved as intricately as Antelope. Peekaboo is much less crowded, so if offers a true nature experience of quiet and solitude. Tripods are welcome. Read a more detailed comparison of Antelope and Peekaboo in our blog.

5. Is Peekaboo Canyon good for photography? May I bring my tripod?
Photographers relish the challenge of the ever changing light in Peekaboo and even amatures with iPhones come away with stunning images. We encourage photography on our trips and our tour allows about 2 hours in the slot canyon if needed. Tripods, GoPros and gimbals are welcome. Photographers are encouraged to linger behind the group to set up their perfect shots. It’s a slot canyon, so you really can’t get lost.

6. What’s the best time of day to shoot images in Peekaboo?
Light varies widely depending on the season. In the winter, mid day is good. Look for the 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. tour. In spring and fall, 9 or 10 a.m. or 3 or 4 p.m. are ideal. In the summer when the sun is higher in the sky, early morning is the ticket. Look for 8 or 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. The idea is to capture reflective light that bounces off the canyon walls and creates beautiful orange, red and yellows. In mid day in the summer when the sun is high, there is a big contrast between light and shadow, making photography more challenging. Light beams come and go in an instant in late spring to early fall. We don’t see the in the winter. Photographers might also consider the Sunset Safari tour that includes an afternoon trip to the slot canyon, followed by a drive to a viewpoint to photograph the sunset.

7. Are drones allowed on this tour?
Yes, drones are allowed on this tour, but Peekaboo is not necessarily a good place to fly a drone. It is narrow and there may be other people in close proximity. However, the White Wave could be a great location to get good drone footage. When operating a drone on tours, please be mindful of other guests on the tour and other hikers who may be in the area. Others seek remote locations for the solitude. Please do not fly drones close to other people and limit the amount of time the drone is in the air. Always follow instructions from your guide.

To read more FAQs that are common to all of our tours, visit our FAQs page.

Guest Experiences on the Slot Canyon / White Wave Tour

Andrea, a very pleasant and energetic young woman, drove a small group of Kanab tourists (myself included) out to a wave-like rock formation (not THE Wave) and, subsequently, to an interesting slot canyon. Very scenic and manageable hikes for a half-day commitment. Andrea proved to be a talented driver on the sandy roads which led to the interesting geology. These are great excursions for older children – interesting but not too dangerous or overly difficult.

kcjay2018 – October 16, 2018
TripAdvisor

Orion was a wonderful guide for our trip. He is very personable and knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor!! Our hike though the slot canyon was amazing and the White Wave was fantastic!! We did this tour on our last day in Utah, after visiting Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Park, Bryce, and Zion. What a great ending to a fantastic vacation!!

Footprints34440 – October 16, 2018
TripAdvisor

We booked this tour thirty minutes before leaving. Andrea stopped by our hotel to pick us up. The tour was fantastic from start to finish. Our family of four (parents and 14 and 12 year old boys) was paired with another couple. Andrea drove us out to the site in her 4×4. The white wave was fantastic. She even took us around the back side of the butte to see the petroglyphs. She was knowledgeable and friendly. She encouraged our boys to explore but helped them do so safely. The Mystic Slot Canyon was fantastic. We can’t say enough about this tour. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Thanks, Andrea!

Louisvillemomof2 – October 14, 2018
TripAdvisor

Pick-up was right on time. The tour started with a bumpy road, which was easily navigated by Orion, our tour guide. Orion had a lot to tell about the area before we arrived at the Slot Canyon. The canyon was awesome and we’re lucky that no other people were there! Inside a lot of pictures where taken and we had plenty of time to take them. Afterwards another bumpy off-road ride to the White Wave. More photos were taken and Orion told us all about the area and what we’re seeing. We both recommend Dreamland, if our half-day tour was this good, what would a day tour be like!

KatjaCris – October 2, 2018
TripAdvisor

Steve was our guide, and he took us on an adventure to see a slot canyon and white wave hike. He also included a hike to a pictogram. Our adventure was something we will never forget, and we had a great time. Be prepared for a bouncy rugged ride into the wilderness, but know your guide is extremely well-prepared and trained to help with any circumstance. Our experience seeing these amazing sights will never be forgotten. If you like adventure and seeing things off the beaten path, go with Dreamland Safari Tours. They are excellent.

KHandy58 – May 22, 2018
TripAdvisor

Single Travelers & Private Tours

We can always accommodate single travelers via private tours.  Often times, we are also able to combine a single traveler with other scheduled parties; please give us a call at 435-644-5506 to discuss the latter option.

Private Tours are available to be booked online.

This original tour is a great alternative for all you not-so-lucky Wave lottery participants.

The “White Wave“, as we call it, pays tribute to its multicolored cousin in the nearby Paria Wilderness. The main feature is geology, a vast expanse of swirling sandstone layers and colors.

Sweeping vistas of the white cliffs also complement an intriguing alcove with Rock Art used continuously as a lookout by the Anasazi and Basketmaker peoples between 800 and 1600 years ago.

Fully Guided Tour

Photography Paradise!

Something for Everyone!

We go out of our way to open the wonders of the West to EVERYONE.

We are permitted, licensed, and insured.

Dreamland Safari Tours holds Special Use Permits from the Grand Staircase Escalante National MonumentGrand Canyon National Park, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument/Paria WildernessKanab Bureau of Land Management and Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management.

Don’t see your preferred departure date or time available via online booking? Give us a call. 

For sunset or sunrise at our more remote locations, we recommend a scheduled or custom overnight or multi-day tour – and we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that meets your needs.

All listed tour durations and pickup times are approximate. Please allow 10-20 minutes of pickup time flexibility for unforeseen circumstances and varying pickup logistics. Water and snacks are provided on all tours. A lunch meal is included on all tours of 6+ hours. Vegetarian option available.

We reserve the right to fill all empty seats on non-private tours. Cancellation / Reschedule / Weather policy applies.

Please familiarize yourself with our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  before contacting us.

Contact us

To contact us with other specific questions or begin Making Reservations click the “Book Now” Button on each tour page or click Contact Us for info on how to give us a call or shoot us an email.

See all tours at a glance with our

About Peekaboo Canyon

All of our Kanab tours include a meander through the gorgeous, red rock slot canyon known locally as Peekaboo. The ½-mile canyon is one of the easiest slots to walk through in Southern Utah. It is not to be confused with another slot canyon that is also called Peekaboo that lies off Hole-in-the-Rock-Road near Escalante and is usually explored on the same trek as Spooky Gulch.

At our Peekaboo Canyon, brilliant red Navajo sandstone walls tower about 80 feet over a narrow slot that has been carved into abstract shapes over the millennia by flowing water. The first narrow section is short, but continue walking up the wash and the slot soon narrows again and it becomes deeper and darker. Eventually hikers come to another rock jam that’s high overhead, and they turn around and exit the way they came in.

About half way through the hike, keep an eye out for Moqui steps on the left side of the slot canyon. This stairway was carved by Anasazi roughly 800-1,000 years ago. It is likely these Native Americans stored grain on the high ledges of the slot canyon, perhaps to protect their food from rats and mice that carry hantavirus.

Further into the slot canyon, you’ll see logs that are wedged in the slot high overhead – evidence of flash floods that have torn through this landscape. Warnings of flash floods in slot canyons are real. It is essential to be aware of the weather and have a good understanding of a landscape before entering a slot canyon. Peekaboo Slot Canyon is safer than many other slot canyons because it has a fairly small draining. A summit lies about 8 miles north of the slot, meaning it takes a very local storm to flood the canyon. Some slot canyons, such as Buckskin Gulch in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, have a very large draining. Slots like this are particularly dangerous because you could be hiking under clear blue skies and be surprised by a deadly flash flood that originated from a storm many miles away. The Peekaboo Slot Canyon near Kanab gets deadly flash floods also but they are less frequent and the hiker would have some idea that there is a storm is in the area and it is a good day to stay out of the slot canyon.

Why is there more than one Peekaboo Canyon?

In early ranching days, “peekaboo” was a general term used for any narrow canyon because kids loved to hide among the steep, curvy walls and play peek-a-boo. The name has perpetuated for several slot canyons in Utah including this one where we do so many tours.

Hike Peekaboo, it’s easy!

Many slot canyons are not accessible by vehicle and often have mud, cold pools of water, large obstacles or pour-offs that require climbing gear. Peekaboo Canyon is dry, and the floor is mostly flat with only a couple of small obstacles that almost everyone can negotiate.  As of summer 2021, a flash flood created a ~5ft mid-canyon obstacle that requires the ascent of a ladder.  In other sections of the canyon, small rocks strewn about do make the footing uneven at times. We drive guests right up to the entrance of the slot canyon. From there, the tour is an easy stroll, about 1 mile or less round trip. This is also a great tour in the summertime because you’re out of the sun most of the time, and the rocks in the slot canyon hold the cool temperature from the night before.

Getting to Peekaboo

Peekaboo Slot Canyon lies off Highway 89 about seven miles north of Kanab. This is where things get interesting. The next 3.5 miles or so traverse very deep sand along BLM route 102, which drops you to a wash about one mile downstream of the slot canyon. We drive up this wash and right to the entrance of the slot canyon. Some choose to hike the sand roads from Highway 89. The distance is roughly 4 miles each way, but hiking through that deep, loose sand makes the hike feel longer. There is limited cell service and the network of sand roads is confusing, so some hikers never actually find the slot canyon. Driving is a challenging option, too. The sand is really deep. Even with a good four-wheel drive vehicle with abundant ground clearance, good off-road tires and deflating your tires properly for sand driving some drivers still get stuck. This is not the road to practice your sand driving skills if you are inexperienced. To get a good sense of how bad the sand is, read a blog post one of our guides wrote about driving to Peekaboo. The good news about the difficult road is it thins the crowds. On most trips we see very few others here.

Photographing the canyon

Lighting changes quickly in the slot canyon and varies every few steps because more light filters into the slot where the canyon is wider. You will have to change your ISO settings often. Even in mid summer, it is fairly dark in the back of the canyon and a tripod may be necessary for longer exposures in a couple of dark sections. Most the the canyon is light enough that a tripod is not necessary and some areas are quite sunny. The best time to photograph the canyon in the summer time is in the early morning or late afternoon: Choose a tour start time of 8 or 9 a.m. or an afternoon time of 4 p.m. or try our sunset tour. In the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky, midday is best in the slot canyon. We do see some light beams in Peekaboo in the summertime. IPhones also work remarkably well for producing great slot canyon photos. They are good at compensating for the uneven lighting in the canyon. Some folks like to take some pictures in the Vivid Warm setting to bring out the reds of the Navajo sandstone. This filter can also be applied after a photo is taken. Another tip for shooting in the slot canyon is look for areas where the light is less varied. It is hard for a camera to compensate when there is a dark shadow and a bright sunny area in the same frame. Try to compose photos so that the light is more even and the exposure will be even, avoiding areas that are both very dark or overexposed in the same photograph.

A great family hike

We love experiencing the slot canyon with kids, it’s like seeing nature through fresh eyes. It’s impossible to lose kids in the slot canyon, so this trek make the parent’s job easier. And kids love climbing around on the curvy walls in the shade where it stays relatively cool, even in the summer heat.

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