Things to do in Kanab Utah

Visiting Kanab, Utah

Kanab is a small town home to 4,300 residents in Southern Utah. The town is the hub of the Southwest’s national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon, popular tourist areas like Grand Staircase and Lake Powell, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

 

In the past, it was one of the most isolated cities in the country, cut off from travelers by the Colorado River and accessed only by rough terrain. Today, Kanab is scenic and friendly, with remnants of its original “old west” spirit. The area’s red rocky terrain and unique geological formations will call you back time and time again. You will never run out of things to do in Kanab, Utah.

 

 

Things to do in Kanab, Utah

Kanab is the perfect central location to experience Southern Utah’s adventures. As a hidden gem in the heart of the American Southwest, the city is the ideal base camp for taking memorable adventures, finding unforgettable vistas, and exploring breathtaking landscapes.

 

From mesmerizing slot canyons and enchanting hiking trails to heart-pumping ATV tours and surreal sand caves, Kanab is full of captivating natural highlights.

 

Slot Canyons: Nature’s Art

Kanab is known for its stunning slot canyons, each with its own unique character and charm. For all the adventure seekers out there, ROAM offers action-packed slot canyon tours through Kanab and its surrounding areas’ unique landscapes. 

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Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

A slot canyon adventurer’s dreamscape, Kanab's Peek-a-Boo slot canyon is famous for its vibrant, swirling sandstone walls and narrow passageways. The light and shadows bounce around within the canyons, creating a surreal, unearthly atmosphere. At some points, you may have to remove your backpack to squeeze through tight spots. 

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Buckskin Gulch

Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest slot canyons on earth. Hiking through its twisting corridors (sometimes only 10 feet wide!) is an otherworldly experience and feels like a journey into the heart of the world. 

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Red Cave

Aptly named, the Red Cave Slot Canyon has crimson-hued, winding walls. It is a relatively accessible canyon, and the winding passages contrast beautifully with the blue skies above. This beloved adventure is a good choice for all age groups and should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kanab, Utah.

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Hiking Trails: Journey Through Nature

Kanab is a natural paradise for hikers with trails that guide you to some of the world’s most visually stunning destinations. You can choose to hike these iconic spots on your own or opt for a guided hiking tour with ROAM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wave

The Wave is one of the most famous hikes in the country, providing surreal sandstone formations and captivating landscapes. This hike should be on every outdoor adventurer’s bucket list. Permits are required for this trial, so plan ahead.

 

South Coyote Buttes

The South Coyote Buttes offer a quiet, stunning alternative to the crowded North Coyote Buttes. You will find a myriad of natural wonders, including The Paw Hole, The Cottonwood Teepees, and more. 

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UTV Tours: Adrenaline in the Desert

For all the adrenaline seekers out there, ROAM offers thrilling ATV tours through Kanab’s unique landscapes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon

Combine your love of touring slot canyons and off-roading by embarking on an ATV tour through this stunning slot canyon.

 

The Great Chamber

Explore the hidden treasures of The Great Chamber, a massive, 200-foot-tall cove hidden deep in the heart of the desert. The Great Chamber is considered one of the most popular things to do in Kanab, Utah. Don't forget to make time for this iconic stop!

 

 

Sand Caves: Secrets Under the Surface

Kanab’s sand caves offer an alternative adventure where you can explore and tour the world hidden just beneath the desert floor. These underground wonders are truly one of the most unique things to do in Kanab, Utah. The caves offer exploration of ancient geological formations untouched by the modern world.

 

Belly of the Dragon

The Belly of the Dragon is a surreal subterranean experience carved by the elements over several millennia. Venture into the depths of this incredible sandstone cavern outside of Kanab, Utah.

 

 

Scenic Drives: Journey and Destination

Kanab’s scenic drives offer breathtaking vistas around every curve, so buckle up in a ROAM jeep and soak in the area’s natural beauty.

 

Scenic Byway 12

A drive along this iconic route, also known as the All-American Road, takes you on a tour through red rock canyons, past towering plateaus, and offers countless memorable photo opportunities.

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Johnson Canyon Road

Discover the wonders of Johnson Canyon and its petroglyphs on this picturesque drive.

 

House Rock Valley Road

This scenic route offers spectacular views of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and takes you to the Buckskin Gulch trailhead.

 

State Route 67

Witness the grandeur of the Grand Canyon from the less-popular but not-less-magnificent North Rim from State Route 67.

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How to Get to Kanab

Arriving in Kanab is an adventure in itself, so you may need a combo of air travel and driving to reach your final destination.

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Distance from Major Commercial Airports

• 311 miles: Las Vegas, NV (LAS / KLAS) Harry Reid International Airport

• 316 miles: Salt Lake City, UT (SLC / KSLC) Salt Lake City International Airport

• 354 miles: Phoenix, AZ (PHX / KPHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

 

Distance from Regional Airports

There are some more accessible, smaller airports within driving distance of Kanab, Utah.

 

• 135 miles: Cedar City, UT (CDC / KCDC) Cedar City Regional Airport

• 194 miles: Page, AZ (PGA / KPGA) Page Municipal Airport

• 199 miles: Saint George, UT (SGU / KSGU) St. George Municipal Airport

• 203 miles: Moab, UT (CNY / KCNY) Canyonlands Field

• 235 miles: Provo, UT (PVU / KPVU) Provo Municipal Airport

 

Upon arriving at your airport, you must rent a car, camper, travel trailer, or RV to drive the rest of the way to Kanab. 

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How Many Days to Spend in Kanab?

Because of Kanab’s central location, we recommend staying at least four or five nights in the area. This will give you time to experience the natural wonders of Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase, and the Grand Canyon while also enjoying local tours with Roam Adventure Tours.

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Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time for a trip to Kanab and its surrounding National Parks and Monuments is mid-April through September. During these months, the temperatures range from a comfortable 65 to a hot 92 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

 

Visiting during the winter months is not as highly recommended due to colder temperatures, snowfall, and more dangerous driving conditions. 

 

It is worth noting that while the chances of precipitation are generally low during the spring and summer, they are not absent. Due to possible hazardous conditions, thunderstorms and potential flash floods could impact your ability to visit the canyons and go out on select hikes, ATV tours, and scenic drives. Please stay weather-aware during your visits to Kanab and the surrounding areas.

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Where to Stay

No matter the size of your party, there are unique places to stay that can accommodate your needs. In Kanab, you can rest up for exploration in hotels, cabins, historic homes, townhouses, luxury vacation homes, and yurts, or try out glamping at the luxurious Cave Lakes Glamping Resort. 

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Of course, parking a camper, travel trailer, or RV off the beaten path or pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars is also a fantastic option for the more adventurous traveler.

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Kanab, Something for Everyone

If you're still wondering if Kanab is the right destination for you, the answer is yes! Kanab is the ultimate destination in Southern Utah. Adventure and discovery are around every corner. Regardless of age or skill level, you'll find endless things to do in Kanab, Utah.

 

Most activities in Kanab are kid-friendly, and ROAM Outdoor Adventure Tours were created for people of all ages to enjoy. 

 

If you’re ready to book your tour or have more questions about things to do in Kanab, Utah, reach out today and ROAM Kanab like never before.