Dreaming of red rocks, slot canyons, and epic adventure? Visit Kanab! Tucked in Southern Utah near the Arizona border, Kanab is a scenic desert town surrounded by national parks, hidden caves, and film history. It’s the perfect base for exploring Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon North Rim—plus a destination in its own right with wild beauty and warm hospitality.
Kanab, UT Highlights:
- For Adventurers: Hike The Wave or Buckskin Gulch – Trek through surreal sandstone formations and the world’s longest slot canyon (permits may be required).
- For Animal Lovers: Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – Tour this inspiring 3,700-acre refuge and meet rescued dogs, cats, and wildlife.
- For Photographers: Explore Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon – Capture the light beams, red rock textures, and swirling shapes of this hidden gem.
- For Families: Ride Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Sandboard, ATV, or roam free on soft coral-hued dunes just 30 minutes away.
- For History Buffs: Discover Little Hollywood – Tour historic movie sets and learn how Kanab became a Western filming hub.
When I like to visit Kanab, UT
The best time to visit Kanab is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when daytime temperatures are ideal for hiking and exploring. Summer is hot but manageable for early morning adventures; winter is quieter and great for photography.
Tips for getting to Kanab, UT
- If you are traveling by car: Kanab is located on US-89, about 1.5 hours from Page, AZ, 1.5 hours from Zion, and 3.5 hours from Las Vegas.
- By Air: The closest airports are St. George Regional Airport (SGU – 1.5 hours) and Page Municipal Airport (PGA – 1.5 hours); Las Vegas and Salt Lake City offer larger hubs.
- By Tour or Shuttle: Guided tours and regional shuttle services connect Kanab with nearby parks and airports.
Where I like to stay in Kanab, UT
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn Kanab – Centrally located with a pool and free breakfast, ideal for park-hopping.
- For Couples: Canyons Boutique Hotel – Charming, upscale inn with cozy rooms, gourmet dining, and mountain views.
- For Adventure Seekers: Glamping at BaseCamp 37° – Stay under the stars in luxury tents near Zion and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Best Things to Do in Kanab, UT
1. Volunteer or Visit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a Heartwarming Experience
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organization in Kanab, Utah that operates the largest homeless animal sanctuary in the United States. The facility also offers educational programs, spaying/neutering, and adoption. Founded in 1984, this organization has been one of the leaders of the no-kill movement for more than thirty years. The heart of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary are the more than 1,000 animals that are getting the help they need, whether its medical help or the acceptance and love to overcome the past. Tours of the animal sanctuary are offered year-round, every day.
5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741, Phone: 435-644-2001
2. Hike Through Otherworldly Landscapes at South Coyote Buttes for a Stunning Adventure
South Coyote Buttes is a place that was made for people to experience nature in the most pristine form, perfect for photo opportunities. Compared to Coyote Buttes North (Video), the South has far fewer hikers who try to seek a permit. The South Coyote Buttes is an enthralling and visually stunning destination itself, with its fins, arches, and rock piles, which are also referred to as “teepees.” The chances of obtaining a hiking permit here is much higher, possibly ensuring that hikers will have a much better visit to the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness near the tiny town of Kanab.
3. Trek Into Narrow Wonders at Wire Pass Trailhead for a Slot Canyon Journey
The Wire Pass Trailhead is located halfway between the Southwest city of Page AZ, Arizona and Kanab, Utah, within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. The trailhead of Wire Pass is a gateway to spectacular hiking and scenery, including the Buckskin Gulch and The Wave. Situated along the House Rock Valley Road, a little more than eight miles south of Highway 89, this road is typically accessible by passenger vehicle, however, a 4WD or higher clearance vehicle is more preferred for the dirt road. The Wire Pass Trailhead hike generally takes 1.5 to two hours for round-trip and is a relatively easy hike.
House Rock Valley Rd, Kanab, UT 84741
Attractions for Couples
4. If You’re Craving Epic Hikes, Explore Buckskin Gulch, Kanab for a Challenging Trek
Located within the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness and Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Buckskin Gulch is a southern Utah canyon and is one of the Paria River’s main tributaries. The gulch is the deepest and longest slot canyon within southwestern United States, and possibly the world’s longest slot canyon, making it a premier destination for slot canyon hikers. One of the country’s truly classic trails for hiking, the Buckskin Gulch (Video) meanders through a seemingly subterranean paradise. Visitors can attempt the hike as either a day trip or over the course of several days to hike the complete twenty miles.
5. Step Into Pioneer Life at Kanab Heritage House Museum for a Glimpse of the Past
The Kanab Heritage House Museum in the small town is a beautiful restored historic house full of many of its original furniture, as well as other period pieces. Entertaining and informative guided tours are offered of the Kanab Heritage House Museum and last around thirty or forty minutes. These tours are available on the hour, every hour and include a bit of trivia, a good amount of “women’s first,” and plenty of factual history. Visitors can also choose to take a self-guided tour of the Heritage House Museum, with brochures provided at the back porch to guide guests.
115 S Main St, Kanab, UT 84741, Phone: 435-644-3506
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Drive Along Scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road for a Backcountry Adventure
The overland desert crossing along Cottonwood Canyon Road offers some of the area’s most fascinating scenery. While the landscape is amazing seen by car, hiking provides an even better chance of spectacular views, so visitors should make sure to pack their hiking shoes, maps, snacks, water, and of course, their camera. The conditions on the unpaved Cottonwood Canyon Road are good, offering an easy adventure that stretches nearly fifty miles. Most hardy 2WD vehicles shouldn’t have any problems with the road, however, 4WD is typically more comfortable and easier, particularly in rainy weather when the road becomes muddy.
7. Wander the Ghostly Remains of Old Paria for a Historic and Photographic Stop
Old Paria is a southern Utah ghost town in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along the Paria River. Inhabited from the year 1870 until 1929, the town later served as a popular filming location. The handful of wooden buildings scattered about as a movie set were located just past the parking area and were featured in several films. Thanks to numerous year of aging under the Southwest’s desert sun, these structures boasted an authentic appearance, however, they were found to be too unstable in 1999 and were consequently dismantled. Today, visitors can still see what remains of the Old Paria town.
Paria Valley Rd, Kanab, UT 84741
Recommended Attractions
8. If You’re Fascinated by Natural History, Visit Moqui Cave for Ancient Wonders
A landmark of southern Utah, the Moqui Cave serves as a natural history museum that features a large dinosaur track collection and Native American artifacts. Within this interesting cave, visitors can see a large number of artifacts, in addition to minerals from throughout the world and fluorescent rocks. On display as well are over one thousand arrowheads and an expansive collection of various pre-Columbian artifacts that come from Mexico. Artifacts in the Moqui Cave include centuries-old working tools, bowls, jugs, and ceremonial pots that provide anthropological clues about the early lives of the Navajo and Anasazi Indians.
4581 US-89, Kanab, UT 84741, Phone: 435-644-8525
9. Relive Western Film History at Little Hollywood Movie Museum
The Little Hollywood Movie Museum is a non-traditional, slightly quirky stop on the agenda of many visitors, beckoning those who are curious enough to follow signs near the city limits of Kanab, Utah. With towering sandstone cliffs surrounding the area and views of sagebrush, the name of “Little Hollywood” clearly comes into focus, particularly for any fans of Western films. The region’s dramatic natural scenery has long lured filmmakers to the town of Kanab for over ninety years. Studios left Hollywood in the 1920’s and headed east in search of visually stimulating backdrops and new suitable locations for their Westerns.
297 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741, Phone: 435-644-5337
10. Catch a Show or Concert at RedStone Theater for a Memorable Night Out
The RedStone Theater in the little scenic Western town of Kanab, Utah is home to The Bar G Wranglers. Situated within the town’s downtown area, the theater is a popular thing to do among visitors after they spend the day exploring the region’s many surrounding national parks. The Bar G Wranglers put on a memorable Live Western Show every night, full of whip cracking, rope tricks, and live music. The Red Stone Theater is now a dinner theater venue where guests can immerse themselves within the “Old West” for a night filled with country-western music and fun.
29 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741, Phone: 435-644-8025
Where I Like to Eat in Kanab, UT
- Recommended for Families: Wild Thyme Café – Healthy bowls, burgers, and salads with indoor-outdoor seating.
- For Upscale Dining: Sego Restaurant – Farm-to-table dishes and creative small plates in a stylish setting.
- For a Casual Meal: Rocking V Café – Local favorite with comfort food, art gallery ambiance, and a great wine list.
My favorite local events:
- For Film Fans: Kanab Film Fest (March) – Celebrate indie films and the town’s cinematic history.
- For Culture Lovers: Amazing Earthfest (May) – Live music, art, films, and outdoor education focused on conservation.
- For Western Fun: Western Legends Heritage & Music Festival (August) – Cowboy poetry, music, reenactments, and parades.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Kanab, Utah:
- For Slot Canyon Explorers: Peek-A-Boo Canyon (10–15 min) – Short hike or 4x4 ride to a photogenic red slot canyon.
- For Sand Dune Lovers: Coral Pink Sand Dunes (25–30 min) – Sandboarding, hiking, and spectacular sunsets on coral-colored dunes.
- For Petroglyph Seekers: Moqui Cave (10–15 min) – Historic cave with displays of Native artifacts, fossils, and desert curiosities.
- For Stargazing: Jackson Flat Reservoir (15–20 min) – Tranquil lake perfect for kayaking, fishing, and night sky photography.
- For Red Rock Views: Kanab Sand Caves (5–10 min) – Easy hike to man-made caves carved into sandstone cliffs along US-89.
- For Wildlife: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (10–15 min) – Spend a few more hours exploring scenic trails and animal areas.
Plan Your Trip