Kanab, Utah, is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers. Its rugged landscape, featuring slot canyons, expansive rock formations, and remote wilderness, makes it an ideal base for hiking and trekking adventures. Unlike more crowded parks, Kanab offers access to lesser-known spots like Peek-a-Boo Canyon or White Pocket, where you can enjoy stunning scenery with fewer people around. Whether you’re after a short, guided walk or an all-day trek, the region’s diverse terrain and knowledgeable guides make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, many tours include insider tips on photography and local geology, helping you get the most out of your time in this scenic area.
While planning your trip, consider what kind of experience suits your fitness level, schedule, and interests. Do you want a quick half-day outing or a full-day exploration of remote formations? The tours listed here cover a wide range of options, from easy hikes to advanced adventures, ensuring there’s something for every traveler seeking authentic outdoor experiences in Kanab.
Quick Overview
Our list features guided hikes through the area’s iconic slot canyons, off-road adventures to White Pocket, and specialized tours like the South Coyote Buttes permit trip. You’ll find options in the $73 to $430 range, accommodating both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more private or extensive experience. Each tour offers unique landscapes and insights, making it easier to tailor your outdoor pursuits to your interests and fitness level.
Now, let’s explore the best hiking and trekking tours in Kanab. Each tour brings something special, whether it’s a short jaunt into colorful canyons or a full-day trek across remarkable geological formations.
1. From Kanab: 3-Hour Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Hiking Tour
At number one, this Peek-a-Boo Canyon offers a fantastic introduction to the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante area. For just $119 per person, you’ll join a moderate hike led by an experienced guide who knows the area intimately. The tour takes around three hours, and you’ll explore the narrow, winding canyon walls filled with vibrant colors. Unlike crowded national parks, this trip allows you to enjoy endless photo opportunities without battling crowds.
What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility and the opportunity to experience the canyon from inside — walking through the narrow passages, admiring extravagant swirls, fins, and arches formed over millions of years. Reviewers appreciate their guides’ friendliness and expertise, with comments like, “We enjoyed every minute and learned a lot.” This tour suits those who want a moderate, scenic experience that balances adventure and comfort.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want a taste of Utah’s iconic slot canyons without sacrificing quality or scenery.
2. Kanab: White Pocket Hiking Tour in Vermilion Cliffs
At number two, the White Pocket Hiking Tour is a full-day excursion costing around $220 per person. This tour combines a relaxing hike with an exciting 4×4 drive through the backcountry of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Your guide will take you to the most photogenic spots, including the surreal white rock formations that resemble otherworldly sculptures.
What makes White Pocket special is its unique geological features — swirling patterns, rounded domes, and vibrant hues that are different from the more popular The Wave. The tour is rated highly, with visitors noting how attentive guides like Kyle make the experience informative and enjoyable. The easy hike is suitable for most fitness levels, but be prepared for a full day of exploration.
This trip offers a blend of scenic driving and walking, making it accessible yet deeply rewarding. The extensive photo stops are ideal if you’re into landscape photography or just want to soak in a vast, colorful landscape.
Bottom Line: If you want to see one of Utah’s most unique rock formations with professional guidance, this tour provides great value and a memorable experience.
3. Kanab: The Great Chamber Guided Tour & Hike
Number three on the list is the Great Chamber Guided Tour, costing $73 per person for about three hours. This tour takes you to a hidden dune paradise within the Escalante region, known for its spectacular natural alcoves and golden-hour lighting perfect for photography.
This tour features a moderate hike combined with scenic drives in Jeep/SUV vehicles — approximately fifty minutes each way — leading to the Great Chamber, a stunning cavity within the rocks. The guide shares stories and insights about the area’s geology and history. Visitors frequently mention the personable, knowledgeable guides like Coral Cliffs Tours’ Kyle, who make the experience engaging and educational. The highlight is capturing the beautiful glow during golden hours.
While the tour offers a shorter duration, the scenery’s quality and the chance to see a less-visited area make it worthwhile. It’s ideal for travelers interested in photography, geology, or a relaxed outdoor adventure.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, scenic outing that combines light hiking with excellent photographic opportunities — perfect for a half-day trip.
4. Yellow Rock, Utah: Advanced Hiking Tour
Number four, the Yellow Rock Advanced Hiking Tour, is a 7.5-hour adventure priced at $220 per person. This tour focuses on exploring all the key viewpoints within the Grand Staircase-Escalante, with emphasis on the colors and geological features of Yellow Rocks.
You’ll enjoy a challenging hike that offers panoramic views from the top, revealing the vastness of this colorful landscape. Your local guide provides detailed insights about the area’s geology and natural history, making the walk both informative and engaging. The tour is praised for its stunning photos of the massive geological formations and the vivid hues that decorate the rocks.
This experience is best suited for fit travelers looking for a more rigorous trek that rewards with breathtaking vistas. The long duration and physical demands mean you should be prepared for a full day on uneven terrain. The value is high given the extensive exploration and the quality of viewpoints.
Bottom Line: For serious hikers eager to see Utah’s vibrant colors from a higher perspective, this tour delivers a rewarding challenge.
5. Kanab: South Coyote Buttes Hiking Tour (Permit Required)
Number five, the South Coyote Buttes tour, costs $419 per person for an 8-hour day of exploring some of the most striking landscapes in the region. This permit-required tour offers access to a breathtaking landscape of undulating waves, deep crevices, and vivid hues — an excellent alternative for those wanting a “Wave-like” experience without the crowds.
Your guide helps you navigate this remote, fragile environment, sharing insights into its geology and the permit process. The spectacular formations with reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks provide unparalleled photo opportunities. The tour is suited for adventurous, physically capable travelers willing to spend a full day outdoors.
The main advantage of this tour is its access to a less-visited but equally stunning landscape — perfect for photographers or geology enthusiasts. The permit process can be competitive, so planning ahead is essential.
Bottom Line: If you’re willing to secure a permit and want an unforgettable landscape experience similar to The Wave, this tour is a top choice.
6. Kanab: White Pocket Tour & Hike
Finally, the White Pocket Tour & Hike offers an 8-hour adventure at $430 per person, led by guides with deep local knowledge. It promises a full day of exploration in one of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes, comparable to The Wave but with fewer travelers.
Transportation from Kanab is included, and you’ll walk among rounded rock formations with swirling patterns and rich colors. The tour emphasizes photo opportunities and understanding the geological processes that created this surreal terrain. The guides are praised for their professionalism and ability to enhance the experience through storytelling and technical insights.
Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day-long experience in a less crowded spot, this tour is perfect for photographers, geology geeks, or those seeking a quiet, stunning landscape.
Bottom Line: For a full-day, expert-guided adventure in a less busy setting, this White Pocket tour offers high value and unforgettable scenery.
How to Choose Your Kanab Hiking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and the kind of scenery you want to explore. For a quick, stunning intro, the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is hard to beat. If you’re after a full-day exploration with dramatic landscapes, the White Pocket or Yellow Rock tours are excellent choices.
Those interested in remote, less-visited landscapes should consider the South Coyote Buttes or White Pocket tours, which require permits and more planning but reward you with extraordinary scenery.
For travelers less concerned about physical demands, many tours are rated as moderate and include scenic drives and photo stops. Remember to book early, especially for permit-requiring trips, and check the weather, as conditions can impact hiking plans.
Final Thoughts
Kanab’s outdoor scene offers a stunning variety of hiking and trekking options suited to all interests and fitness levels. If you’re after a quick introduction, the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon is a top pick. For those craving a full-day adventure with breathtaking formations, the White Pocket and Yellow Rock tours deliver spectacular scenery and memorable experiences.
Travelers seeking a quieter, less crowded alternative to popular sights like The Wave should look into the South Coyote Buttes or White Pocket. Whatever your choice, early booking and careful planning will ensure you get the most out of your outdoor adventures in Kanab.