Kanab

Kanab, Utah is classic American West, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. As a basecamp for the great outdoors, it can’t be beat. Kanab, in Kane County, is central to major outdoor attractions such as Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, plus a host of state parks and a host of lesser-known scenic wonders. It is also a great basecamp for road cycling adventures.

This scenery has lured filmmakers to Kanab for nearly 80 years. Abandoned film sets near town have become tourist attractions. The buildings all over town have plenty of movie posters and autographed photos to support Kanab's self-proclaimed title, "Little Hollywood."

Part of being a great basecamp is an abundance of local and diverse dining options, and great Kanab, Utah lodging. Kanab offers traditional fast-food options along with an array of sit-down dining experiences, including an artisanal bakery, New American cuisine with microbrews and craft cocktails at Sego and southwestern and Cajun fusion at Wild Thyme Cafe.

Discover Kanab

Coyote Buttes South

Western Legends Roundup

Base Camp Kanab Itinerary

The Toadstools

Moqui Cave

Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon

Roadcycling Kanab

Best Friends Sanctuary

Horseshoe Bend

Must-do Adventures in Kanab

Little Hollywood

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Local Highlights

Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon/Red Canyon
Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon, located just 9 miles north of Kanab along Highway 89 is the perfect off the beaten path adventure. It’s been referred to as “Antelope Canyon without the crowds”. 4-wheel drive is required and hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Call the Kanab Visitor Center for more information (435) 644-5033. And always check current weather conditions before entering any slot canyon.

Maynard Dixon Home
Nearby, Mt. Carmel boasts the home that artist Maynard Dixon and his wife Edith built. Walk the mountain trails where Maynard Dixon spent quiet, reflective moments, and experience beautiful views in "Maynard Dixon Country." Find tour information

Redstone Theater
After visiting the parks and hitting the trails all day Redstone Theater is the perfect place to unwind. Beginning April 6, 2018the Bar G Wranglers will be performing nightly Monday–Saturday.

Balloons and Tunes Roundup
Every February, Kanab’s scenic red rocks play backdrop to over 40 hot air balloons. The 3-day festival also plays host to a Battle of the Bands competition, street fair, balloon glow and lantern launch.

Western Legends Roundup
The Western Legends Roundup each summer draws people who enjoy the cowboy culture of the past and present. Read the story

Best Friends Animal Society
Five miles from Kanab in Angel Canyon, this is the largest sanctuary for homeless animals in the country. Best Friends Animal Society is open to the public year-round for adoptions, tours and volunteer opportunities.

Johnson Canyon Road
One of Southern Utah’s truly great drives, the Johnson Canyon Road stretches north from Highway 89 and provides excellent vantage points of the colorful cliffs for which the Grand Staircase region is particularly known.

Nature's Showcase
Stop by Nature’s Showcase for a one-of-a-kind, natural sandstone, souvenir unique to the Kanab area. See samples at the Western Hills or call (435)644-2396. The store is located at 288 W Center St, Kanab, UT 84741.

Little Hollywood Museum
This free, nonprofit museum is dedicated to preserving movie sets from Kanab’s glory days of film production. The Little Hollywood Museum should be the first stop on your exploration of Western film history in the area.

Need more ideas for things to do in Kanab, Utah? Read 15 Must-do Adventures in Kanab

15 Must-do Adventures in Kanab

by Matcha

The little town of Kanab sits right in the southernmost reaches of Utah — a stone’s throw from the region’s prime destinations, including multiple national parks, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. This sparse sandstone landscape is rich in fascinating and adventurous things to do — ranging from huge hikes to colossal vistas.

What's Nearby

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Rippling arcs of rust-colored sand welcome you as you enter Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. The park is a wonderful place for camping, photography, off-highway vehicle riding or just playing in the sand. As the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau, this park is a unique geologic feature that should not be missed.

Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell
Sun-drenched boating and an expansive lake ringed with towering cliffs and a labyrinth of side canyons, a visit to Glen Canyon usually involves water skiing, jet skiing or relaxing in a houseboat on Lake Powell, soaking in the otherworldly scenery.

Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a premier destination not only in southwest Utah, but in the United States. Grab the park's multi-passenger shuttle from one of several stops in the gateway town of Springdale or at the visitor center to enjoy a leisurely and scenic ride to each adventurous stop including Angels Landing and the Narrows. Also don't miss the Zion-Mt. Carmel scenic drive. The distinctive red asphalt leads to the narrow 1.1-mile tunnel, a triumph of 1920s engineering, the trailhead to the Canyon Overlook and further east to a junction with historic U.S. 89.

The Wave, White Pocket & South Coyote Buttes
Halfway between Page and Kanab you will find a fantastic hiking playground. South Coyote Buttes and The “Wave” are some of the world’s most famous natural phenomena. This fantasyland of sculptured sandstone on the Utah/Arizona Border consists of undulating U-shaped troughs that remind the visitor of large ocean swells. Due to its fragile nature, access is limited and a permit required, so check with the Kanab Visitor Center for entry information.

Nearby you’ll find acres of sandstone and rock formations that inspire the imagination! This extremely rugged and remote region is best experienced with one of the many local guides and off-road outfitters, which can be arranged at the Kanab Visitor Center. If you don’t draw a permit for The Wave or South Coyote Buttes (20 per day — 10 online in advance and 10 walk-in day before) you’re still in luck. White Pocket is a great alternative and doesn’t require a permit. It is best experienced with one or our local guides and outfitters. Call or visit the Kanab Visitor Center for more information on the lottery system and area.

The Toadstools
Located 45 miles east of Kanab, this 2-mile round trip hike near the massive Grand Staircase-Escalante Region is perfect for all ages. You will be amazed by the beautiful hoodoos and balancing rocks. Once you visit The Toadstools you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Mars. You can download the Adventure Map for Toadstools and other trails or stop by the Kanab Visitor Center to pick one up.