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For adventure lovers, Kanab, Utah is a destination worth checking out. It’s basically about as south as you can get within Utah and feels like it isn’t close to anything. However, Kanab is one of the few places in Southern Utah with an actual foodie scene, which is probably a relief if all you have eaten in Southern Utah is Subway. And while it’s not adjacent to any national parks, it’s not far away from them either. So if you’re on a road trip through the southwest, Kanab is a perfect place to set up your base camp to explore. Check out this list of 11 things to do in Kanab while you are there.

Planning your trip to Utah? Check out these 21 places to visit in Utah that aren’t national parks.

Top Things to do in Kanab Utah

Once you arrive in Kanab, you will realize that it is an incredibly small town but very well positioned. I am going to break up the things to do near Kanab by area so that you can concentrate your efforts. It’s even a great place to make your home base for your trip to Southern Utah/Northern Arizona.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Kanab? You will find many no-frills hotels in the area such as the Days Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and the Canyons Boutique Hotel.

Things to do Near Kanab Utah – East

Hike to The Wave

You may have stumbled on this article of things to do in Kanab, Utah for the primary reason of trying to figure out what to do while awaiting the coveted Wave permit. People will spend entire trips returning each day hoping to win the lottery. This permit is one of the most difficult to score on the planet but it’s necessary in order to see those twisty rock formations that you probably saw on Instagram.

The lottery for The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) happens both in person and online. Details for the permits can be found here. The hike itself is not for the ill-prepared as it covers 6.3 miles with very limited shelter from the elements. Check out these 11 tips for hiking in the desert so you can be prepared with what to expect.

Visit Coyote Buttes South

While not as famous as its northern counterpart, Coyote Buttes South is still stunning. If you missed out on the Coyote Buttes North permit, the in-person Coyote Buttes South permit occurs just 30 minutes after the permit for The Wave. The permit can also be won in advance online. Under normal circumstances, Coyote Buttes South would never be considered a “back-up” but that’s how it is treated for those hoping for a chance to see The Wave.

There are several portions to Coyote Buttes South so have a plan for which areas you would like to visit. It is very exposed with limited shade so consider this when planning your trip as it is likely best enjoyed in early morning or late evening. Coyote Buttes South is more difficult to access so 4WD as recommended by the BLM staff is warranted.

Visit White Pocket with this Kanab: White Pocket Hiking Tour in Vermilion Cliff w/ Lunch

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (7 Reviews) Price: $220 per person Duration: 7 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up from your hotel Operator: Grand Circle Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Another often considered “back-up” to visiting The Wave, checking out White Pocket will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to an entirely different planet.

However, White Pocket is exposed with limited shade so it is likely best enjoyed in the early morning or late evening.

Before deciding to visit White Pocket, definitely check with the BLM staff about road conditions. When we visited there were at least 6 inches of sand covering the road and there was no way that an AWD vehicle could have made it. This absolutely required 4WD high clearance.

Alternatively, if you’re a bit concerned about going it alone then book this Kanab: White Pocket Hiking Tour in Vermilion Cliff with Lunch.

Not only is it an easy hiking tour that is well-suited for everyone in the family, but you’ll get picked up from your hotel and escorted to the White Pockets on the Vermillion Cliffs.

“What a unique place and experience! Our guide was knowledgeable about the area, He helped us set up some fun photo ops. Highly recommend for those that can handle a super bumpy car ride and hot temperatures (in the summer).”

Karen (read more reviews now)

It’s an epic place for taking tons of photos and is a highlight of any trip to the region. Plus, you’ll get to off-road and take in the region’s dynamic landscapes before continuing along House Rock Valley road to the Grand Staircase-Escalante.

You’ll then ascend in your vehicle for another 6,000 feet so that you can go for a hike amidst the cooler weather of higher elevations.

Hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch

The Wire Pass Trailhead starts on House Rock Valley Road at the same place as the trail head for The Wave, but be prepared as you will see a completely different landscape once the two trails split. Wire Pass is an impressive slot canyon and perfect to check out if you want to see one. I loved this hike so much it was included on my Top 26 hikes in Utah which you can read here. There is a $6 fee to visit.

You can choose how far you want to hike and if you want to go all the way to Buckskin Gulch or turn around at any time. However, be sure to check the weather before attempting this hike as there is very limited space to seek high ground and flash floods would certainly be deadly.

Hike to the Toadstools

With a trail head located right off of Highway 89 just east of House Rock Valley Road, you might think that is a reason to pass up this hike to the Toadstools. However, this easy hike is definitely worth a stop. The total hike is under 2 miles and a complete review of this trail is available here. There is very limited shelter (you will notice this theme around Kanab) so this hike is better in the morning or evening.

Drive to Page, AZ

Popular for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell, Page Arizona is its own destination worthy of some time. However, if you chose Kanab as your base camp, you can still make the visit out to Page to check out some of these sights during your stay. Check out this post if you plan to vist and want to find out how to get Antelope Canyon all to yourself.

Things to do Near Kanab Utah – South

Visit The Grand Canyon

While most people plan their Grand Canyon [South Rim] trip from Phoenix or Vegas, Kanab is the perfect place to start your trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim. In just under two hours from Kanab, you can visit one of the most popular national parks in an area that does not receive many visitors.

While the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is well-developed, the North Rim side has very limited amenities and one general store. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Things to do Near Kanab Utah – North

Visit the Moqui Caves and Caverns

These two sets of caves just north of town are very accessible from the road. However one requires an entrance fee and the other you just take a short hike to visit. I have personally not done the one with the entrance fee. If you have please let me know how it was.

The set of caves without the fee requires a short scramble up to see the caves but you can even tell how close they are to the actual road from some of the pictures. Regardless, exploring caves is a pretty cool activity that is definitely worthy of making the list of the top things to do in Kanab Utah.

Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes

I visited Kanab several times without checking out Coral Pink Sand Dunes and only after my most recent trip when I went twice in two days did I realize that this was a mistake. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a State Park so there is a fee to enter.

However you actually can access some of the sand dunes without having to go through the official park entrance. During the summer the sand is incredibly hot during the day. Going during early morning or at sunset is a must when the temperatures are warm. Although I am not speaking from experience, sand boarding is a popular activity in Coral Pink Sand Dunes. It’s on my list for next time.

Check out Belly of the Dragon

While this isn’t much of a hike, visiting Belly of the Dragon is an easily accessible tunnel that looks…. interesting. To access Belly of the Dragon, you go 16 miles north of Kanab or 1/2 mile south of Carmel Junction along HWY 89. The dirt road is on the west side of the road between two guard rails. Drive a well-maintained dirt road 1/4 a mile to a small parking area on the left.

The actual hike is around 0.5 miles total and while not handicap-accessible it is still considered easy.

Visit the National Parks

While I would recommend staying in Springdale if planning a visit to Zion National Park, and Bryce if planning a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park, both of these parks can still be accessed from Kanab, UT.

Plenty deserving of their own separate trip, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are the crown jewels of the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks. These are an absolute must for any Utah road trip itinerary.

Especially accessible from Kanab is the eastern portion of Zion National Park with Canyon Overlook Trail being my most recommended trail in this area of the park. For a full guide to this incredible place check out The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park.

Check Out Yellow Rock Utah

⭐️ Rating: N/A new tour Price: $220 per person Duration: 7.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up from your hotel Operator: Grand Circle Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Want to get off the well-beaten path and check out some challenging, mega-epic hiking trails in the area?

If so then sign up for this Yellow Rock, Utah: Advanced Hiking Tour as you enjoy all the best things to do in Kanab.

See, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel and escorted by your expert guide on an intense hike through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Along the way, you’ll stop for tons of photos at many of the area’s most scenic spots as you admire the swirls of orange, white, red, pink, and yellow in the region’s many rock formations.

Finally, you’ll reach the summit of the dome and can take in sweeping views that extend all the way into northern Arizona and that include Hackberry Canyon, Castle Rock, and No Man’s Mesa.

Just be sure to stick close to your guide who will tell you all about the area’s fascinating natural history.

Take a Scenic Drive Along Cottonwood Canyon Road

This wonderfully scenic drive is full of stop-offs and scenic viewpoints that will quite literally take your breath away.

So, grab your vehicle and continue for 47 miles along this road as you head all the way from Kanab to Kodachrome Basin in the north.

Along the way, you’ll proceed on an unpaved road and drive through a gorgeous, austere landscape that is the Paria River Valley.

Just be sure to have a look at the weather forecast before you do this drive since rain and mud can be a huge problem.

And if you need to get out and stretch your legs then you can stop at places like Yellow Rock, Hackberry Canyon, and the Cottonwood Canyon Narrows.

Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Sitting right near Kananb on Highway 89 is this incredible animal sanctuary. In fact, it was founded in 1993 and is an amazing place that is home to a wide variety of horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, birds, dogs, cats, and more.

So, hop on a public tour and explore the facility at one of four different times daily. Because the goal of this non-profit, no-kill shelter is to help socialize animals until they are ready to be adopted.

Explore Lake Powell

The famed lake is just a short jaunt from Kanab, with its Wahweap Marina being one of its easiest access points. Fortunately for visitors, Lake Powell is an excellent place to rent a sea kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or boat to roam free on the water. A full day of paddling would only reveal a tiny portion of this lake’s waterline and winding side canyons, but it’s worth checking out everything you can. Even if you don’t cover a lot of mileage, you’ll enjoy plenty of refreshing splashes as you explore.

Other Fun Things to do in Kanab, Utah

The Great Chamber

The drive to the Great Chamber can be tricky due to uneven, sandy roads that require special vehicles. So, you may want to avoid the stress of driving out there and just book a tour with operators like Roam Outdoor.

They can get you to the Great Chamber and have awesome guides that will take amazing photos of you. Guides also share expert tips about navigating through the sand and let you know secret photo spots that you might miss.

Generally, tours start at around 9:00 am. So, if you visit independently then be sure to leave early to avoid the crowds. This is also when the sand in the area is at its most pristine. Additionally, you may want to bring a wide angle lens for better photos.

Try a Via Ferrata

Just in case you don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it is a protected climbing route that includes steel fixtures like cables and railings that help you climb up a vertical rock wall. You’ll also be in a harnass, so you won’t be in any danger of falling.

If you want, you can also have a guide take you through the course. The Via Ferrata in Kanab equal parts fun and challenging. So, get ready to break a sweat as you traverse across rocks and repel down a 180 foot tall rock wall after the climb. Just be sure to wear shoes with traction since it makes climbing along the Via Ferrata much easier.

Visit the Kanab Sand Caves

Located a bit south of Moqui Cave, this unique cave system is manmade, features five openings, and was created by local sand miners many years ago. Today, you can explore the sand caves and can actually walk here from Moqui Cave. However, I’d probably just park at Moqui since it’s easier that way.

The trail begins on the other side of the road and has you scramble up to a higher ledge along a cliff that you follow it up into the caves. In total, the hike is 0.5 miles long. However, it does get steep and you may want to take the trail on the left since it’s not as intense. Also be sure to wear shoes with good traction since there is sand everywhere.

Visit the Little Hollywood Museum

This crazy, super unique museum is totally free to enter and features iconic movie sets, unique Hollywood memorabilia, a gift shop, and more. So, bring your camera because this is a great place to take photos.

Essentially, this museums pays homage to Kanab’s past as a filming location for many beloved westerns. In fact, so many movies were shot here that the town earned itself the nickname “Little Hollywood”. Today, Hollywood is long gone, but the museum remains.

During your visit, keep an eye out for fun plaques that commemorate different people in the industry and see if you can attend one of their Dutch-oven dinners. It’s really neat and includes Western-inspired entertainment as well as a full-on Chuckwagon.

Best Things to do in Kanab Utah FAQ

What is Kanab Utah famous for?

Kanab, Utah is famous for being a home base from which to explore natural attractions like Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Additionally, Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument and Lake Powell National Recreational Area are also nearby and well worth a visit.

How many movies were filmed in Kanab Utah?

The stunning natural landscape in and around Kanab, Utah has been featured in 30 films over the years.

What to do between Bryce and Kanab?

When driving between Bryce and Kanab be sure to stop at The Narrows, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

If you have time, you can also check out Wall Street, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Angel’s Landing.

How far is Kanab from Bryce and Zion?

Believe it or not. Kanab is only about 30 minutes away from the eastern entrance of Zion National Park.

It’s also around 90 minutes away from Bryce Canyon National Park and 15 minutes away from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Best things to do in Kanab Utah

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Kanab while trying for a Wave permit or just targeting some lesser-known spots, you will love Kanab. Hopefully this list of 11 things to do in Kanab, Utah will have you excited for your trip to this tiny town and ready for your next adventure.

Have you visited Kanab? What was your favorite activity near Kanab? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Hikes in Utah
• Easy Hikes near Salt Lake City
• Hiking and Social Distancing
• 21 Places to Visit in Utah that aren’t National Parks
• Top Southwestern Utah Historical Sites

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