Are you traveling to the US to explore the great Southwest? Will you spend time in the stateUtah? In that case, the city of Kanab could be an excellent base of operations.
Not only is Kanab nestled amidst a number of notable national parks, but you will also discover several off the beaten path options available to you. Still skeptical? Then check out this feature that focuses on 11 great things to do in Kanab, Utah.
11 Great Things to Do in Kanab, Utah
1. Go to the Great Chamber
Some travelers are attracted to this place just because they see a picture. Of course, unity is not easy there. However, if you enjoy off-roading and have the right vehicle, you should be fine on the sandy roads leading to this attraction.
If you don't have the right vehicle, don't worry. You can sign up for a professional tour. A good guide will get you there in time, tell you how not to disturb the sand too much, and even take your picture if you ask nicely. Locals report that most tours start at 9am, so try to book one earlier and you'll beat the others.
2. Experience the wave
At this point in time, it is relatively difficult to get a permit to hike here. However, it is worth the effort. At the time of publication, this is a lottery. So if you don't succeed at first, try again every day when you are in Kanab. Worst case scenario, even if you don't get a permit, there are a number of different hikes of note in this area. Note that if you get a hiking permit, the permit is valid for the next day, so plan your visit accordingly.
3. See the dragon's belly
Seeing this attraction is a quick and fun ride that longtime visitors confirm is "perfect" for one of those hot summer days. Not only can you see this popular tunnel from the actual parking lot, but the walk through the actual tunnel is easy and short. However, if you want to do a longer hike, you can add about four miles to your hike by also going through the wash.
However, you will need headlamps if you venture into the cave at night. It's actually more difficult in the dark. One final piece of advice, don't plan this hike when it's raining, as the tunnel here serves as a water drain for the upper gorges.
4. Conquer a via ferrata
For those unfamiliar, a via ferrata is essentially a metal course that allows you to scale a sheer rock face. It's locked and plugged in, so it's secure. Usually there is also a guide that will help you further.
The via ferratas in Kanab include areas that are quite challenging, especially the section where you have to traverse the rough rock with your hands. Still, that makes it even more unforgettable. If you want, you can abseil here.
You will be stepping on metal steps as you climb, so it's smart to wear shoes that give you good traction on those steps. Hiking shoes will suffice. Is it possible to safely complete the climb without them? Sure, but the right footwear definitely gives you more security.
5. Visit the white bag
Some photographers like this spot better than the more popular Wave. Both are of course beautiful and worth seeing. While the famous wave is like nothing you've ever seen before, the White Pocket area makes it more fun for photographers and offers travelers a unique experience.
Be careful when driving there. The trail is said to be quite sandy and some visitors get stuck there. Consider going with a guide or driving a reliable high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Even if you do a lot of off-roading, remember that the sand is soft. When you arrive, you should also remember that the landscape here is very delicate. So be careful where you step to preserve the native vegetation and fragile rocks.
6. Explore Moqui Cave
Need a break from the summer heat? This is another perfect place to relax. Believe it or not, Moqui Cave used to be a bar that was frequented by famous actors like John WayneFilming for several westerns.
Today it's a family run museum and cave with fun light rocks, various dinosaur tracks and a variety of ancient artifacts, dinosaur tracks and light rocks. While they no longer serve adult drinks here, you can still grab a soda and sit right where Wayne used to sit many times. Don't miss the large wood carving either.
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat from the popular Panini truck parked outside the cave. When you get there, they may have already converted one of the unused rooms in the cave so they can host various film screenings, live music performances, and other events. The temperature in the cave never exceeds 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so bring a hoodie or light jacket.
7. Plunge into the sand caves of Kanab
Next, head south of Moqui Cave and you'll find this interesting attraction that has five separate openings. Be careful when researching this online. Some travel bloggers and even confused veterans refer to the Kanab Sand Caves as Moqui Caves.
In fact, even Google Maps had mislabeled it at the time of this writing. Locals say this place is called the Sand Caves. They are man-made caves that were briefly used to tend sand many years ago.
If you like hiking, you can walk to these caves from Moqui Cave. The distance is slightly shorter if you drive and park at the retreat south of Cueva Moqui. You can see these caves opposite the retreat. While the hike is only half a mile long, it is steep in places.
8. Enjoy the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
If you like snuggling, visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on Angel Canyon Road. It is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the United States. The sanctuary includes 37,000 acres and an additional 33,000 acres leased from the Bureau of Land Management.
The general tour includes cats, dogs, pigs and horses. You can also join tours that focus on specific interests. Go online to see the tour schedule and even book the free tours. You can visit some places, like Angels Rest, on your own if you want.
You may not be able to get cellular service, but do you really need it? If so, some of the actual buildings here may have WiFi. If you're hungry by the time you watch some of the animals eat, Angel Village has a great value vegan lunch buffet.
9. Hike to the mighty Toadstool hoodoos
This beautiful hike is considered easy. It is a loop hike with a total distance of less than two miles. Shutterbugs should note that you'll also discover a number of notable photographs here.
It's one of those wonderful hikes that's short and easy, but offers surprisingly high rewards. The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is one of those hikes that frequent hikers praise almost endlessly. The rugged rock formations here are often massive and memorable. Experienced visitors also report that this place is also an exceptional place for anyone interested in astrophotography.
10. Check out the Little Hollywood Museum
Your next stop is this museum on West Center Street. As indicated above, Kanab has been the setting for many well-known westerns, hence the name "Little Hollywood". In fact, as you walk through the city, you'll notice several plaques about key figures in the film industry.
It is a popular spot for photo shoots. It includes a gift shop and several film sets in its backlot. Admission is free. Don't miss one of the Chuckwagon Cookouts with Dutch oven dinner and Western entertainment.
11. Stop at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Located on Sand Dune Road, this state park is popular with locals. There's plenty to do here including biking, hiking and tobogganing or sandboarding down the hills. Rent an OHV (All Terrain Vehicle) and speed over the dunes too. Although the sand doesn't always look really pink, if you visit this place just before sunset, you'll better understand why this place is called theCoral Sand Dunes State Park.
Additional activities in Kanab
* Visit the Kanab Heritage Museum to learn about Kanab ancestry and history
*Explore the Maynard Dixon Home and learn more about this historic Mount Carmel home
* View a variety of ancient resident artifacts at the Red Pueblo Museum
Helpful tips
*Restaurants in Kanab fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays. Always reserve.
*Temperatures can change significantly from day to night. Please dress and pack appropriately.