6 Reasons Why Kanab is a World-Class Destination for Outdoor Lovers

Raw nature envelops Kanab, a quintessential Wild West town nestled in the heart of Utah's rugged canyon country. This southwestern Utah gem, close to the Arizona border, acts as a portal to an array of breathtaking natural attractions. Kanab, known as the "place of the willows" in Paiute, offers access to three national parks, five national monuments, a national recreation area, and several state parks, all within a day's journey. The town itself, steeped in history and local charm, boasts a range of amenities including quality dining options, various accommodations, and historical sites.

Originally settled by Mormon farmers in the 1860s, Kanab has a history marked by resilience, evolving from a farming community to a ranching hub. In the 1920s, Hollywood's discovery of the area's scenic splendor brought a new dimension to its identity. With over 150 television shows and films, including classics like "The Lone Ranger" and "Gunsmoke," filmed here, Kanab has transcended its role as just a pitstop for national park tourists. It's now a thriving basecamp for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

From hiking and photography to off-roading and mountain biking, Kanab offers a multitude of outdoor activities, set against some of Utah's most scenic backdrops. Known as “The Greatest Earth on Show,” the area around Kanab promises experiences of solitude, freedom, and breathtaking landscapes.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, a magnificent natural treasure of Utah, spans over 146,597 acres and is situated about 35 miles northwest of Kanab. This expansive park is a marvel of deep ravines, towering cliffs, and intricately shaped sandstone mountains, comprising eight distinct geological formations. The park's centerpiece, Zion Canyon, is a stunning 2,300-foot-deep chasm sculpted by the Virgin River. Visitors typically explore the park via a shuttle service, which provides access to a variety of hiking trails leading to breathtaking overlooks, trickling springs, and secluded side canyons. For more info on what to do and see on your visit, read our article on the top Zion National Park things to do.

The journey to Zion from Kanab is an adventure in itself, with the winding Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway offering views of unique landmarks like Checkerboard and Crazy Quilt Mesas, and access to the Canyon Overlook and East Rim trails, before culminating in a passage through a lengthy tunnel into Zion Canyon. For those seeking a quieter experience, especially in the busy summer months, the less frequented Kolob Canyons on the park's western side offer a serene escape.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located west of Kanab, showcases a captivating landscape of red sand dunes nestled against the Moquith Mountains. These dunes, formed from eroded Navajo sandstone, are continually shaped by westerly winds into towering, wave-like structures. Spanning 3,730 acres, this state park is distinguished as the sole dune field on the Colorado Plateau. Visitors can explore the park's unique ecosystem, home to distinctive flora and fauna, including the rare Coral Pink beetle.

The park is also a haven for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, offering over 2,000 acres of sandy terrain for exploration. Popular trails among four-wheel enthusiasts include the South Boundary Trail and the Sand Highway, providing an ideal setting for family-friendly off-road adventures.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, spanning an impressive 1.88 million acres, safeguards an extensive area of Utah's untamed wilderness. This rugged terrain is characterized by sandstone domes, slickrock canyons, and a myriad of rock formations sculpted into whimsical shapes. Exploring this vast monument could take a lifetime, but even a few days spent amidst its grandeur can be transformative. To access the monument from Kanab, travelers can either take the scenic Highway 12 Byway along its northern edge or journey through the breathtaking desert landscapes via Johnson Canyon and Skutumpah roads.

Along these routes, there are opportunities to hike in locations like Bull Creek Gorge and Willis Creek Narrows, or to explore natural wonders such as Calf Creek Falls and the imposing Grosvenor Arch. An adventurous detour worth considering is the challenging 57-mile Hole-in-the-Rock Road, leading to one of Utah's most stunning viewpoints.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park, renowned for its vibrant landscape reminiscent of Kodachrome film hues, is home to 67 unique rock formations known as sand pipes, which soar between six and 170 feet tall. The origin of these towering stone columns remains a mystery. A day trip from Kanab to this park offers a playful exploration through six trails that meander around these impressive structures. The Panorama Trail, stretching six miles, reveals the park's western front, featuring attractions like Cool Cave and Secret Passage. Meanwhile, the shorter 1.7-mile Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Trail provides access to the majestic Shakespeare Arch. For those wishing to immerse themselves further, two campgrounds are available for overnight stays.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon enchants with its dense forest of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of sandstone—packed into the four-square-mile Bryce Amphitheater, just a one-hour drive from Kanab. These peculiar spires, once believed by the Paiute Indians to be petrified people, bask in hues of yellow, orange, and red under the full sun. For the most vibrant display, arrive at sunrise, but be sure to wear a warm jacket as temperatures can be brisk at 8,000 feet elevation. The park is best experienced on foot, with trails winding through the spires' labyrinth. Popular treks include the 5.5-mile Peekaboo-Queens Garden Loop, the eight-mile Fairyland Loop Trail, and the brief Moss Cave Trail, all offering a sense of seclusion. For cyclists, a scenic 22-mile paved path along the rim offers a vehicle-free journey with sweeping views.

Buckskin Gulch, White Pocket, and The Wave

The Kanab region offers a wealth of scenic wonders, including Buckskin Gulch, The Wave, and White Pocket—each with its own otherworldly beauty. Buckskin Gulch presents a challenging 13-mile trek through one of the nation's longest slot canyons, offering an adventurous journey that includes wading and scrambling. For a complete experience, a 21-mile loop starting at Wire Pass Trailhead is recommended.

White Pocket, located within Arizona's Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, captivates visitors with its mesmerizing sandstone swirls, a haven for photographers and hikers alike, accessible via a rugged 4x4 road.

The Wave, near the Arizona border, showcases a breathtaking landscape of undulating sandstone formations. Access to this delicate marvel is limited to 20 visitors daily, with permits available through an online lottery or in-person at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab. Surrounding areas include additional attractions such as Melody Arch and the Second Wave.

Final Thoughts

The Kanab area stands as a testament to nature's artistry, boasting some of the most striking landscapes on Earth. From the narrow, shadowed corridors of Buckskin Gulch to the surreal, wave-like curves of sandstone at The Wave, and the intricate rock formations at White Pocket, this corner of the American Southwest is a playground for adventurers and a paradise for those seeking visual splendor. Each location offers a unique experience, rich with opportunities for exploration and photography. While the beauty of these natural wonders is freely offered, it is also fragile, reminding us of the importance of preserving these treasures. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of ancient peoples or creating your own paths, the memories forged in the wilds of Kanab and its surroundings are sure to be indelible.

Featured image provided by John Fowler