Moab, Utah is usually hyped as the place to visit for its legendary outdoor recreation. About five hours away, Kanab, Utah is also a great destination for thrill outdoor adventure and family fun! Learn why you'll love visiting Kanab and six attractions to explore!
Popular Attractions To Visit In Kanab
In Kanab you will experience some of the most breathtaking red rock formations you’ve ever seen. Kanab has many slot canyons for you to visit. Some you can hike through, others you will have to rappel down. No matter your activity level, there is something for everyone.
Visit Kanab's Ancient Rock Formations
Kanab has ancient rock art, which are named petroglyphs. There are also pictographs, which are rock paintings. Just east of Kanab is The Mensard Trail, a well known and visited trail for petroglyphs. This trail dates back to up to 1,000 years old. It is important to never touch the petroglyphs or carve into any of the rocks. Always follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
The Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument
Another landmark just east of Kanab is The Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument. There are an abundance of things for you to explore. The span of the monument is over one-million acres. There are arches, canyons, natural rock formations, and plateaus. You will also experience a range of landscapes from coniferous forests to low-lying deserts.
Kanab Heritage House Museum
The Kanab Heritage House Museum is a historic home that was restored. Here you can take tours and take a look at original furnishings. This home was built for Henry and Bowman upon moving to Kanab in the 1800’s. There are also lectures and demonstrations at the museum that teach you about Kanab and its history. Plan ahead by booking a private, guided, or self- guided tour in advance.
Little Hollywood Museum,Trading Post & Chuckwagon Cookout
For those that love film. There is The Little Hollywood Museum,Trading Post & Chuckwagon Cookout. It’s been nicknamed the center of western movie production. You will find the historic movie sets of films like The Outlaw Josey Wales, Stagecoach, and The Planet of The Apes. The museum is behind Frontier Movie Town and gives you a glimpse of the American west. There is also a gift shop on the property that boasts pottery and Native American jewelry. Don’t plan a visit between late November and early March. The Museum will be closed during the winter.
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Just west of the city of Kanab is a state park called The Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The dunes were formed because of continuous erosion of the sandstone cliffs. Here you can hike and ride off-road vehicles. The color of the sand changes from reds to pinks and can move up to fifty feet per year with the winds. If you would like to spend time here, there is a campground that you can set up in and be within walking distance of the dunes.
Moqui Cave
The Moqui Cave is a roadside attraction and landmark that houses Native American artifacts, and dinosaur tracks. Moqui cave is also a natural history museum. There are beautiful fluorescent rocks and minerals from places around the world. You find pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico. These artifacts include over one- thousand arrowheads, and jugs, ceremonial pots, bowls, and tools that are centuries old. There are also clues that will lead you back to the early days of Navajo Indians and the Anasazi people. There is a souvenir shop so that you can take home some cool gifts for family and friends.