Kanab is a gem in Kane county of southern Utah that offers lots of outdoorsy things to do nearby. It’s commonly used as a base camp for hikers who want to explore some of the area’s best national parks, unique trails, and protected lands.
Keep reading to learn if it’s worth it for you to include a stop in Kanab on your travels.
About the City of Kanab
Some key points about the area include:
- Kanab sits at an elevation of approximately 4,970 feet (1,515 meters) above sea level.
- It’s a quaint city with a population of around 4,700 residents.
- The area operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) during standard time and switches to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during daylight saving time. It is important to consider the time zone while planning activities and travel arrangements within the area and beyond.
- Kanab offers a few high-quality restaurants like Rocking V Cafe (a personal favorite!), Escobars Mexican Restaurant, and the Kanab Creek Bakery.
- Glazier’s Market is a well-known grocery store in town where you can stock up on travel essentials or snacks for while you’re on the trail.
- Travelers can find a range of airbnbs, hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts offering comfortable stays with scenic views of the surrounding red rock formations. Notable options include the Canyons Boutique Hotel, Parry Lodge, and the Best Western Red Hills.
- It’s referred to as “Little Hollywood” by locals as many movies and tv series have been filmed in Kanab! Notably, Planet of the Apes (1968), El Dorado (1966), Buffalo Bill (1944), and many more.
History of Kanab and the Mormon Church
Kanab was founded in 1870 by Mormon settlers. It became a city under the direction of Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a prominent Mormon leader. The Mormon Church has had a lasting impact on the development and character of Kanab, contributing to its growth, culture, and sense of community throughout its history.
What Makes it a Good Travel Destination?
What makes Kanab such a special place is its proximity to Utah’s incredible natural attractions. It’s situated in what’s known as the “Grand Circle” area, which includes:
- Bryce Canyon National Park,
- Zion National Park,
- North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park,
- Vermillion Cliffs National Monument,
- Pipe Spring National Monument,
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and
- Lake Powell.
There are tons of other nearby trails and protected lands that we’ll explain below!
10 Things to Do Near Kanab Utah
Kanab Sand Caves Hike
The Kanab Sand Caves Hike (Moqui Caverns) takes you to unique, machine-made caves formed from sandstone. Visible from the road, the short sand caves hike offers a chance to climb inside the caverns and explore.
- Distance from Kanab: Approximately 5 miles
- Drive Time from Kanab: Around 15 minutes
- Cost: Free
You only need about a half hour to an hour to mark this one off your list. It’s well worth checking out, but there is a lot of graffiti on the cave walls over the years which is depressing to see.
Belly of the Dragon Trail
The Belly of the Dragon Trail is an easy, short trek through a machine-made tunnel originally created as a water culvert under the highway that’s now popular for hiking families and photographers.
- Distance: Approximately 15 miles
- Drive Time: Around 25 minutes
- Costs: Free
While this is trail is widely posted about online, it is not a great use of time if you are an experienced hiker seeking something more challenging or interesting. In my opinion, you can do without this trek, unless you have children because they would likely find this to be a super fun experience.
Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail features unique mushroom-shaped rock formations (hoodoos) in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It’s a relatively short and easy hike that’s suitable for most skill levels.
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles
- Drive Time: Around 50 minutes
- Costs: Free
There is no shade along this trail so wear plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself.
Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass Trail
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, offering breathtaking scenery and a challenging hiking experience. Wire Pass Trail is a short drainage that connects with Buckskin Gulch but can be a more convenient entry point (first parking area along the dirt road). The slot canyon can get quite muddy and you MUST check the weather frequently (depending on seasonality) for flash flood warnings.
- Distance: Approximately 50 miles
- Drive Time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Costs: Permits may be required, and fees vary. Check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for details.
Do your research on this trek if you’d like to take this one on. It’s in a very remote area with no cell service, little shade, and no opportunities to refill your water. The views, however, are some of the most interesting I’ve come across while exploring this area of the country.
Paria Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs and Paria Canyon are known for stunning landscapes, including the Wave and the White Wave, both unique sandstone formations.
- Distance: Varies based on specific location within the area
- Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours
- Costs: Permits and fees may be required for certain areas. Check with the BLM for details on the lottery system for the Wave.
North Rim Grand Canyon National Park
The North Rim offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon with fewer crowds, excellent hiking trails, different climate, and a more serene experience compared to the South Rim.
- Distance: Approximately 80 miles
- Drive Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
- Costs: Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park apply.
Tip from my experience: This is a lengthy day trip to and from Kanab because of the distance so it’s wise to plan ahead. Afternoon storms typically roll in during the spring and summer months which can take away from the views and entire experience, so be sure to watch the forecast!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and breathtaking views. It’s a great destination for hiking and photography.
- Distance: Approximately 80 miles
- Drive Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
- Costs: Entrance fees to Bryce Canyon National Park apply.
Zion National Park
Zion is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and scenic beauty that’s perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering.
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles
- Drive Time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Costs: Entrance fees to Zion National Park apply.
Page Arizona
Page is known for iconic landmarks like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. It’s a hub for outdoor activities and water sports.
- Distance: Approximately 70 miles
- Drive Time: Around 1.5 hours
- Costs: Fees for specific attractions may apply.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Kanab is known as the gateway to Grand Staircase Escalante. This monument offers diverse landscapes, including canyons, arches, and petrified forests, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante can easily fill an entire trip in itself!
- Distance: Varies based on specific location within the monument
- Drive Time: Varies, but generally within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Costs: Generally free to access, but certain areas may have fees or permit requirements.
How to Get to Kanab Utah
Nearest Airports to Kanab Utah
- Kanab Municipal Airport (KKNB):
- 2 miles south of the city.
- Smaller general aviation airport primarily used for private, charter, and small aircraft operations. It may not regularly provide commercial flights for everyday people like those provided by major commercial airports.
- St. George Regional Airport (SGU):
- Located approximately 80 miles southwest of Kanab, Utah.
- This airport offers domestic flights and is the closest major airport to Kanab.
- Page Municipal Airport (PGA):
- Located approximately 75 miles southeast of Kanab, just across the Arizona border.
- Offers limited domestic flights and is a reasonable option for those coming from certain locations.
- McCarran International Airport (LAS):
- Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately 200 miles southwest of Kanab.
- A larger airport with more flight options compared to the other two mentioned.
Driving Routes to Kanab Utah
- From Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Take Highway 12 East from Bryce Canyon through Escalante, then connect to Highway 89 South, which will take you to Kanab.
- From Zion National Park:
- Take Highway 9 East from the park, connect to Highway 89 South, and follow the road to Kanab.
- From the North Rim of the Grand Canyon:
- Take Highway 67 North from the North Rim to connect with Highway 89A East, then connect to Highway 89 North, which leads to Kanab.
Always check for any updated road conditions or closures before embarking on your trip. Safe travels!
