The small town of Kanab, its oasis in a sea of rock and desert, is often used as a launching pad for adventures. Kanab is just a few hours from Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, and many travelers choose to stay in Kanab before exploring the beauty of Utah.
Before venturing out and exploring Utah's canyons, plateaus and deserts, Kanab is the place to pick up delicious food, great drinks and information about the roads ahead.
We know you can't wait to get to Kanab to start your journey, but maybe there's just one problem with your plans - you don't know what to do first! With so many things to do in and around the city, choosing just a few parks and museums is easier said than done.
You can rest easy knowing that we've rounded up the best things to do in Kanab, Utah in one place! With everything from museums to restaurants, you can now create an itinerary and make your dreams come true.
Get ready to go down canyons and climb mountains; Your Kanab adventure is just a few clicks away!
The 17 Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah
Index
1. Kanab Visitor Center
There are countless hiking trails and canyons to explore around Kanab, but before you lace up your boots and start exploring, be sure to stop by the Kanab Visitor Center.
Many of the attractions around Kanab are not organized into parks. So before you decide to explore the trails, you can get the most up-to-date information at the visitor center. The Kanab Visitor Center also has extensive exhibits on the region's culture and geography.
2. Utah's "Walk of Fame" Historic Markers - Kanab
Kanab, Utah is known as Little Hollywood and throughout the city you will find great historical landmarks highlighting those who filmed westerns or television series in the area. This is a great way to stretch your legs and also get to know this city that many people pass by on the way.Page, Arizona.
These recognizable markets offer glimpses into a cool past that no other city has. find out whereThe lonely knightwas filmed with Clayton Moore and the JaySilverheels as cowboy star TexRitter riding through this historic western town that has been the setting for many great productions.
3. Museu Kanab Heritage House
The Kanab Heritage House Museum gives guests an insight into the history and culture of Kanab and shows what life was like in this frontier town.
Built in 1885, the Kanab Heritage House was known as the city's first modern home. The house housed important local families who shaped Kanab. With fascinating exhibits and stunning decor, this museum should be at the top of your Kanab must-see list.
4. Moqui Caves
Taking you away from central Kanab, the Moqui Caves are a system of caves and tunnels carved deep into the side of the rock. Although small, the sandstone reflects the light that comes from outside in a way that is perfect for photos.
You will also find the Moqui Museum within walking distance. In this museum, you'll discover exhibits that will guide you through the history of early Native American settlements in the area. With hiking trails and interesting exhibits, a visit to the Moqui Caves makes the perfect day trip.
5. Zion National Park
You'll quickly find that most travelers only stay in Kanab to visit nearby Zion National Park. just 30 minutes away,Zion National Parkhome to some of the best hiking trails in the world.
When visiting Zion National Park, it's best to be prepared for adventure. Trails take you everywhere from mountainous landscapes to deep gorges known as The Narrows. You will also want to checkland of angelsit's atSmaragd-Pools.
Zion is not a place you can visit for a day and be done with. Even after spending a week in the park, you'll still discover new things to explore!
6. Coral Sand Dunes State Park
Some travelers may be disappointed when they arrive in Utah because the deserts are more rocky than sandy. Fortunately, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is just minutes from downtown Kanab.
Here you can kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the soft sand. One of the most popular activities is taking a surfboard and sliding down the huge dunes! There are also many hiking trails and canyons in the park.
7. Peekaboo Canyon
Not only is this one of the best places to hike in Kanab, but Peekaboo Canyon is also one of the most famous canyons in the United States. Located inside theGrand Staircase-Escalante National MonumentYou could spend years exploring all the canyons and mountains in the Utah region.
If you're looking for an alternative to Antelope Canyon, this is the place for you. Whileantelope canyonit's beautiful, it's crowded, so this really is a much better experience. We were the only visitors the day we went, mainly because you need a 4×4 to get into this canyon.
8. Best Friends Animal Shelter
This animal shelter is so much more than just a place to adopt homeless pets; It's also a place to hang out and play with different types of animals, including dogs and pigs! You can even sponsor an animal to accompany you on one of your day trips.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is surprisingly busy. Sometimes throughout the year you will need to call ahead to reserve a spot on one of the free tours.
9. Peekaboo Canyon wood-fired grill
You already know some museums and parks to visit when visiting Kanab, but where can you get something to eat? Named for the nearby attraction of the same name, the Peekaboo Canyon Wood-fired Grill is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day on the trails.
Owned by the co-founders of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, this restaurant offers some of the best vegetarian and vegan food in Kanab. Peekaboo Canyon Wood-fired Grill is sure to keep you coming back night after night, serving local dishes and favorites from around the country.
10. Little Hollywood Museum
It doesn't matter if you are a child or an adult; Travelers are sure to be in awe of the Little Hollywood Museum! It wasn't that long ago that cowboy movies were all the rage in Hollywood. You can still see these classic films in this museum today.
The Little Hollywood Museum houses cowboy costumes and memorabilia; You'll also find complete movie sets where you can pretend to be Clint Eastwood or John Wayne.
11. Belly of the Dragon
If you're looking for a truly unique experience, head to Belly of the Dragon. This drainage tunnel drills through solid rock under a highway. While that doesn't sound particularly interesting, wait until you see the photos.
Similar to the rock formations you see in the Utah desert, Belly of the Dragon has a spectrum of colors on its walls. With few travelers in sight, Belly of the Dragon is one of Kanab's best off-the-beaten-path destinations.
12. Rockendes V-Café
Worked up an appetite after spending a day exploring the canyons and trails around Kanab? Then take some rest and have dinner at the Rocking V Cafe. A favorite with tourists and locals alike, you won't find better food in the city.
Rocking V Cafe not only has the best food, but also has many vegan and gluten-free options. Offering everything from southwestern salads to steaks, get ready to send your taste buds skyward.
13. Buckskin Canyon
Not far from the center of Kanab is a record-breaking canyon. Buckskin Gulch is not only the deepest but also the longest canyon in the world. Be prepared to hike - the path leading to the bottom of the gorge is not suitable for first-time hikers.
While Buckskin Gulch is too much for the average traveler, you can always try the Wire Pass, a short pass leading into the gorge. Just two miles one way, this is the perfect alternative way to explore Buckskin Gulch without getting blistered feet.
14. Das Redstone-Theater
Looking for a place to spend the night in central Kanab? The Redstone Theater is the best place to immerse yourself in local Western culture. With live music to get you on the dance floor, this is an experience you won't want to miss.
The Redstone Theater is home to The Bar G Wranglers, an in-house band that plays all your favorite country hits. In addition to good music, you can also enjoy performances of whipping and rope tricks.
15. The White Wave
Not as famous as its sister (the Wave), the White Wave is a stunning white cliff near Kanab, sometimes called the Nautilus Wave.
It's not easy to get there as you really need a 4×4 to get to this secret spot that offers stunning views, striped sandstone and some large petroglyphs that will blow your mind and make you wonder why you're the only one there.
16. Other Outcasts
Ghost towns and rainbow mountains? Old Pariah has it all! The town of Paria may be long gone, but some of the old west facades remain. Due to its scenic location, you'll even find remnants of old movie sets in the area.
The ghost town is the perfect place to snap some photos, but the real beauty of Old Paria is in the Rainbow Mountains. These colorful giants are breathtaking. Although there are no hiking trails, you can still explore all the beauty of Paria.
17. Hike the Wave (if you can get a permit)
One of Kanab's most famous attractions is also the most difficult to visit. The Wave is a colorful sandstone formation just over the border in Arizona. With its smooth finish and stunning curves, it's easy to see where the name The Wave comes from.
Everyone may want to visit The Wave, but getting permission is not that easy. A daily lottery is held at the Kanab Visitor Center to determine who can walk the trail to The Wave. The center only issues 20 permits a day, so sign up and cross your fingers!
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