Driving into Kanab, Utah you cross an indication that claims “Biggest Earth on Present”. The primary time I noticed that signal, I keep in mind pondering how daring of a press release it was even for Southern Utah, which has a few of the most unbelievable landscapes on the planet.
Seems, that signal was proper, or not less than I believed so!
Kanab sits on the Arizona border in Southwestern Utah and is the gateway to quite a few out of doors adventures. From slot canyon hikes to Nationwide Park visits to scenic drives and extra, Kanab is a must-visit for anybody seeking to expertise a few of the most stunning landscapes within the southwest.
With a lot to see and do, although, it’s simple to get overwhelmed by the choices. On this information, I am going over the very best issues to do in Kanab, Utah so you may profit from your go to.
Vital Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with bathroom paper) and following the established guidelines. Within the desert, this additionally means studying tips on how to shield cryptobiotic soil and the way it has a big impact on our ecosystems.
1. Go to a Nationwide Park
Utah is residence to 5 Nationwide Parks, three of that are lower than two hours from Kanab, making it an awesome base camp for a Utah Nationwide Park highway journey.
Every park provides a singular expertise. You may hike by Bryce’s hoodoos, ponder your mortality on the way in which as much as Angel’s Touchdown, or howl into the Grand Canyon, all on the identical journey.
2. Discover the Nationwide Monuments
Don’t get me flawed, I like our Nationwide Parks however the Monuments are actually my favourite.
America’s Nationwide Monuments span thousands and thousands of acres and have unbelievable mesas, buttes, and canyons with seemingly countless dust roads and only a few folks.
For me, that’s what Southern Utah is all about.
Kanab has 5 Nationwide Monuments close by:
For my part, these Monuments are the very best locations to discover the wild landscapes round Kanab.
For those who actually wish to get off the grid, I extremely advocate a one-way backpacking journey by Paria Canyon. Kristen (BFT’s Founder) spent 4 days on this canyon and says it is among the finest backpacking journeys she’s ever performed. For those who’re intrigued by this, try these desert backpacking ideas to see what mountaineering in an space like this takes.
3. Drop Right into a Slot Canyon
For those who solely have a day or two to discover Kanab, I extremely advocate testing a few of the slot canyons.
The slot canyons round Kanab are probably the most particular a part of this space and provide a really distinctive expertise.
For those who don’t have a lot time, Peek-a-Boo Canyon (to not be mistaken with Peek-a-Boo Canyon close to the city of Escalante) is a superb choice and might simply be reached from city. Regardless of being very shut, although, it is among the least accessible canyons round and I don’t recommend making an attempt to drive on the market until you may have a really succesful automobile and have expertise driving in deep sand. If that doesn’t describe you, there are many information outfits on the town that can convey you on the market.
In case you have some extra time (and don’t thoughts spending a little bit of time within the automotive to get there), you may try the Cottonwood Narrows, Lick Wash, or Hackberry Canyon – all of that are simple hikes with nice surroundings and may be accessed by most vehicles so long as it hasn’t rained not too long ago.
There are a whole lot, if not hundreds of canyons outdoors of Kanab which makes selecting a favourite practically unimaginable however, if I had to decide on, it will most likely be Buckskin Gulch.
Buckskin is among the longest and deepest canyons on the planet and is most frequently accessed from the Wirepass Trailhead. What I like about Buckskin is how various it’s geologically. Each quarter mile or so, you’re feeling such as you’re in a brand new canyon because the partitions round change colour and form. Because of the reputation of this canyon, don’t anticipate to have this path to your self.
A be aware on security: all the time verify the climate when heading right into a canyon. Flash floods are fast, terrifying, and lethal. As a common rule of thumb, if there’s an opportunity of rain simply keep out of the canyons.
4. Hike The Wave
The Wave is among the most well-known (and hardest to go to) locations close to Kanab, Utah. It’s a geological formation with wavy sandstone striations that really make it appear to be a wave.
A allow is required to hike right here, and it could possibly take years to lastly win a coveted ticket.
For those who handle to land a allow, nonetheless, The Wave is a really magical sight to see. You may be taught extra about what to anticipate and allow ideas in our Mountain climbing The Wave Path Information.
5. Go to White Pocket
Much less well-known and and an excellent different to the Wave, White Pocket is a group of sandstone options in The Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument about two hours outdoors of Kanab.
Strolling round White Pocket, it’s simple to neglect that you simply’re nonetheless on Earth.
Although it doesn’t require a allow, it does require 4-wheel drive to entry so it’s possible you’ll want some assist getting there.
Guide a White Pocket Mountain climbing Tour
6. Spend a day at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is situated about thirty minutes west of Kanab and it’s an intriguing place to spend a day or two.
The sand dunes are continually shifting and might transfer over 50ft a 12 months.
This park could be very fashionable with OHV lovers, but when that’s not your factor, you can even discover mountaineering, nice out of doors pictures alternatives, sand boarding, and extra.
7. Go to Coyote Buttes South
Those that aren’t fortunate sufficient to win a Wave allow sometimes head to Coyote Buttes South. This space additionally requires a allow, but it surely’s a lot simpler to amass than The Wave.
Coyote Buttes South provides an extremely distinctive assortment of formations together with cute little rock bubbles to oddly mangled towers.
There are many nice hikes across the Coyote Buttes South space, however my favourite is out to Cottonwood Teepees Viewpoint. It’s a shocking 6.6-mile hike with unbelievable views, a distant really feel, and tremendous cool rock formations.
8. Swim or Paddle on Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a desert dream with a number of hundred sq. miles of water that snakes by what was once Glenn Canyon, probably the most distinctive canyons on the planet.
On the lake, you may hire kayaks and paddleboards in addition to jet skis and pontoon boats, relying on how briskly you prefer to go on the water.
The lake is especially satisfying in the course of the sizzling summer time months when mountaineering within the desert just isn’t suggested.
The shore of the lake additionally has an unbelievable quantity of dispersed tenting choices. For those who’re searching for an in a single day journey and don’t thoughts a little bit of logistical planning, try this in a single day kayak journey to Labyrith Canyon on Lake Powell.
9. Make Some 4-legged Pals at Greatest Pals Animal Sanctuary
Greatest Pals Animal Sanctuary is residence to 1600 rescued animals of all sizes and shapes and is the most important sanctuary for homeless animals within the nation.
Although they’ve amenities and companions throughout the U.S., the sanctuary is on the heart of their operations and Kanab is their residence.
For those who love puppies, kittens, and different cute furry buddies, take a tour of the sanctuary or donate a few of your time by volunteering. It’s a singular expertise that solely Kanab can provide.
10. Take a Scenic Drive
For those who don’t really feel like mountaineering however nonetheless wish to see the realm, then taking a scenic drive is among the finest issues to do in Kanab.
Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop
The Cottonwood Street Loop is an outstanding drive by Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument and has loads of locations to cease and have a look round.
You are able to do it as a 187-mile loop from Kanab or do it as a strategy to get to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park or Kodachrome Basin (one in all Utah’s finest state parks) if that’s the place your highway journey is taking you.
Highlights alongside the Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop embrace:
- Grosvenor Arch
- Kodachrome Basin State Park, which has an awesome campground
- Numerous nice mountaineering choices
Lees Ferry & Web page, Arizona Loop
One other loop that I prefer to take is out to Lees Ferry and Web page, Arizona. Begin by taking 89 south out of Kanab, up and over the Kaibab plateau, and down in the direction of Lees Ferry which is among the few locations round the place you may simply entry the Colorado River.
There’s additionally a colony of California condors that may be seen from the previous Navajo bridge simply outdoors the doorway to Lee’s Ferry.
Alongside your route, you’ll cross the Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon, that are certain to blow your thoughts a bit.
After Lee’s Ferry, you may proceed on towards Web page, Arizona (the place you may simply spend a few days too!), after which take 89 West again to Kanab.
11. Seize a Chew to Eat
After an extended day of mountaineering across the desert, few issues are as satisfying as an awesome meal that you simply didn’t need to prepare dinner for your self.
Whereas many small desert cities have an awesome eatery or two, Kanab has fairly a couple of nice choices for any palette.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourite locations to eat round Kanab:
Willow Canyon
Willow Canyon is my favourite place on the town to get espresso. Equal components cafe, bookstore, and kit store, Willow has an awesome choice of books in regards to the space, the entire gear you would possibly want for adventuring, and a continually evolving menu of scrumptious lattes.
Rocking V
Rocking V is the place I am going if I desire a burger and a beer. Easy and informal, the menu has loads of choices for any desire.
Peekaboo Canyon Wooden Fired Kitchen
Peekaboo is owned and operated by Greatest Pals Animal Society, which is why they’ve an fully vegetarian menu.
Typically the one factor your physique desires is pizza and in these moments I head to Peekaboo.
That being stated, additionally they have an awesome choice of entrees for individuals who will not be pizza folks.
Kanab Creek Bakery
Kanab Creek Bakery is the place to go if you need recent bread or have a candy tooth. They provide an early breakfast menu when many locations on the town don’t. Positively don’t miss this one.
Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant
Escobars is a Kanab basic, one thing that’s apparent should you cross by on Sunday and spot the road out the door.
A basic native Mexican joint, the menu is ideal for the weary hiker who wants a hefty meal. What do I get? Tacos, Clearly.
Vermillion 45
Vermillion 45 is a French bistro with loads of choices for any palette. I personally love any and all of their pasta dishes. The gnocchi will get me each time. You’ll want to seize a reservation should you’re planning on consuming right here as tables can go shortly.
Sego
Once I’m doing information work, I persistently have shoppers who rave about Sego. Rated as among the finest eating places in Utah, Sego provides a singular culinary expertise that rivals that of many greater metropolis eating places.
A singular mixture of flavors and recent components, the menu has influences from all world wide. Seize a reservation for this one as effectively.
Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme is the place I ship people who respect vegetarian choices that aren’t pizza-related.
The restaurant has an off-the-cuff vibe and grows its personal produce in a number of natural gardens that it runs. I’m an enormous fan of their bowls.
Large Al’s
Each city wants a burger joint and in Kanab, it’s Large Al’s. A basic drive-thru spot, Al’s provides easy and scrumptious burgers at quick meals costs however with significantly better meals.
I’m a sucker for an excellent French fry and have been recognized to eat a couple of too many due to Al’s fry sauce. Sorry, not sorry.
The place to remain in Kanab
- Greatest Pals Roadhouse and Mercantile – pet pleasant!
- Canyon’s Boutique Resort – residence to Sego’s restaurant
- Grand Circle Lodge – a quaint B&B set in a comfortable 1921 residence
- Kanab Suites – good costs and cute rooms
Kanab Journey Ideas
Have Too A lot Water, At all times.
I don’t know if you recognize this however the desert is a harsh place. It’s very easy to underestimate the desert which is why my greatest tip is to all the time carry further water.
You by no means know what’s gonna occur, you may get circled within the canyon or get your automotive caught on some anonymous dust highway. You may survive for fairly some time with out meals but when you end up stranded in the summertime warmth with out water your well being will diminish in a short time.
As a part of your highway journey necessities, have an emergency stash of not less than 2 gallons per particular person in a water container like this, and don’t crack into it until it’s an emergency.
Be Additional Vigilant When Going Off-Pavement
As I discussed earlier than, the desert round Kanab could be very sandy and infrequently muddy after rain. Once I say muddy, I imply it’s somewhat sloppy, I imply the clay roads flip to soup and also you’ll bury your automotive virtually a foot deep.
Take your time when not driving on pavement and all the time get out to verify on the highway you might be unsure about, particularly should you don’t have off-road expertise.
Ask a Native
Kanab residents are a really form and pleasant bunch and are normally very happy to talk in regards to the residence that they love a lot.
For those who’re searching for suggestions, whether or not or not it’s for a meal or a day hike, don’t be afraid to ask a neighborhood what they’d do. Chances are high they can provide you some details about one thing that you simply wouldn’t discover in any other case, and people are all the time the very best experiences to have.
Do Your Analysis
The realm round Kanab is a tapestry of public lands managed by a number of completely different land administration organizations.
The foundations and laws for the locations that you simply go to can change in a short time in a brief distance so it’s good to know what they’re.
The Nationwide Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Administration are all very pleasant people whose job is to ensure the general public can take pleasure in themselves whereas respecting the desert.
They’re all very happy to provide the rundown in regards to the space and offer you suggestions in your itinerary.
Additionally, as I discussed earlier, lots of the points of interest round Kanab require permits. Having an thought of what these are, how onerous it’s to get a allow, and once you would want to get one, will prevent a number of complications once you arrive.
Put on the Applicable Garments
The desert generally is a harsh place, so along with bringing further water, you’ll want to put on desert-appropriate garments like a solar hat and lengthy sleeves.
Have Enjoyable
In any other case, what’s the purpose?
Attending to Kanab, Utah
The closest worldwide airport to Kanab is Las Vegas, which is a 3-hour drive to the west, making Kanab an awesome road journey vacation spot.
Kanab can also be about:
- 1 hour from Web page, Arizona
- 5 hours south of Salt Lake Metropolis
- 3.5 hours north of Flagstaff
- 3.25 hours northwest of Las Vegas
As a seasoned highway journey addict, I can let you know in good religion that every of those drives is exceptionally stunning.
Public transportation in Kanab is virtually non-existent so, should you don’t stay inside driving distance, you’ll must hire a automotive.
If you will hire a automotive, I’d advocate one thing with both 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Belief me on this one, Southwest Utah is a really sandy place and infrequently muddy place. It’s simple to get caught earlier than you understand what’s taking place, even simply pulling over off the freeway.
Greatest Time to Go to Kanab, Utah
As with most desert places, the climate in southern Utah generally is a lesson in extremes, with summer time days often within the low a whole lot and winter nights dipping into the low teenagers.
Spring and fall
Visiting Kanab is hottest in the course of the spring and fall when it’s not fairly as sizzling as summer time but in addition not fully frozen at night time.
For those who’re a fair-weather traveler, spring and fall are the very best occasions to go to Kanab and the encompassing space, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in the entire dispersed tenting within the space.
Winter
For those who’re a weirdo like me, nonetheless, perhaps you’ll agree with my unpopular opinion that winter in Southern Utah is wonderful.
It’s no secret that Nationwide Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are getting busier 12 months after 12 months which might make visiting them a problem should you’re making an attempt to keep away from crowds.
For those who’re making an attempt to get outdoors with out coping with the crowds, winter is your finest guess. Certain, it’s a bit chilly generally however, for probably the most half, it’s bearable should you learn to layer.
Moreover, permits for points of interest like The Wave or The Narrows in Zion are a lot simpler to get when there aren’t 1,000,000 folks on the town making use of for them. The draw back of visiting within the winter is that lots of the native companies are seasonal and closed for the winter, which generally is a bummer.
Lastly, I’ve met loads of individuals who have traveled fairly the space to Kanab solely to search out out they couldn’t get permits or shuttle tickets, successfully ruining their journey. So you’ll want to do your analysis in regards to the permits and laws on the locations you plan to go to.
In search of extra nice issues to do within the Southwest? Take a look at these weblog posts to begin planning your highway journey:
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Have you ever been to Kanab, Utah or are you planning a visit? Tell us within the feedback!
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