Peekaboo Canyon – A Carnival-Like Experience

We decided on another outing with our new friend “G”. This one was sold to us as a visit to a slot canyon, but it was more like an outing to the carnival. It’s just a short 30 minute drive outside of Kanab to the canyon entrance, but there is a catch. The last 3 miles are via Jeep trail over hills and through deep sand. G loves to go 4 wheeling in his Jeep. I think he uses his guiding job as an excuse to push his driving to the limit. Who wouldn’t love to play and entertain folks while making a living?  “G” went out of his way to find a few very steep hills that closely resembled those on a roller coaster. You know how you lose your stomach as you crest the top and start going down. 

I only screamed twice and I didn’t loose my breakfast.

Like an entrance to a carnival ride – single file, folks.

We are the first visitors of the day to the canyon. “G” brings his shovel. During out outing to White Pocket the shovel was for the restroom, “G” assures us this time there is another reason. Sometimes, you don’t ask. 

Slot canyons can get quite narrow
Only a little light shows around this corner. It’s hard to believe there is even a path way through

Each slot canyon is different, and different sections can refract the light differently, creating colors from yellow, to orange, to red and even to purple.

Looking up highlights the variations of light
Only a narrow slit of light gets through to the canyon

Now for the first shovel event. “G” begins throwing shovels full of sand high up against the side of the canyon. In a long exposure photo, this creates a waterfall effect.

Later, the shovel comes in handy again. This time he throws sand into the sunlight to make the beams of light visible. Not all canyons have light beams, and for those that do, the timing is critical. The sunlight may only come through the slit in the top of the canyon for a few minutes a day.  

The light spots on the canyon wall are where the light beams are cutting through the canyon. Jeff and I are poised to capture the sand in the light beam.

But, this ride comes with risk. Throwing lots of sand into what is basically a wind tunnel is fine if the wind is blowing away from you. If not, it’s like a day at the beach. Carnivals can have beaches can’t they? I came out with sand everywhere including down my shirt and behind my ears.

However, when you are able to capture the sand highlighting the beams of light it creates an awesome effect. 

A rare double light beam peeks through the top of Peek-a-boo canyon. The risk was worth it!

What carnival would be complete without a posed photo? Here’s Jeff and I  through the “peek” hole in the canyon from whence it gets its name. 

“G” insisted on this pose. [Photo courtesy of “G”]

Remember, it’s all about the light and how it peeks through the canyon.