If you’re looking for a unique vacation spot, consider Kanab, Utah, a gateway to natural wonders.
Discover the Best of Kanab
Kanab, Utah, sits on the Arizona border in Southwestern Utah and serves as the perfect gateway to some of America’s most spectacular natural wonders. Often called “The Greatest Earth on Show,” Kanab offers access to three national parks, numerous slot canyons, and unique geological formations all within a short driving distance.
This small town packs a big punch with its central location, making it an ideal base for exploring Southern Utah’s red rock country, national monuments, and desert landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Kanab offers something for every type of traveler with its diverse range of activities and attractions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in and around Kanab, from hiking spectacular slot canyons to visiting iconic national parks and enjoying the local culture and cuisine.
Top Activities in Kanab:
- Explore three national parks within a short driving distance
- Hike through numerous slot canyons and unique geological formations
- Experience the natural beauty of Southern Utah’s red rock country
- Visit national monuments and enjoy the local culture and cuisine
Discovering the Gateway to Southern Utah’s Wonders
Kanab, Utah, is more than just a stop on your road trip; it’s the gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the American Southwest. As you arrive in this charming town, the late afternoon light slowly dissipates, saturating red cliff tops as the sun sinks. The experience is nothing short of breathtaking, with wisps of clouds brightening to yellow, then orange, and fading to pink as the desert dims around you.
Your adventure in Southern Utah begins in earnest here, with the town serving as a central hub for exploring the natural wonders of the area. You’ll relive your day, reminiscing about the morning hike to reach a spectacular view in Zion National Park, followed by an afternoon spent navigating the narrow twists and turns of the region’s famous slot canyons.
Kanab is perfectly positioned as a destination that combines small-town hospitality with access to world-class outdoor experiences. Here are a few reasons why Kanab stands out:
- The town’s strategic location puts you within easy driving distance of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon North Rim, Lake Powell, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Once known as “Little Hollywood” for its popularity as a filming location for classic Westerns, Kanab has evolved into a charming destination.
- The area surrounding Kanab features some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the American Southwest.
- You’ll find Kanab to be the perfect blend of convenience and remoteness, close enough to major attractions but far enough from the crowds.
| Attraction | Distance from Kanab | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Zion National Park | 30 miles | Hiking, Canyoneering |
| Bryce Canyon National Park | 75 miles | Hiking, Camping |
| Grand Canyon North Rim | 140 miles | Hiking, Camping, Scenic Views |
As you plan your adventure, Kanab offers excellent amenities, including quality accommodations, diverse dining options, and helpful visitor services to make planning your daily adventures easier. The town is a haven for those seeking an authentic desert experience, surrounded by the natural beauty that Southern Utah is known for.
Explore Nearby National Parks
Kanab’s proximity to three magnificent national parks makes it an ideal base for your outdoor adventures. You’ll have the opportunity to experience diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park to the surreal hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, and the majestic grandeur of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Zion National Park
Just 30 miles west of Kanab, Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The park is renowned for its massive sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons, offering numerous hike opportunities for all skill levels. One of the park’s most famous trails is the Angels Landing trail, which provides breathtaking views for those brave enough to tackle its exposed ridgeline.
The Narrows is another unique hike in Zion National Park, where you can wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls that reach up to 1,000 feet high. With its diverse landscapes and exciting outdoor activities, Zion National Park is an unforgettable experience.
Bryce Canyon National Park
About 1.5 hours from Kanab, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its otherworldly collection of hoodoos – irregular columns of rock created by frost weathering and stream erosion. The park’s unique geological formations are a result of millions of years of natural processes, making it a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
One of the most popular trails in Bryce Canyon is the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop combination, which takes you down among the hoodoos for an up-close experience of these unique formations. As you hike through the park, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning orange hues and surreal landscapes that make Bryce Canyon so breathtaking.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim, while less visited than the South Rim, offers a more serene experience with equally spectacular views of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. As part of the national park system, the North Rim provides a range of outdoor activities, including hikeing and camping, amidst its breathtaking scenery.
Each of these national parks has its own distinct character, and visiting all three gives you a comprehensive understanding of the Colorado Plateau’s diverse geology and ecosystems. With Kanab as your base, you can easily explore these incredible destinations and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Adventure Through Spectacular Slot Canyons
The area around Kanab, Utah, is home to a series of breathtaking slot canyons that promise an adventure of a lifetime. These natural wonders are formed by water rushing through rock, creating long, narrow channels with high walls.
Slot canyons are a result of millions of years of erosion, resulting in unique geological formations. The slot canyons around Kanab are among the most special and unique features in the area.
Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. It showcases an incredible diversity of geological features, with walls that change color and shape every quarter mile.
Peek-a-Boo Canyon
Peek-a-Boo Canyon is another unique slot canyon near Kanab. It requires a capable 4×4 vehicle to reach or joining a guided tour due to the deep sand on the access road.
Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls offers a unique experience of hiking through a slot canyon with a waterfall. A permit is required, and visitors must wade through the creek to reach the falls.
Safety Tips for Slot Canyon Hiking
Safety is paramount when exploring slot canyons. Never enter if there’s any chance of rain, as flash floods can develop quickly. Be prepared with the right gear and knowledge.
Visit the Iconic Wave and White Pocket
If you’re planning a trip to Kanab, Utah, you’re likely on a quest to witness The Wave, a surreal landscape of swirling sandstone patterns. The Wave is a unique geological formation that has become a must-see attraction for many visitors to the area.
The Wave Permit Information
To visit The Wave, you’ll need to secure a permit, which can be a challenging task due to the limited number available each day. Only 64 people are allowed to visit The Wave daily, with 48 permits available through an online lottery four months in advance and 16 through a daily lottery at the Kanab Visitor Center. The permit system is in place to protect the fragile sandstone formations and ensure a more intimate experience for visitors.
To hike to The Wave, you’ll need to be prepared for a moderately difficult 6-mile round-trip journey with limited shade and no water sources. It’s essential to plan ahead, bringing enough water and sun protection to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
White Pocket: A Stunning Alternative
If you’re unable to secure a permit for The Wave, consider visiting White Pocket, a breathtaking alternative located within the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. White Pocket is known for its bizarre, brain-like rock formations and swirling patterns of white and red sandstone, creating a truly otherworldly experience.
Unlike The Wave, White Pocket doesn’t require a permit; however, it does demand a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the deep sand roads leading to the trailhead. Many visitors opt for guided tours to avoid getting stuck. White Pocket is a place where you can easily forget you’re still on Earth, surrounded by the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Explore National Monuments Around Kanab
If you’re looking for more than what the national parks offer, Kanab’s surrounding National Monuments are a great place to start. The area is dotted with these protected places, each offering a unique experience.
While national parks get most of the attention, the national monuments surrounding Kanab offer equally spectacular landscapes with far fewer crowds, providing a more authentic wilderness experience on the road less traveled.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument spans nearly 1 million acres and features a vast, rugged landscape of cliffs, plateaus, and maze-like canyons that can be explored via numerous hiking trails and scenic backroads. The monument is named for the series of plateaus that descend from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon, forming a “grand staircase” of geological layers that reveal 200 million years of Earth’s history.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is home to extraordinary features including The Wave, White Pocket, and Paria Canyon, with its colorful swirling sandstone formations and dramatic cliffs rising up to 3,000 feet. This monument offers a more “off the beaten path” experience where you can drive remote dirt roads and hike without encountering many other visitors.
Other Nearby Monuments
In addition to Grand Staircase-Escalante and Vermilion Cliffs, Kanab is near other notable monuments such as Pipe Spring National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. These national park areas provide opportunities to see unique geological features, ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur fossils, and diverse desert ecosystems that tell the story of the Colorado Plateau’s formation in this vast area.
Play at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, with its vibrant pink sand, is an unmissable stop on your Kanab itinerary. Located just 30 minutes west of Kanab, this park offers a striking landscape of coral pink sand dunes that contrast beautifully with the blue sky and surrounding green juniper trees.
The unique pink sand gets its color from the erosion of Navajo sandstone cliffs, with the wind carrying these particles to form sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 100 feet and shift as much as 50 feet per year.
Sandboarding and OHV Adventures
For thrill-seekers, the park offers excellent opportunities for sandboarding and sand sledding down the steep dunes. You can rent equipment in Kanab or at the park visitor center. About 90% of the dunes are open to off-highway vehicles (OHVs), making this state park a popular destination for dune buggy and ATV enthusiasts.
Hiking and Photography Opportunities
The remaining 10% of the dunes are preserved for hiking and photography, allowing you to explore the unique ecosystem that supports rare species like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle. The sand dunes are particularly photogenic during golden hour when the low angle of the sun accentuates the ripples in the sand and deepens the pink hues, creating stunning photo opportunities.
The park offers both day-use areas and a campground with modern amenities, making it possible to extend your visit and experience the coral pink sand at different times of day. The best time to visit is early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and the lighting is ideal for photography.
Kanab, Utah: Best Things to Do for Animal Lovers
For those who love animals, Kanab is a must-visit destination, with its world-renowned sanctuary and animal-friendly activities. The city is home to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is a haven for animal lovers. This sanctuary is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience that allows you to connect with animals in a meaningful way.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Tours
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, nestled in the stunning Angel Canyon just outside Kanab. With around 1,600 rescued animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, pigs, and other wildlife, this sanctuary is a true haven for animals. You can take a free guided tour of the sanctuary daily, which gives you the chance to see the beautiful facilities and learn about the organization’s mission to end the killing of pets in America’s shelters.
Volunteer Opportunities with Animals
If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, you can volunteer for a day or longer, helping with activities like walking dogs, socializing cats, or assisting with feeding and care routines. This is a rewarding way to spend your time in Kanab. Additionally, animal lovers can arrange to take a dog on an outing to nearby hiking trails or have a sleepover with a cat or dog in your hotel room, as many Kanab accommodations are pet-friendly.
The sanctuary’s Angel Village offers on-site cabins and cottages where you can stay surrounded by the red rock scenery, with all proceeds supporting the animals’ care. Best Friends also operates a pet cemetery where visitors can pay respects to animals who have passed, set in a peaceful area with stunning views of the surrounding canyon. This makes Kanab one of the best places in America for animal lovers to visit, offering experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy Lake Powell’s Desert Oasis
Escape to Lake Powell, where the desert meets the water in a stunning display of natural beauty. Located about an hour from Kanab, Lake Powell offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape with its crystal-clear blue waters winding through red rock canyons.
Boating and Water Sports
Renting a powerboat for the day gives you the freedom to explore the lake’s many side canyons and hidden beaches that are inaccessible by land. Labyrinth Canyon is a particularly spectacular destination for such an adventure. With several hundred square miles of water, Lake Powell is a paradise for boating and water sports enthusiasts.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Adventures
For a more peaceful experience, kayaking or paddleboarding allows you to navigate narrow passages and get closer to the towering canyon walls. You can rent equipment at Wahweap Marina and enjoy your time on the lake. Consider an overnight trip to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Powell.
Lake Powell is an ideal destination during the hot summer months when temperatures in the desert can make hiking uncomfortable. The refreshing water provides perfect relief from the heat, making it a great time for a visit.
Take Scenic Drives Around Kanab
For those who want to see the best things Kanab has to offer without strenuous hiking, scenic drives are an excellent option. The area around Kanab is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle on a road trip like no other.
One of the most popular scenic drives is the Cottonwood Canyon Road Loop. This 187-mile journey takes you through the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, featuring colorful cliffs, unique rock formations, and sweeping desert vistas. Along this drive, you can stop at Grosvenor Arch, a spectacular double arch standing 150 feet tall, and Kodachrome Basin State Park with its colorful spires and excellent campground facilities.
Cottonwood Canyon Road Loop
The Cottonwood Canyon Road Loop is a phenomenal drive that offers a variety of experiences. While much of the road is graded dirt suitable for passenger cars in dry weather, some sections may require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rain. The loop includes stops like Kodachrome Basin State Park, which has a great campground and lots of great hiking options.
Lees Ferry & Page, Arizona Loop
Another loop that is worth taking is the Lees Ferry and Page, Arizona loop. Start by taking Highway 89 south out of Kanab, up and over the Kaibab Plateau, and down towards Lees Ferry, one of the few places where you can easily access the Colorado River. Near Lees Ferry, you can stop at Navajo Bridge to spot California condors soaring above Marble Canyon.
The drive continues through the stunning Vermilion Cliffs and past the entrance to Antelope Canyon before reaching Page, where you can view Horseshoe Bend. These scenic drives are perfect for a day when you want to rest your hiking legs but still experience the breathtaking landscapes that make this region so special.
Discover Kanab’s “Little Hollywood” History
Discover the fascinating history of Kanab, a town that became a hub for Western film productions during the 20th century. Kanab, Utah, earned its nickname “Little Hollywood” during the golden age of Western films when its striking red rock landscapes and convenient location made it a favorite filming location for movie producers.
Over 100 Western movies and television shows were filmed in and around Kanab from the 1920s through the 1970s, including classics like “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Stagecoach,” and popular TV series such as “Gunsmoke” and “The Lone Ranger.” The time spent by filmmakers in Kanab has left a lasting legacy, with many original film sets, props, and memorabilia preserved in local museums.
Visiting the Little Hollywood Museum is a must to understand Kanab’s significance in film history. It provides a fascinating glimpse into how filmmakers utilized the area’s natural beauty as the backdrop for creating the mythic American West. You can also explore the Heritage House Museum and the Kanab Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the town’s history and culture over the years.
Taking time to explore Kanab’s Hollywood connections adds another dimension to your visit, helping you see the familiar landscapes through the lens of film history. Many locations around town feature plaques or information boards identifying spots where famous movie scenes were filmed, allowing you to stand in the exact place where Hollywood legends once worked.
Where to Eat in Kanab: Local Favorites
When in Kanab, you’ll discover that this small town is big on flavor. Despite its size, Kanab offers a diverse and high-quality dining scene that caters to various tastes and preferences, from hearty breakfast options to sophisticated fine dining experiences.
The town is dotted with eateries that source their ingredients locally, ensuring that you get a taste of the freshest things Kanab has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a more formal dining experience, Kanab has a place for you.
Casual Dining Options
For a casual dining experience, Kanab Creek Bakery is a must-visit for breakfast and morning coffee. Their European-style pastries and artisan breads are made fresh daily, and their specialty coffee drinks are a perfect way to start your day. Another great spot is Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fire Kitchen, which serves outstanding vegetarian and vegan cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and plant-based burgers that are sure to satisfy your cravings at times when you need a hearty meal.
Fine Dining Experiences
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Sego Restaurant at the Canyon Boutique Hotel is a standout. It offers sophisticated small plates with global influences, using seasonal ingredients in creative combinations. Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant is another favorite among locals and visitors alike, serving authentic Mexican cuisine that draws big crowds, especially on Sundays.
Rocking V Cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere with southwestern-inspired cuisine and an excellent selection of local beers and wines, making it the perfect town spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Wild Thyme Cafe is known for its hearty, flavorful meals made with locally-sourced ingredients, with dishes like pistachio chicken and Cowboy BBQ ribs being particular favorites.
Where to Stay in Kanab
When planning your trip to Kanab, choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Kanab serves as your base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders, and the town offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Hotels and Boutique Accommodations
The Canyon Boutique Hotel is a top choice for those seeking luxury, with rooms that feature jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, along with a complimentary breakfast. For travelers with pets, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile offers pet-friendly rooms with built-in pet beds and a fenced dog park. Grand Circle Lodge provides a bed and breakfast experience in a historic 1921 home, complete with personalized service and home-cooked breakfasts.
Unique Lodging Experiences
For a more unique experience, consider staying in renovated vintage trailers, glamping tents with stunning views, or cave-inspired accommodations. If you’re visiting Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, their on-site cottages offer a chance to wake up surrounded by the beauty of Angel Canyon. When choosing your accommodations, consider the location within the town, as staying near Center Street puts you within walking distance of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base for your adventures.
Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Kanab Adventure
Kanab, Utah, promises an unforgettable experience, but preparation is key to making the most of your visit. As you plan your trip, understanding the importance of permits for popular attractions like The Wave and Kanarra Falls is crucial. Secure these permits well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The best time to visit Kanab is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate, making hiking and outdoor activities most comfortable. Always carry plenty of water (at least one gallon per person per day for hiking) and keep an emergency supply in your vehicle.
A high-clearance 4WD vehicle will give you access to many remote and spectacular places around Kanab. If you don’t have one, consider guided tours offered by local companies. Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in Kanab to experience the highlights, but a week or more would allow for a more relaxed exploration of the national parks and slot canyons.
Remember to check weather forecasts diligently, especially when planning to hike slot canyons, as flash floods can occur unexpectedly. The visitor center in downtown Kanab is an excellent resource for up-to-date trail conditions and local recommendations.
By being prepared and flexible, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Kanab. With its stunning landscapes and diverse activities, Kanab is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
