Kanab Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Great Chamber & Hoodoo Tour: A Candid Review

Thinking about checking out the Kanab Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Great Chamber, and Hoodoo tour? It’s an interesting choice, and so you’re probably trying to figure out if it is something for you. Basically, I took the plunge, and so this is my take on the whole thing, hopefully it helps you decide if this southern Utah adventure is up your alley, you know?

What to anticipate on the Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Great Chamber, and Hoodoo Tour

Okay, so, first off, this tour throws a lot at you. You’re not just seeing one thing; you’re getting a combo of natural wonders, so to speak. I mean, you start with Peek-a-Boo Canyon, and that place is super narrow, which means you are doing some squeezing, more or less. Then, there’s the Great Chamber, which is this massive, open space that just kind of makes you feel small, in a way. Finally, the Hoodoos offer up some seriously quirky rock formations – they’re like nature’s sculptures, almost. Basically, the tour packs in diverse landscapes, that’s for certain.

What that actually means is that the experience might actually change a little based on the time of day and weather, you know? My pictures turned out great in the morning light, almost, but someone doing the tour in the afternoon probably gets different shadows and colors, really. Anyway, basically it’s worth considering when you book, that’s my point.

The Actual Experience in Peek-A-Boo Canyon

So, Peek-a-Boo Canyon. What’s it really like, you ask? Truthfully, pictures just don’t do it complete justice. The slot canyon gets really, really tight in parts, and, well, there were times I felt like a sardine, I won’t lie. You definitely want to be somewhat comfortable in small spaces, almost. But the light filtering down? Amazing. The way it hits the sandstone? Really creates some unreal colors, seriously. If you are into photography, this part alone is worth the trip, so to speak.

One little thing: sand. Very fine, red sand. Pretty much gets in *everything*, I mean. Wear shoes you do not actually care about, is that something you’re aware of? And maybe bring a bandana to cover your mouth sometimes. But, you know, it is a canyon, right?

Marveling at the Great Chamber

Okay, the Great Chamber is a different story, I feel. Forget claustrophobia; here, you have wide-open views. Apparently, this massive alcove was carved out by wind and water over, well, forever, just about. Standing inside, you can’t really help but think about how small you are, which I felt was humbling, you know?

For me, what made it was the light coming through the opening at the top. Basically creates this beam of light that moves as the day goes on, too it’s almost magical, you know? And the sand dune inside? Unexpected, anyway, right? You’ll want your camera ready here, so to speak. I think it is very awesome spot, very different from the canyon.

Oh, quick tip, that. The ground can get pretty hot if the sun is high, and it’s just a tiny walk through the soft sand to get into the chamber, if you aren’t wearing appropriate footwear the guide is prepared with spare pairs. I think this will improve the overall experience too!

Hoodoo Formations and Landscape

Alright, so, the Hoodoos are something you might see elsewhere, but here, they are still worth the look, I feel. What they are is rock spires carved out by erosion. Basically imagine nature decided to make art, that is how they are, alright?

It really does feel like being on another planet a little, you know? Plus, the colors can be intense, that is worth pointing out. Lots of reds, oranges, and whites all mixed, seriously. The tour guides know the best spots for photos, but so too it’s just nice to wander a little and find your own viewpoint, maybe?

You’ll definitely be kicking yourself if you don’t bring your camera for this. Don’t forget spare batteries, that! As they will definitely need replacing quickly with all those stunning shots, that is something that can be avoided for sure!

What you should probably know before the trip: practical advice

Okay, so, you’re thinking about booking? Smart. Before you do, I mean, consider a few things. Most of these tours run in open-air vehicles. What that means is that you’re exposed to the elements. Sunscreen is actually essential, obviously. A hat? Pretty good plan too, that is worth mentioning. And water? Take more than you think you’ll need. Seriously, anyway.

Also, this isn’t a hike where you need fancy boots, you know? But close-toed shoes are, like, a must, just a little. The sand gets everywhere. As I said before, very fine, red sand, like. And the tour can be a little bumpy, in places. So maybe leave the sandals at home, too it’s almost like that is just obvious, anyway?

It goes without saying that your experience may not mirror everyone elses and this guide is not a guarantee to what you should expect! It is important that you are responsible and respectful during your experience!

Who is the tour suited to then?

Okay, so, who’s this tour really for? I think adventure seekers will dig it, like your keen photographers, that is worth knowing. Families with older kids? Could be a fit, mostly, that. But the squeezing in Peek-a-Boo Canyon? I’m not really sure young children would find that as fun, maybe?

If you have mobility issues, so you might want to double-check with the tour operator. The sand can be a bit tough to walk in, and there’s that bit of scrambling required, you know? So too it’s probably a good idea to talk to them first, definitely.

On the other hand, if you are fine with sand, love seeing different scenery, and you don’t mind being squished up tight now and then, that’s something that you’ll most likely love, truly!

Are there Alternatives to the Tour to visit Peek-a-Boo Canyon?

I think, like, it is definitely worth figuring out your options first, almost. I can confirm you probably could drive there yourself, if you are very experienced with driving off-road that. But so too it can be, well, kind of tricky, really. The roads can be super sandy, is that something you considered? Like, you would have to let air out of your tires, so to speak, that, and you need to know what you’re doing a bit.

So that’s something to weigh up against what the tour provides, like someone else doing all the driving, obviously, right? Also, so too the guides usually know a lot about the area, I think. What that actually means is that you get some cool info you might not get on your own, maybe?

Ultimately you have to evaluate the risk versus the reward on the decision of a guided tour against DIYing and hoping you don’t get stuck!