Kanab Utah: 1st Time Visitor Guide

Tucked away in Southern Utah’s high desert, Kanab is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers, hikers, and road trippers. With its red rock backdrops, easy access to national parks, and small-town charm, Kanab is more than a stop, it’s a destination. This guide gives first-time visitors everything they need to plan an unforgettable trip to one of the Southwest’s most underrated adventure hubs.

Overview

Kanab is often called “Little Hollywood” due to its history as a filming location for old Westerns. Today, it’s best known as a base camp for exploring major attractions like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon North Rim. It’s also surrounded by unique natural wonders like slot canyons, hoodoos, and surreal desert landscapes, all just a short drive away. Whether you’re road-tripping through Utah or looking for a quiet place to explore, Kanab delivers and I speak from personal experience having stayed there 2x so far.

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How to Get There

• By Car: Kanab sits along U.S. Route 89, making it easily accessible by road from major Utah and Arizona destinations.
• From Las Vegas: 3.5-hour drive northeast.
• From Salt Lake City: About 5.5 hours south.
• From Page, Arizona: Just over an hour away.
• By Air: The closest airports are in St. George, UT (90 minutes), and Las Vegas, NV.

Best Times to Visit

The best seasons to visit Kanab are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). These months offer comfortable daytime temperatures and fewer crowds.

• Summer can be very hot, especially in exposed desert areas.
• Winter is quieter and beautiful, but some backcountry roads may be inaccessible due to snow.

10 Best Things To Do in Kanab

My top recommendation before you read this list is to check out this Tripadvisor page on Kanab Utah as it showcases the top visitor recommendations, but here’s are the main attractions:

1. Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Hike, sandboard, or just enjoy the views of shifting orange dunes.
2. Visit the Kanab Sand Caves – A short hike leads to caves carved into the sandstone above Highway 89.
3. Walk Through Belly of the Dragon – A unique tunnel-like formation great for beginner hikers and photographers.
4. Hike to The Wave – A once-in-a-lifetime experience (lottery permit required).
5. Slot Canyon Adventure at Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch – Stunning narrow canyons that stretch for miles. Wire Pass is a generally easy hike to do.
6. Tour Peekaboo Slot Canyon – A less crowded alternative to Antelope Canyon, accessible by ATV or 4WD (check rental options).
7. Discover the Great Chamber – Also known as Cutler Point, the Great Chamber is a massive sand-filled alcove perfect for photography. Only accessible via long hike or 4×4 (ATV or dune buggies required). Great Chamber tours are also available.
8. Experience the Toadstool Hoodoos – Short hike to surreal rock formations that look like mushrooms.
9. Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – A heartwarming and scenic stop just north of town. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is rated one of the top attractions in all of Kanab.
10. Drive Cottonwood Canyon Road – A scenic, sometimes rugged route through Grand Staircase Escalante, one of the most scenic drives in Utah.

Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)

Beginner Hikes:

• Belly of the Dragon: Easy tunnel hike, under 2 miles round trip.
• Kanab Sand Caves: Moderate, short climb to sandstone caves.
• Toadstool Hoodoos Trail: About 1.5 miles round trip, great for families.

Intermediate to Advanced Hikes:

• Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch: Start easy, but can become strenuous, watch for flash flood risk.
• Peekaboo Canyon: Requires some scrambling and 4WD or tour access.
• The Wave: 6-mile round trip hike through open desert and slickrock; lottery permit required.

Hidden Gems

• The Nautilus: A swirling rock formation tucked near the Paria River.
• Mail Drop Slot Canyon & Warrior’s Walk: Historical trail that few travelers know about.
• Old Movie Set Ruins: Remnants from Kanab’s days as a Western film location.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Hike to the Kanab Sand Caves and explore Belly of the Dragon
• Afternoon: Coral Pink Sand Dunes (rent a sandboard or take photos)
• Evening: Relax at a local restaurant or enjoy a sunset drive

Day 2:

• Morning: Attempt The Wave (if you have a permit) or hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
• Afternoon: Take an ATV tour to Peekaboo Slot Canyon
• Evening: Visit the historic downtown and grab dinner

Day 3:

• Morning: 4WD trip to the Great Chamber and Mail Drop Canyon
• Afternoon: Stop by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or hike Toadstool Hoodoos
• Evening: Scenic drive on Cottonwood Canyon Road if accessible

Packing List

For most of these items, check my Amazon gear store if you don’t already have them:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (layers for changing temps)
• Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
• 3+ liters of water per person per day
• Trail snacks and lunch supplies
• Camera and extra batteries or power bank
• Paper maps or GPS (many areas lack cell service)
• First aid kit and headlamp
• Permit copies if hiking restricted areas
• Ideally an America The Beautiful Pass if you plan on visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Where to Stay

• Hotels: Check Kanab hotels
• Camping: BLM and dispersed camping options surround the area, as well as developed campgrounds.
• Unique Lodging: Try a glamping site, Airbnb in a converted bus, or the Best Friends Roadhouse (check options).

Things to Know Before You Go

• Permits Required: You must apply in advance for hikes like The Wave and Buckskin Gulch.
• Check Weather: Flash floods are a real risk in slot canyons, never hike them during storm threats.
• 4WD Helps: Many scenic areas require a high-clearance vehicle or guided tour.
• Pack Out Trash: There are few facilities in the backcountry.
• Bring Extra Water: It’s a desert. Dehydration sneaks up fast, especially in summer.
• Gas Up Often: Towns are spread far apart, and services are limited on scenic byways.

Related

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante hikes

Final Thoughts

Kanab Utah is where adventure meets solitude. Whether you’re planning a road trip through Utah’s Mighty Five or want to escape the crowds of the national parks, Kanab offers both iconic experiences and hidden treasures. With easy access to hikes, slot canyons, unique rock formations, and wildlife sanctuaries, this small town packs big adventure. Make it more than a stop, make it a destination.

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