29 Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah (2026 Guide)
Considering that I have visited the little town of Kanab, Utah, ten times in the past few years, I feel like I have become a bit of an expert on the best things to do in Kanab, Utah, and why it makes such a great home base for any trip to Southern Utah or Northern Arizona. Below you'll find my complete, updated list of the best things to do in and around Kanab, from the famous Wave hike to the quieter spots only a repeat visitor tends to find.
Table of Contents

So What's So Special About Kanab?
Kanab is a special little city that tends to capture people's hearts so they keep returning year after year. Mr. Misadventures and I have been there so many times that it feels like a second home, and we have watched in wonder as it has grown, expanded, and matured.
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When we first started going, there was hardly any infrastructure. Now there are so many choices and even more things to do. We never get bored!
The Kanab area is a great place for anyone interested in outdoor recreation, as it's famous for its unique landmarks, canyons, and red rock formations. There are many hikes in the area – including the famous hike to The Wave – and outdoor activities are available for people of all ability levels, from beginning hikers to those ready for more advanced adventures.
And if you don't hike, no worries – many of the national parks offer a scenic byway or drive so you can still bask in the beauty of the area.
Many people stay in Kanab on a national parks road trip, but it's also a great place to stay for several days, day-tripping to a different park or canyon and returning to your Kanab hotel each night.
Additionally, Kanab's self-proclaimed title is “Little Hollywood”, as it's made its appearance in more than one Hollywood western (actually more like 100), and there are still movie sets to visit.

Not to mention the local history and Native American artifacts you can find at places like Moqui Cave and the Kanab Heritage House Museum.
Truthfully, Kanab is just a special place and deserves to be at the top of the list of places to visit in the United States.
Where is Kanab, Utah?
Kanab is located in Kane County, in the far southern part of Utah, about three and a half hours by car from Las Vegas and just over the border from Arizona. It's one of the best places to use as a home base when exploring the Southwest and the national parks, as it provides easy access to parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion – and even the Grand Canyon!
It's also within easy driving distance of several major cities. Here are some driving times:
- Kanab to Las Vegas – 3 hours
- Kanab to Salt Lake City – 5 hours
- Kanab to Phoenix – 5.5 hours
- Kanab to St. George – 1.5 hours
- Kanab to Cedar City – 1.5 hours
How Many Days Do You Need in Kanab, Utah?
After six trips to Kanab, my honest answer is that it depends on how much of a hiking mood you're in. If you only have a long weekend, three days is enough to hit the highlights: a day exploring in town and at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a day trip into Zion or Bryce Canyon, and a day chasing a Wave or White Pocket permit if the lottery cooperates.
Five days is my sweet spot, and the amount of time I would recommend to most first-time visitors. That gives you room for both national park day trips, at least one slot canyon hike like Buckskin Gulch or Peek-a-Boo, and a buffer day in case the weather or a permit lottery doesn't go your way.
If you are the kind of traveler who likes to use Kanab as a basecamp and come back again and again, plan on a full week or more. Mr. Misadventures and I have used a week-long stay to attempt the Wave lottery more than once, add on a Grand Canyon North Rim day trip, and still have time left over to relax at one of our favorite restaurants in town.
Getting to Kanab & Getting Around
The closest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, about 200 miles and roughly three and a half hours away by car, and it's the airport most visitors fly into. St. George Regional Airport is a smaller option about 83 miles and under two hours from Kanab, while Page Municipal Airport in Arizona is about 74 miles away and has limited commercial and charter service. Kanab does have its own small municipal airport, but it's set up for private and charter planes rather than scheduled commercial flights.
Once you are in Kanab, a regular car will get you to most of the attractions on this list, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and the Wire Pass trailhead for Buckskin Gulch. A high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is genuinely required for a handful of spots, though, including White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, and Old Paria, and those roads are not the place to test your luck in a rental sedan.
Cell service in downtown Kanab is reliable, but it drops out fast once you hit backcountry roads or a canyon, so download offline maps before you head out for the day.
Parks, National Parks, and Canyons Near Kanab Utah
One of Kanab, Utah's main draws is the spectacular national and state parks and canyons in the area. It's an outdoor lovers' paradise, with the chance to hike slot canyons and sand caves and see some unforgettable rock formations.
If you love to be outside, you'll never run out of things to do in Kanab, Utah! Here are a few of the best canyons and parks you won't want to miss.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Kanab UT makes the perfect home base for Bryce Canyon National Park, located under an hour and a half away. It's one of Utah's Mighty Five National Parks. Bryce Canyon, with its many amphitheater formations, is one of Utah's top sights.

The national park offers many hikes, from the easy Navajo Loop to the strenuous Fairyland Loop. Sunset Point is the perfect spot to catch the views, including Thor's Hammer and Silent City, without much walking.
You can also find horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV tours, and ranger-guided activities like full moon hikes and astronomy programs in and around the park.
Zion National Park
Zion (another of the Mighty Five) is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, and Kanab is the perfect place to base yourself for a visit, as the distance from Kanab, Utah, to Zion National Park is just 30 miles.

Within the park, you'll find mountains, mesas, slot canyons, natural arches, and more. Some of the park's most popular places are Angels Landing and Echo Canyon. There's also the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, for those who prefer epic views without a hike.
Belly of the Dragon
If you're heading to Bryce or Zion from Kanab, you'll want to add a stop to the Belly of the Dragon. It's a short hike, just .5 miles, through a man-made tunnel. It was originally a water culvert under the highway, but it's now a fun, family-friendly hiking path.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is my personal favorite national park in Utah. It is one of the Mighty Five, but I think it often gets overlooked. It is a bit of a stretch from Kanab; it is 3 hours and 15 minutes away, but if you started super early in the morning and got back to Kanab late, you could do it in a day trip.

Grand Canyon National Park
Kanab is a great base for those who want to explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as it's just under a 2-hour drive. This is the least visited part of the park, so it's a great place to explore if you're hoping to escape some of the massive crowds.

A word of caution for 2026: the Grand Canyon Lodge, the visitor center, and the Bright Angel Point Trail are all currently closed following wildfire damage from the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, and there is no potable water available anywhere on the North Rim, so bring everything you will need. The scenic drives to Point Imperial and Cape Royal are still open and are a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. I would check the National Park Service's North Rim status page before you head out to see what has reopened since this was last updated.
We also camped at The Toroweap Overlook, which is 3 hours and 15 minutes away, with great North Rim views as well.
Pipe Spring National Park
Imagine finding an oasis in the middle of a vast desert. That's exactly what happened here in the Arizona Strip between the Grand Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs. Pipe Spring National Park has been a gathering spot for centuries, attracting hunter-gatherers, Spanish explorers, and Mormon settlers fleeing persecution.
The park is 20 minutes from Kanab.

As you explore the area, you'll come across the traditional kahns, built with juniper branches and brush, that once provided shelter for the Kaibab Paiutes. You'll also find a fascinating ranch house known as “Winsor Castle” that housed Mormon settlers.
And if you're up for a little adventure, take a stroll along the Ridge Trail. It's a leisurely hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Arizona Strip, Mount Trumbull, the Kaibab Plateau, and Kanab Canyon.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument spans over 280,000 acres in northern Arizona, bordering the Kaibab National Forest and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It's about a bit over an hour's drive from Kanab and one of the top outdoor recreation spots.
Note: There is no visitor center in the national monument, so if you have questions or want more info, check with the BLM Kanab Visitor Center.

Coyote Buttes
Quick stats: no single marked trail since you are exploring an open permit area, but plan on several miles of hiking in deep sand. A high-clearance 4×4 and a permit are both required.
Some of the monument's most popular attractions are Paria Canyon and Coyote Buttes. Coyote Buttes is broken down into two parts: Coyote Buttes South and Coyote Buttes North. Coyote Buttes North is home to the famous The Wave, which I discuss more below.

Like White Pocket (see more below), South Coyote Buttes is a remote area that requires a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance to access. 2WD and AWD vehicles WILL get stuck. You need to be comfortable driving in deep sand and navigating a remote wilderness area (we also recommend skill with Gaia GPS maps).
The lottery has also moved online. You can now apply through a mobile geofence system on recreation.gov, between 6 am and 6 pm, two days before the date you want to hike. Results are announced that same evening at 7:15 pm, and if you win, you must accept your permit and pay by 8 am Utah time the next day, then attend an in-person safety briefing at 9 am before you hike on the third day. Only 10 people are allowed per day, so set yourself a reminder.
If you win the lottery, the fee is still $5 per person and per dog, but you now pay online when you accept your permit instead of paying cash or a check at the BLM office.
White Pocket
Quick stats: no permit needed, but a high-clearance 4×4 is required just to reach the trailhead, and the hiking once you're there is mostly flat, easy walking among the rock formations.
White Pocket, known as the “Lesser Wave,” is another popular attraction within Vermilion Cliffs and does not require a permit to visit. The stunning rock formations tend to have a white or tan cap, which gives them their name. A must-visit, especially if you can't get permits for the other sites.

We have been to White Pocket 12 times. We've visited at different times of the year. We have done single-day trips and camping trips.
Here is my full guide to White Pocket!
Locations like White Pocket and Coyote Buttes will make you forget the Wave altogether. The colors in these rock formations are equally as fantastical, and you can explore for hours thinking you are on an alien planet.
The Wave
Quick stats: about 6 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous with real elevation gain and no maintained trail, so solid navigation skills or a guide are a must. Permit required through the recreation.gov lottery.
The number one reason to visit Kanab is to see the Wave in Arizona.
This is a magical and well-protected sandstone rock formation on many photographers' and hikers' natural bucket lists. You access it via a 5-mile hike, and you MUST have a permit for the Wave.

Only 20 permits are issued daily.
As of March 15, 2022, the BLM implemented a new mobile-based system for obtaining one of the daily lottery permits to hike the Wave. The new system is called the Coyote Buttes North Daily Lottery (The Wave).
All permits to hike in Coyote Buttes North are issued via an online lottery held by recreation.gov.

There are 2 BLM offices in Kanab; the one that performs the Wave lottery is located at 745 East Highway 89. Generally, 150 to 300 people try for a permit daily. The lottery is at 9:00 a.m., so get there early.
It's easier to get a permit if you are a solo hiker; your chances are also better in December, January, or February.

If you win a permit, it is for the next day.
So whether you are a lucky winner or you don't get a permit (the more likely scenario), you are in a prime position to head to amazing places just minutes away. While visiting the Wave is pretty spectacular, there are still PLENTY of things to visit.
Angel Canyon
Angel Canyon is just a few miles outside Kanab and is best known for being home to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (more on them below). However, within the property of the sanctuary are a few different trails.

Hidden Lake is a 1.5-mile trail that takes you to a water-filled cave underneath a cliff, as well as past Puebloan ruins and ancient pictographs on the rock wall. Angels Overlook is another 1.5-mile hike, over some steep inclines. You can start or end near Angel Village, where you can grab lunch.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous things to do near Kanab, Utah. Located about an hour and a half away on private Navajo Nation land, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon with stunning natural architecture that's been shaped by water and wind erosion.


To visit Antelope Canyon, you'll need to join a guided tour and get your entry ticket in advance. Most people hike the Upper Antelope Canyon, though the more adventurous may appreciate the challenge of the Lower Antelope Canyon, which requires navigating stairways and ladders to enter the canyon.
Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
Quick stats: about 3.5 miles round trip combined with Spooky Gulch below, rated easy to moderate, with a 12-foot rock scramble to get into the canyon.
Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, also known as Red Canyon, is considered one of the most beautiful canyons in the area and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kanab. It's a short, easy hike to access the canyon, but it is prone to flash floods, which can change the landscape.
Always check with the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center first.

Spooky Gulch
Quick stats: best hiked as part of the same 3.5 mile round trip as Peek A Boo above. Some sections narrow to under a foot wide, so this isn't for anyone who gets claustrophobic.
Spooky Gulch is in the same area as Peekaboo Canyon, Kanab, and you can combine them into a longer loop hike.
Note that some scrambling is required to navigate Spooky Gulch, and it does get quite narrow in some spaces, so if you're claustrophobic, this probably isn't the hike for you.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is located 90 minutes from Kanab in Page, Arizona. It's an artificial reservoir for the Colorado River and a very popular boating destination. You can even rent a houseboat to cruise around!

While you're in the area, be sure to check out the famous hike to Horseshoe Bend as well. The parking lot is just 3 miles outside of Page.
Buckskin Gulch
Quick stats: the day hike from the Wire Pass trailhead is about 3.4 miles round trip and rated easy. The full through hike is the four-day, 20-mile trip mentioned above and requires a permit.
Just an hour from Kanab, Buckskin Gulch is one of the area's biggest attractions. It's the longest slot canyon in the Southwest. While you can make a day trip out of it, serious hikers can go on a 4-day adventure to hike the entire 20 miles.

It's found between the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Kanab and the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona, with multiple trailheads available.
The most easily accessible for a day hike is the Wire Pass Trailhead, which is considered “moderately easy”, while other parts of the canyon are prone to flash floods, quicksand, and other obstacles.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Located near Orderville, not far from Kanab and close to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Red Hollow is one of the easiest slot canyons in the area and a great first slot canyon for young families. The trailhead sits at the town's water facility at the end of a dirt road, and the hike itself is just over a mile round trip on a mostly flat, sandy wash. As with any slot canyon, skip it if rain is forecast anywhere upstream.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located between Kanab and Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an underrated state park that you need to add to your list of things to do in Kanab! It's a unique destination because the sand dunes move with the wind, creating an ever-changing landscape.

In addition to hiking, there are also areas for off-roading and sandboarding, making it a great place for an adrenaline rush!
It is stunning at sunset. It is our favorite sunset spot when we are staying in Kanab.
Kodachrome Basin
This hidden gem, named after Kodak Film Corp, boasts vibrant sandstone spires, majestic red rock mountains, and breathtaking blue skies. It's an hour and 45 minutes from Kanab.

Kodachrome Basin is home to a mesmerizing array of rock formations in hues of red, yellow, pink, white, and brown. The towering sandstone chimney spires are remnants of ancient springs or geysers, standing tall against the backdrop of clear blue skies.
Check out the breathtaking views at Kodachrome Basin from the many short trails in the area. The National Geographic Society rightfully named this picturesque area, with the blessing of Kodak Film Corp.
The park is located at 2905 S. Kodachrome State Park Rd. The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle, and it is open year-round.
Don't miss out on this captivating destination that is only a stone's throw away from the famous Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cottonwood Canyon Road
If you would rather explore by scenic drive than by trail, Cottonwood Canyon Road is a 47-mile unpaved road that connects Highway 89 to Scenic Byway 12, passing right by Kodachrome Basin along the way. High-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles can usually handle it in dry weather, but the road can wash out after storms, so check current conditions before you go. Grosvenor Arch and the Cottonwood Narrows hike are two of the best reasons to make the detour.
We love this challenging drive, so worth the effort!
More Things To Do Near Kanab, Utah
Once you've hiked and explored the nearby canyons and parks to your heart's content, there's still more to discover near the small town of Kanab. Seriously – you could spend weeks here and not get bored!
Here are some of my favorite non-hiking things to do in Kanab, Utah, and other nearby attractions.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Kanab is known worldwide for its animal rescue training and volunteer program. You can apply to volunteer online and even stay on the grounds in one of their guest cabins (reserve in advance!) They offer many programs to choose from, and the experience will be truly rewarding.
Besides the magnificent backdrop of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, there's a magical pet cemetery, Angel's Rest, which is a sacred experience, and delicious vegan and vegetarian food in their cafe. If you love animals, you will want to visit Best Friends.
Toadstool Hoodoos
Do not miss an easy hike and fun photo opportunity at the Toadstool Hoodoos (GPS Coordinates 37.101310, -111.873169), 45 miles east of Kanab.

Moqui Cave
A cool stop just 10 minutes from Kanab, the Moqui Cave is a history museum filled with Native American artifacts and dinosaur tracks. Yes, an eclectic combination, which is part of what makes it worth a visit. They also have a unique collection of fluorescent minerals that you can see under UV light.

Hot Air Balloon Festival
You've likely seen photos of hot air balloons rising above the beautiful red rock cliffs. While hot air balloon rides happen throughout the year, there's one big annual event worth checking out if you'll be in the area – the Kanab Balloon Festival, also known as Kanab Balloons and Tunes Festival.

The 3-day festival takes place one weekend each year in February with about 40 hot air balloon pilots lifting off from the former Coral Cliffs Golf Course.
In addition to the hot air balloons, live music and other fun activities will be available throughout the weekend.
Kanab Heritage House Museum
To learn a little more about the Kanab area and its history, stop by the Kanab Heritage House Museum. Considered the “first modern home in Kane County,” Henry Bowman built it in 1892, and it was home to several prominent families throughout Kanab's history.
Guided tours are available, but you can still take a self-guided tour of the property outside opening hours.
Little Hollywood Museum
Kanab has the self-proclaimed title of “Little Hollywood”, with over 100 different Hollywood productions having been filmed in the unique landscape. “Deadwood Coach” in 1924 was said to be the first movie filmed in Kanab, but many others followed. Most recently, Disney Pixar's “John Carter of Mars”.

As you might expect, Hollywood had a significant impact on the growth of Kanab – and that's what you'll find at the Little Hollywood Museum, including plenty of movie posters of Western legends and film set artifacts.
In addition to the museum, you can also find a gift shop, restaurant, and more. It's definitely worth a stop!
The Nautilus
About 44 miles east of Kanab, off White House Trailhead Road, The Nautilus is a swirling white-and-orange rock formation that looks just like its name, with a natural slide built right into the stone. The hike in is under a mile round trip and stays flat and easy the whole way, which makes it a fun add-on for families, though there is zero shade, so bring water and sun protection. The road out is a mostly graded dirt road with one dip that can catch a low car by surprise, so take it slow if you're not in something with a bit of clearance.
The Carstacks
Just over 38 miles east of Kanab on Highway 89, in what's known as Catstair Canyon, you'll find one of the strangest sights in the whole area: a stack of vintage cars bolted together to hold up the road above. Look for a small pullout on the right side of the highway, then follow the half-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated moderate mostly because of some climbing over and around rocks near the end.
Old Paria
Located off Highway 89 between Kanab and Page, Old Paria is the site of a small settlement abandoned in the late 1920s after years of flooding wiped out the surrounding farmland. Hollywood took notice of the colorful cliffs and cemetery here, and the area was used as a filming location for westerns starting in the 1930s, including scenes from The Outlaw Josey Wales. The road down into the site is dirt and can be tricky without a 4×4, so skip this one if rain is in the forecast.
Where to Eat & Drink in Kanab

Truth be told, Kanab doesn't have many dining options, but there always seems to be a new option every time I visit. Thankfully, there are a couple of gems. And these few make it worth it! You will also find several fast-food restaurants and chains like Pizza Hut Kanab, 2 grocery stores for picnic supplies, and a handful of restaurants.
Whether you're looking for fine dining or casual eats, my favorites are listed below.
Willow Canyon Outdoor
This shop serves the absolute best coffee in Southern Utah! Sure, you can pick up some great outdoor gear, or in my case, new boots when mine literally disintegrated around my feet, and the owner is super knowledgeable about the area; he is an ex-geologist, but above and beyond that, he makes a really damn good cup of coffee!
Address: Located at 263 South 100 East.
Rocking V Cafe
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Kanab, and Mr. Misdaventures and I have eaten here several times. Rocking V serves slow food in a really cool setting; their building was a former mercantile shop dating back to 1892.
Address: Located at 97 W Center St.
Kanab Creek Bakery
This Kanab bakery offers top-quality European-style pastries and bread. Great for starting your day and adding to your picnic lunch.
Address: Located at 238 W Center St.
Sego Restaurant
An eclectic mix of modern cuisine, great beers, and cocktails. They're known for their selection of regional New American cuisine and for serving great small plates for sharing.
Address: Located at 190 N 300 West.
Houston's Trail's End Restaurant
Meat is king here; go for the pot roast or the fabulous chicken-fried steak.
Address: Located at 32 E Center St.
Escobar's Mexican Restaurant
Classic Mexican fare with legit tacos and burritos. It's small and can get crowded.
Address: Located at 373 E 300 South.
Fusion House Kanab
Fusion House offers Asian classics with a twist, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. You'll find everything from Thai curry to Japanese bento lunch boxes to halibut fillets.
Address: Located at 18 E Center St.
Havana Cabana Kanab
Enjoy the taste of Cuba in Kanab at Havana Cabana. This family-owned restaurant offers up Cuban classics and Cuban-inspired versions of American dishes, from Cuban rice plates and tostones to burgers.
Address: Located at 310 S 100 E #1.
Best Hotels in Kanab Utah
Looking for the best Kanab hotels? Whether you're looking for a cozy but affordable chain hotel or something a bit more unique, this list of hotels in Kanab, UT, will help you find it.

There aren't a lot of luxury or above-budget options, but there are certainly more choices these days than, say, 10 or even 5 years ago!
- Aikens Lodge at 79 W Center St – fun retro spot!
- Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area at 150 W Center St
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanab at 296 W 100 North
- Hampton Inn Kanab Utah at 98 S 100 E.
- Holiday Inn Express Kanab at 217 S 100 E. (I have stayed here many times!)
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanab at 465 S 100 E.
- Quality Inn Kanab National Park Area at 815 US-89
- Rodeway Inn Kanab at 70 S 200 W
- Travelodge by Wyndham Kanab at 386 E 300 S
More Mid-range:
- SpringHill Suites Kanab at 635 E 300 S — it's the first Marriott-brand hotel in Kanab, right by the visitor center on US-89.
- Canyons Boutique Hotel at 190 North 300 West
- The Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites at 223 West Center Street
- Parry Lodge Kanab at 89 E Center St.
- Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile at 30 North 300 West, a part of the Best Friends family!

And if you really, really want to be in the lap of luxury, you can stay at the 5-star luxury resort, Amangiri. You can go out and hike and get as dirty as you want, and come back to this luxurious retreat. And put this down for 2029! Six Senses Camp Korongo, a 480-acre luxury tented resort (41 pavilions plus 12 branded residences) near Kanab from IHG, has been announced with an anticipated 2029 opening.
What's The Weather Like in Kanab, Utah?
The weather in Kanab varies throughout the year. For most of the year, it's mild and dry, as the small city rarely sees more than 5 days of rain a month (and many months see far fewer). Heavy rain can bring flash floods in the canyons, so pay attention to weather conditions. Check with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) office.
However, as you would expect in the desert, summer is HOT. Expect average temperatures in the 90s from June to August and sometimes into September. Always bring lots of water.

It's also important to be prepared for big temperature changes, as nighttime averages can be quite chilly even if the days are hot.
Kanab's winter weather is cold, with average lows in the mid-20s, but average highs can still be in the 40s and 50s. It can snow, which can impact your outdoor activities. If you are doing off-road activities in winter, I recommend hiring a local tour guide/company, as they know the roads and have the right equipment to handle winter weather.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kanab?
The best time to visit Kanab, Utah is in the fall, from September through November, when temperatures are mild, and the summer crowds have thinned out. Summer can be hectic too, and the parks are more enjoyable when they're not quite so crowded.

Late spring and early June are also pleasant in Kanab.
One thing to note: check the opening dates of the national parks, as some close in the winter.
FAQs About Kanab
How far is Kanab from Bryce and Zion?
Kanab to Bryce Canyon National Park is a 90-minute drive, while Kanab to Zion is a short 30-minute drive.
How far is it from Kanab to Grand Canyon?
Kanab to Grand Canyon is just under a 2-hour drive. You will be closest to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Can you enter Zion from Kanab?
You can't enter Zion National Park from Kanab, but the entrance is just a short 30-minute drive away, making it the perfect base for your national park trip.
How many days do I need in Kanab, Utah?
Three days is enough for a quick trip focused on the highlights, but five days gives you a much better shot at fitting in a Wave or Coyote Buttes permit alongside Zion, Bryce Canyon, and at least one slot canyon hike.
Do you need a 4×4 to explore the Kanab area?
Not for most of the attractions on this list, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Buckskin Gulch by way of the Wire Pass trailhead. You do need a high-clearance 4×4 for White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, and Old Paria.
Is the Grand Canyon North Rim open in 2026?
Yes, the North Rim reopened in May 2026 after wildfire damage, though restrictions are still in place. The Grand Canyon Lodge, visitor center, and campground showers remain closed; there is no potable water anywhere on the North Rim, and the Bright Angel Point Trail is currently closed, so bring all the water you will need and check the National Park Service status page before you go.
How much does a Wave permit cost, and what are my odds of winning the lottery?
The Coyote Buttes North permit costs $7 per person per day, plus $7 per dog if you're bringing one, plus a small fee to enter the recreation.gov lottery that you don't get back whether you win or not. Your odds are generally best between December and February, when fewer people are applying.
Local Tours
Many outdoor activities include routes that are rather difficult, and you need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. We generally went with a local guide. I highly recommend Dreamland Safari Tours; we went with them several times, even for overnight camping.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Kanab is right on the Utah-Arizona border. They are in different time zones, so depending on your location you will need to pay attention to what time zone the meeting point is!
TOURS TO CONSIDER
Viator Tours Out of Kanab
- Hiking in Kanab: Walk and photograph scenic Yellow Rock in the Grand Staircase
- Hiking in Kanab: Famous Teepees of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near Wave
- Campfire S'mores and Stars Tour in Kanab
- White Pocket Adventure
- Private White Pocket Vermilion Tour
- Private Buckskin Gulch Tour
Get Your Guide
- If you prefer Get Your Guide, they have plenty of tours as well.
See? Isn't Kanab awesome??!!! It's the perfect home base for all your Southern Utah and Northern Arizona adventures. It's got lots of parks and outdoor activities, great food, and awesome logistics.
How about you? Have you been to Kanab? Did you find it to be a great spot to visit? Do tell!
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Surrreal fab views, and food to die for, two reasons alone is enough to get me to go
Kanab is a well kept secret, and good to know about, since you can get to so many other places, too, in a reasonable amount of time. What gorgeous pictures, and the food looks good, too. I’d go if I could, and again and again!!!
I have never visited Utah but this area looks really amazing. I would love to take a trip there with my family and explore those really beautiful parks and enjoy some wholesome food. Thanks for sharing these reasons.
Living in the midwest, where it’s nothing but flat and corn fields for miles, I am fascinated with anyplace that has hills, canyons, and mountains. This looks absolutely gorgeous. Definitely some place I would love to visit.
OMG! These places are absolutely amazing! I love small places like Kanab to feel the real life and enjoy the beauties! These good reason to visit it! Everything seems perfect!
Your images are BEAUTIFUL!! I have never been to Utah but trust me, I will definitely make sure to visit these places! Kanab would be a great place to visit with my family and the food looks so delicious! The Wave is AWESOME!
The wave is one place that I will have to stop if I ever come to visit Utah. I want to take a road trip around the country and Kanab will be great to visit. Wonderful pictures.
O wow, that wave looks absolutely breathtaking. Now I am going to have Utah on my list of places to check out because of this post. Thanks for sharing!
I’m not far away in Phoenix, Arizona and Kanab is on my list for this year! I love your photos… I’ve never seen the Wave in the snow before, so cool! The landscape in Arizona and Utah really is a work of wonder, my breath is taken away every time I go to one of these natural landmarks. We often visit Sedona and have been to the Canyon but there’s a bunch of other stuff I want to see this year!
Oh my goodness, that looks amazing! This is actually my first time hearing of this place, and you bet that it’s now on my travel radar 😉 I also just really love the photos you took. It really captures the beauty of the place very well!
I loved Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! Definitely need to plan a trip just to stay in Kanab as I’ve always just passed through.
@Leigh, me too! I can’t wait to stay in the new hotel – I am sure you and Bailey would love it!