Buckskin Gulch
Here’s our honest take on the Southwest’s most stunning slot canyons — the easy, the epic, and the Instagrammed-to-death.
Slot canyons are the Southwest’s signature experience. These intricate, mysterious sandstone mazes, carved by water and time, were not all created equal. Some are peaceful and photogenic. Others are crowded, rugged, or require a desert death march to reach.
So… how do you choose? Start here. We’ve reviewed five top slot canyons in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, with pros, cons, and who they’re best for. Plus, we’ll settle the debate once and for all: Peekaboo aka Red Canyon – in Kanab vs. Peekaboo (& Spooky) – in Escalante.
Fun Fact: Why are so many slot canyons named “Peekaboo”? When early ranchers and their families settled the area, children found the narrow slot canyon passageways to be both cool in the summer heat and ideal for games of hide-and-seek. The playful name “Peekaboo” stuck.
1. Buckskin Gulch (Between Kanab & Page)
The Epic One
This one’s for the slot canyon diehards. At over 13 miles long, Buckskin is the deepest, longest continuous slot canyon in the United States, if not the world.
Pros:
- Jaw-dropping walls and light
- A dream for photographers and adventure lovers who want brag-worthy stories
- A chance for solitude that makes it feel like your own private planet
- Choose-your-own-length tours (our day tour is 3–6 miles round trip; our backpacking adventure is 23 miles)
- No technical gear required
Cons:
- Can be muddy, wet, or challenging depending on conditions
- Not for casual hikers or those short on time
- Requires a permit (acquired at the trailhead or included in our tour)
Potential for flash flooding is high (evaluate conditions using this guide before you go; download the free flash flood checker found in that post)
“Buckskin Gulch was dramatic and gorgeous – like nothing we had ever experienced!”
— Steph M., TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out our veteran guide Andrea Jasper’s take on this epic slot Hiking Buckskin Gulch, a True Bucket List Adventure
2. Peekaboo Slot Canyon (aka Red Canyon – Kanab, UT)
Peekaboo Slot Canyon (aka Red Canyon)
The Peaceful Crowd-Free Classic
This one’s a hidden gem. Nestled just outside Kanab, Dreamland Safari Tours offers easy access to this photogenic beauty. You can skip the stadium crowds and get straight to the good stuff.
We recommend a guided tour for this slot — unless you relish the thought of 4 miles up and downhill, deep sand hiking. Or paying $1,000+ to get your car towed out. Our guides are expert drivers in deep sand; we even deflate the tires of our 4×4 high-clearance vehicles to get you there stress-free.
Pros:
- Easy, quick access via 4×4 (we drive — you relax in the A/C)
- Flat, family-friendly walk with only one easy 2-stair ladder
- No squeezing, scrambling, or slot acrobatics
- Deep red sandstone + classic curves = photographer heaven
- Small group tours (max of 6 people per vehicle) = quiet, personal experience
- Our guides are ready and on hand with expert photo tips
Cons:
- No bragging rights about surviving a 10-mile hike or getting wedged in
- You might get spoiled and never want to hike another slot again
“We toured Antelope Canyon the day before, but this Dreamland tour was longer and with more detail. And quiet. No large groups. We could spend a long time in the canyon and admire the changing light on the canyon walls. Brent really helped with photography. The vehicle was air-conditioned and very comfortable despite the deep sand. So glad we were not eating dust in an ATV!”
— Lori L., TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Zebra Slot Canyon (Escalante, UT)
Zebra Slot Canyon
Pros:
- Striking stripes unlike anywhere else
- Great for dramatic photos (if you can squeeze in)
- A highly dramatic experience, if you’re looking for an extreme slot
Cons:
- 8-mile drive down a rough, washboard road to get to the trailhead
- 5-mile round-trip desert hike just to get to the slot’s entrance
- Extremely narrow — tight fit even for slender hikers
- Murky water can be present
- Not suitable for families or anyone remotely claustrophobic
- Not recommended for dogs due to the difficulties of passage
- Some scrambling required
Caution Recommended: This slot has very narrow spaces. If you aren’t flexible and agile, you may not enjoy the experience. Be sure to bring lots of water with you if you go, too!
4. Willis Creek Slot Canyon (Grand Staircase, UT)
Willis Creek Slot Canyon
The Chill Pick
We get a lot of calls from folks looking for a tour in the Grand Staircase Escalante. If that’s your jam, Willis Creek is a great option. Close by (as a bonus) you’ll also find Kodachrome State Park — a fascinating collection of red rock hoodoos, and Grosvenor Arch — the largest natural double arch in the world!
Pros:
- Gentle, mostly flat walk through gorgeous narrows of white Navajo sandstone
- Stream running through = perfect on hot days
- Kid-, dog-, and senior-friendly
- Easy access — no 4WD needed (unless the road is wet)
Cons:
- Less dramatic than some other slots
- You may share it with a few other mellow-minded explorers
- Not the classic red canyon some might be looking for
Tour: Willis Creek is a fan favorite on our Grand Staircase Dream Tour with Willis Creek.
“Our favorite experience was hiking about 2 miles into and out of Willis Creek slot canyon. It was an unbelievable day. If you want to get an understanding of the amazing and diverse landscape of Grand Staircase, then this is the tour for you.
— Jack S., TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Antelope Canyon (Page, AZ)
Antelope Slot Canyon
The Instagram Celebrity
Infamous as a screensaver and computer wallpaper. The thing of puzzles, postcards, and book covers — is Antelope gorgeous? Absolutely. But be ready for a red carpet experience — and not necessarily in a relaxing way.
Pros:
- Exquisite light beams and sculpted walls
- Iconic shots that will make your Instagram feed glow (and look like everyone else’s)
- Short, guided walk
Cons:
- Mandatory tours with large groups that move very fast
- Strict time limits and no lingering allowed
- Expensive and very booked in advance
- Feels more like a museum than a canyon adventure
Check out our blog Peekaboo Slot Canyon Offers a Quiet Alternative to Antelope Canyon
Peekaboo vs. Peekaboo: The Desert’s Most Confusing Face-Off
| Peekaboo (aka Red Canyon) | Peekaboo (& Spooky) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Just North of Kanab, UT | Southeast of Escalante, UT |
| Drive Access | 30-minute off-road trip (we handle it for you) | 26-mile rough, washboard, dirt road (1.5–2 hrs) to access |
| Hiking Effort | Easy walk, 2-stair ladder | Steep slickrock scramble + longer trail |
| Distance | A half mile in, half mile out (go at your own pace) | 3.5 miles (3-4 hours) |
| Mobility | Great for anybody – kids, families, seniors | Requires agility and fitness |
| Vibe | Peaceful, relaxing, great for photos | Rugged, physical, brag-worthy |
| Best For | Everyone | Fit hikers and tight-space fans |
Verdict: You can judge for yourself, but we think Kanab’s Peekaboo wins on most counts. Our guests rave about it. We bet you’ll be amazed at how much “wow” you get without the work.
“Peekaboo was definitely a cool slot canyon. Lots of different curves and just history to the canyon as well. Only saw a few other groups, so definitely not crowded. Only 6 people in our group! Lots of opportunity for photos.”
— Emma L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bonus Content:
The Beginner’s Guide To Slot Canyon Photography: Four Things To Know
For those of you who do have the right vehicle, an air compressor, and driving experience, here’s an article that might help – Driving to Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Debating whether to go open-air or not? This is what we think – Utah ATV Tours? Here’s Why We Prefer Our Trucks
