20+ Jaw-Dropping Things to do In Kanab, Utah
If you’re looking for a little slice of southern Utah heaven, Kanab is the perfect place to explore. This small town is full of hidden gems, offering a wide range of activities to suit every taste.
Kanab sits on the Utah Arizona border and is the perfect home base for many outdoor adventures, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. In addition, Kanab is just a short drive from many National Parks, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
There are also plenty of opportunities for off-the beaten path adventures, like finding the dinosaur tracks, exploring sand caves, and hiking through one of the world’s longest slot canyons. Whatever your interests, Kanab is sure to have something that will make your trip memorable.
We had an amazing time when we visited Kanab, and I hope this travel guide helps you explore all that this beautiful area has to offer!
Kanab Map of things to Do
1. The Wave
The Wave is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The unique rock formations and colorful landscape are truly a sight to behold.
However, because of its popularity, the Wave is also one of the hardest hiking permits to obtain. Only 20 people are allowed to hike the Wave each day, and permits are distributed through a lottery system. This means that even if you apply for a permit, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to hike the 2.6 mile trail to the Wave.
It’s still worth applying for a permit each morning you’re in Kanab. And even if you don’t get the permit, there are still plenty of great hikes in the area!
2. Sand Caves
The Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caverns, are a popular tourist destination in the area. The Moqui Sand Caves were created by miners who were excavating sandstone from the hillside. As they removed the sandstone, they created large caverns that resemble caves. Even though the Moqui Caverns are man-made, they are still an interesting sight to see.
Visitors can explore the caverns and see the handiwork of the miners who created them. The sandstone walls are beautifully textured, and the light filtering in from the entrance creates a magical atmosphere.
The caves are easy to find – just a short walk past the turn for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. And, to make things even more convenient, Kanab has recently created a new parking lot for visitors wanting to explore the caverns.
3. Moqui Cave Museum
The Moqui Cave Museum is a small museum that houses a collection of Native American artifacts. The museum is located just down the road from the sand caves and is worth a visit if you are interested in learning more about the area’s history and culture.
Visitors can find jewelry, rugs, arts, and crafts from a variety of tribes, as well as games and toys for children. The museum’s entrance fee is $5 for adults, making it an affordable destination for families.
4. Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Utah, look no further than Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon. Similar to Antelope Canyon, but without needing a permit, this stunning canyon is located just outside of Kanab, and it’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in Kanab.
The canyon is relatively narrow, and in some places, the walls are only a few feet apart, the light filters through the slots in a way that is truly magical. It’s easy to see why Peekaboo Slot Canyon is such a popular hike.
Peek-a-boo slot canyon is a relatively easy, flat hike that is perfect for adventure lovers and families with young children—as there are no technical difficulties. When we went, it was surprisingly busy. Many people visit on day trips with the ATV tour company.
In addition, Peek-a-boo is a photographer’s dream, with plenty of opportunities to capture jaw-dropping shots of the canyon walls and rock formations.
5. Dinosaur Tracks
If you are a fan of prehistoric creatures, the dinosaur tracks trail just outside of Kanab, Utah leads to 185-million-year-old tracks left in the rock of a Grallator, a carnivorous dinosaur that was about the size of a human.
It’s a short 0.7 mile hike and the last part of the hike is a bit of a scramble, but once you make it to the top of the mesa you will be rewarded with some amazing views as well as the chance to see the preserved footprints up close.
To find the trailhead, head to the Utah Port of Entry, off highway 89. Park at the porta-potty and head towards the plateau. There is no signage as this hike is not on google maps as an official trail.
Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as it can get pretty hot in the Utah sun. But if you love dinosaurs, this is definitely a trail that you won’t want to miss.
6. Belly of the Dragon
The Belly of the Dragon is a hidden gem in Kanab, Utah. The tunnel goes under Highway 89 and is used as a drainage for the upper canyons that feed into the North Fork River.
While it may not sound like much, the Belly of the Dragon tunnel is actually a cool and dark oasis on a hot day. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend the hike up through the wash for approximately 4 miles. But even if you only have time for the short tunnel hike, it’s well worth it.
7. Paria Townsite
Paria may be a ghost town now, but back in the day, it was a bustling western outpost.
Located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the town ultimately fell victim to the forces of nature, as flash floods and poor dam construction made it difficult to maintain. In the end, the residents were forced to abandon Paria and move to safer ground.
Thanks to its picturesque setting and dramatic views, the town was used as a film set for many successful western films in the 1930’s, including Clint Eastwood’s The ‘Outlaw Josey Wales’.
How to Find Paria Townsite
We were excited to explore the remains of the abandoned town in the Paria River Valley but quickly realized that we were going to have a hard time finding it.
According to Google maps, there were three different potential locations for the townsite. But try as we might, we couldn’t find it. After some discussion, we decided to cross the river and explore the other side. To our surprise, we found it! We were glad we made the effort because what remained were two separate stone buildings we were able to explore. Here is the exact location of the abandoned buildings in Paria. 37.25143, -111.9439
8. The Great Chamber (Cutler Point)
If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, look no further than Cutler Point. This remote spot is only accessible by 4×4, but it’s well worth the effort through loose sand to get there.
The huge cavernous space is an incredible example of nature’s beauty. We decided to ride our dirt bikes through Hog Canyon Trail to get there.
9. Toadstool Hoodoos
The Toadstool Hoodoos are unique and interesting geologic formations in the Kanab. Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, these strange rock pillars have been formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion.
The Hoodos get their name from their resemblance to mushrooms, or toadstools, and they range in height from a few feet to over 30 feet tall.
Although they may look fragile, the Toadstool Hoodoos are actually quite sturdy, and they are well worth a day hike if you are ever in the area.
10. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a special place where all sorts of animals are rescued and cared for. The sanctuary is located on a beautiful 3,700-acre property surrounded by red rock cliffs down Angel Canyon Rd.
The animal sanctuary is home to more than 1,600 homeless animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep. The sanctuary is open for public tours four times a day. Check out the schedule and book your free tour here.
The animals come from all over the world and have been rescued from abusive situations, abandoned by their owners, or simply left behind when their families moved away. Best Friends provides a safe haven for these animals, where they can receive the love and care they deserve.
While at the sanctuary, visitors can tour the grounds, meet the animals, and learn about the work that Best Friends does. They also have the opportunity to adopt an animal if they so choose. If you are an animal lover, don’t miss this heartwarming thing to do in Kanab.
11. White Pocket
White Pocket is a group of breathtakingly beautiful swirls of Navajo sandstone that have been sculpted by wind and water, and are located on the remote Paria Plateau in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The area is well-known for its otherworldly landscapes, and White Pocket is certainly one of its most iconic sights.
The rocks here are Navajo sandstone and are created by different amounts of iron oxide in the sandstone, which gives them their distinctive range of colors, from deep red to bright white, the patterns are endlessly intricate.
The area is accessible only by foot, and the hike to get there is well worth the effort. The views are simply stunning, and it is an amazing place to explore.
12. Hike Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon
Buckskin Gulch is a massive slot canyon that is over 13 miles long, and in some places, it reaches 500 feet tall. This beautiful slot canyon is known for its beautiful red rock walls and interesting obstacles, like rock jams, pools, quicksand, and the potential for flash floods making it a truly unique and stunning experience.
Known to be the deepest slot canyon, day hikers can enjoy the beauty of Buckskin Gulch via the Wire Pass Trailhead, which is only moderately difficult to navigate and is only 1.4 miles to get to wire pass slots.
After you’ve explored the Wire Pass section, you will come to Buckskin Gulch. Take a right at the fork in the trail, and follow Buckskin Gulch for another mile or so before turning around and heading back the way you came.
For hikers who are up for a more strenuous adventure, take WirePass Trailhead to Paria Canyon. This trail is over 20 miles long and includes several river crossings. However, the views of the narrow canyon walls make the hard hiking trail well worth the effort.
13. Explore the Hog Canyon ATV Trails
The Hog Canyon OHV Trail System offers off-road enthusiasts an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the state.
The system consists of a network of trails that wind their way through canyons and around mesas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With options ranging from deep sand to extreme rock crawling, there is something for everyone.
Some of the highlights of the trail system include The Pinnacles (pictured below), Peek-a-boo slot canyon, and Cutler Point.
14. Zion National Park
In just under an hour, you can get from Kanab to the eastern edge of Zion National Park. Situated in southwestern Utah, just outside of Hurricane, Zion is known for its unique geological features and dramatic scenery, with towering cliffs and deep canyons carved by the Virgin River.
There are so many beautiful trails to choose from, and each one offers a unique experience. Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails in the park, and for good reason. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. Even though it’s a strenuous hike, it’s definitely worth it.
The Narrows is another great option if you’re looking for something a little bit different. This trail takes you through a slot canyon that’s partially submerged in water, which makes for a cool and refreshing walk on a hot day.
Be sure to check ahead for permits as some Zion National Park trails require you to apply for online lotteries.
If you are planning to Visit Zion National Park, be sure to check out our guides to Hurricane, Utah and Sand Hollow State Park for more epic things to do!
15. Grand Canyon North Rim via Toroweap Overlook
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United States, drawing millions of visitors each year to its South Rim. However, the North Rim is a less-visited but equally impressive part of the canyon.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best way to get to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Kanab is by taking Highway 89 South to Fredonia, then left on hwy 239 to the Toroweap Overlook. (Check out our in-depth guide to to the Grand Canyons best kept secret.)
This location on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year-round, and its remote location means that it sees far fewer visitors. As a result, you can enjoy the breathtaking views without fighting through crowds.
16. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are one of the most unique and beautiful sand dunes in the United States. Located just 30 minutes outside of Kanab, Utah, the dunes are composed of coral pink-colored sand that is unlike anything else on earth.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a popular thing to do near Kanab for sand boarding, hiking, camping, and ATV riding, and the park offers remarkable views of the sandstone cliffs and huge sand dunes. To try sandboarding, head to the visitor center and purchase a sandboard for $25 each.
17. Bryce Canyon National Park
The drive to Bryce from Kanab is about 1.5 hours, and it’s more than worth it. There are a number of great day hikes in Bryce Canyon, each with its own unique scenery and geology.
From the Queens Garden Trail to Sunset point, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a multi-day adventure, Bryce Canyon National Park is definitely worth a visit.
18. Grand Staircase National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most unique and remote regions in the United States. Spanning over 1.9 million acres, this vast wilderness is home to an incredible diversity of landscapes, plants, and animals.
And with over one thousand miles of hiking trails crisscrossing the monument, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore them. But with such a vast and remote region to explore, it’s always a good idea to hire a guide.
From its incredible geologic history to its wealth of paleontological remains, Grand Staircase-Escalante is truly a national treasure.
One of our favorite hikes when we visited was Jacob Hamblin Arch. You can ready more in our guide about the easiest way to get to Jacob Hamblin Arch! (pictured below!)
19. Kodachrome Basin State Park
The park is home to dozens of colorful rock formations, as well as hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and a campground. Visitors can also go on ranger-led tours to learn more about the area’s history and geology.
Cottonwood Canyon Road is the best way to get to Kodachrome Basin State Park. The 47-mile road takes you through the Paria River Valley, offering impressive views of the red rock landscape. Along the drive, you will see red rock formations, hoodoos, and colorful hills. The views are stunning, and there are plenty of places to stop and take pictures.
20. Little Hollywood Museum
The Little Hollywood Museum downtown Kanab, Utah is a must-see for any film buff. The museum celebrates the history of the town, which was once a hub for film and television production.
Visitors can explore exhibits on famous Westerns that were filmed in Kanab, such as Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. Whether you’re a movie fan or not, the Museum located downtown Kanab is sure to be a fascinating experience.
Things to do Kanab, Utah
The adventures, the people, and the memories that will last a lifetime are all waiting for you in Kanab! We hope this blog post has helped you get started planning your next vacation to one of Utahs best-kept secrets! Safe travels!
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