There are so many fantastic things to do in, Kanab, Utah, from grand national parks to isolated hidden gems, that visiting should be at the top of every traveler’s agenda. Kanab is a small town known for being one of the best spots to explore Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon National Park. If you are planning a journey through the state and national parks, you should consider stopping here for convenience and the area’s wonderful natural features.
To properly begin to appreciate the splendor of southern Utah, you will need to schedule a week or more in the region due to the vast area ripe for exploration. Its stunning terrain has served as the setting for hundreds of Western films over the years, earning the community the nickname “Little Hollywood of Utah.”
What To Do In Kanab, Utah
The breathtaking national, state, and local parks and canyons in the vicinity are one of Kanab, Utah’s main attractions. With the opportunity to hike through slot canyons and sand caves and view some memorable rock formations, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts. If you enjoy being outside, you will always have things to do in Kanab. Here are a couple of the top parks and canyons you will not want to miss:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is about an hour and a half drive from Kanab. It is one of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. The hikes in the national park range from the easy Navajo Loop to the difficult Fairyland Loop. Sunset Point is a great place to enjoy views of Thor’s Hammer as well as Silent City.
Horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV excursions, and ranger-led activities like full moon hikes and astronomy programs are all available in and near the park. Additionally, pets are allowed on the flat surfaces throughout the park, so you can bring fur-babies along for the experience.
Zion National Park
Kanab, Utah, is the ideal area to base oneself for a visit to Zion National Park, one of the most well-known national parks in the United States and another of the Mighty Five. It is only 30 miles from Kanab to Zion National Park. Angel’s Landing and Echo Canyon are two of the park’s most popular attractions. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is also available for people who want to see the sights without hiking.
Pipe Spring National Park
Imagine discovering an oasis amid a vast desert. That is precisely what happened between Arizona’s Grand Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs. For ages, hunter-gatherers, Spanish explorers, and Mormon immigrants running from persecution congregated at Pipe Spring National Park. From Kanab, the park is just 20 minutes away.
You will come across traditional kahns built from juniper branches and brush that formerly offered shelter for the Kaibab Paiute as you explore the area. There is also the remarkable “Winsor Castle” ranch home, which housed the Mormon pioneers. If you are feeling adventurous, take a walk down the Ridge Trail. You can also bring your pet along trails with you as long as they are on a leash.
The Wave
The Wave is arguably one of the most famous online photographs in the last 20 years. This otherworldly rock structure on the Arizona and Utah border is famous worldwide. People worldwide recognize the renowned image used to promote the 2002 Olympics in Utah and Microsoft’s Windows 7 release.
However, seeing The Wave in person takes a lot of work. The federal government restricts visitors to only 64 per day. You will face a challenging hike if you are fortunate enough to obtain a permit.
The White Pocket Formations
White Pocket is sometimes called the “lesser Wave,” although it is incredibly unique in its own way. Various Wave-like formations can be found throughout the site. While the Wave is a small sight, White Pocket is a large rock formation that can be explored for days. White Pocket does not require as much trekking as the Wave, but driving there is much more difficult. The 44-mile road trip, on the other hand, is all part of the adventure. Tours are available if you are uncomfortable driving yourself or want to avoid that excitement. Additionally, this is one of the few outdoor sites where pets are allowed off leash, so bring your fur baby along and let them roam free.
Grand Canyon National Park
Kanab, Utah, is a lovely spot for those who want to explore the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, as it is only a 2-hour drive away. The short Bright Angel Point Hike from the Grand Canyon Lodge and a picturesque drive are two of the most popular things to do on the Grand Canyon North Rim. If you’d like to bring your pet along, note that they are not allowed below the canyon rim. However, on the South Rim, leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes, located just north of Kanab, is a state park with almost 300 acres of pink and red sand. These dunes are suitable for deep sand off-roading with ATVs or dune buggies. Because of the park’s dark sky, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is ideal for photography and astrophotography. If you have a pet, pack a 6-foot leash to keep them on and enjoy the sites with them.
Horseshoe Bend and Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona, is about a 75-minute drive from Kanab and serves as the entry point to Lake Powell and the Navajo Nation Tribal Lands. Most people, however, come to see the Horseshoe curve, a renowned curve in the Colorado River. The parking lot and trailhead are around 3 miles outside of town, and you should expect the area to be completely crowded. However, views are unrivaled. Similar to other public sites, pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Stay A While And Take It All In
Some of Utah’s most unusual desert scenery may be found on the top walks around Kanab, including undulating dunes, red-rock caverns, slot canyons, hoodoos, rivers, and magnificent slick rock formations. Kanab boasts a variety of lodging alternatives that serve as a good base camp for exploring the surrounding area. The only problem is that a weekend will not suffice! Many hotels, cottages, and boutique alternatives in Kanab offer extended stays.
Tips for the Trail
In order to enjoy all that hiking has to offer, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. The following tips are the most important to-dos to keep in mind when preparing for the great outdoors.
Be Prepared for Any Weather Conditions
Depending on the time of year, the weather conditions on the trails can vary greatly. Because of this, plan ahead and be prepared for the expected temperatures. Layering is a great way to ensure you have the ability to regulate your body temperature. Wearing lightweight fabrics closer to the skin, covered by thermal fabrics like fleece, with an outermost layer of thick, waterproof fabrics is going to be the best method for preparing for colder temperatures. This is especially important when camping in a location where temperatures change drastically from day to night.
Bring a First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential for ensuring that a small cut does not turn into a much larger issue that requires professional medical attention. In this, it is best include:
- Bandages and wraps
- Triple biotic ointments
- Antiseptic wipes
- OTC medications including pain and allergy meds
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Tweezers and scissors
For longer hikes, it is also a great idea to pack the following items based on your specific needs:
- Personal medications
- Pain relievers (for both adults and children if traveling with kids under 12)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamines (for both adults and children if traveling with kids under 12)
- Eye drops
- Insect repellent
- Aloe gel or other treatment for sunburn
Always Have Maps and Navigation
To avoid getting lost, ensure that you have downloaded your route to your phone so that it is accessible even when your phone is offline. In addition to having a downloaded digital map, it is also recommended to have a physical map and compass. Knowing how to use a compass is a classic but valuable skill, especially when exploring the outdoors. This will cover all of the basis to keep you from being stranded or lost.
Pack Nutritional and Calorie-Dense Foods
Hiking and camping are very physically exhausting activities, so it is important to ensure that your body is getting the proper nutrients to sustain you. Foods that are both healthy and filling are going to be your best friend when trying to curve hunger but get food fuel for the journey. Include the following foods in your backpack for optimal results:
- Jerky
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit and fruit leather.
- Peanut butter and other nut butters
- Protein bars
Follow the Golden Rule of Camping: ‘Leave No Trace’
Most important, ensure that you are not leaving anything behind as you travel. Not only is this best for the earth, but it will also keep you safe from any wild animals that may be nearby. Pack food in reusable containers that you intend to keep with you. If you do use any disposable materials, wait until you have returned home to dispose of them. Additionally, do not disturb wildlife that you may see along the way. Observe animals from a distance of at least 5 feet. Lastly, leave behind any items you find along the way. This will ensure that the earth is kept clean and animals remain free from contamination and that you return home safely.
