Kanab enjoys good tourism because it is located close to several national parks and is a nature activities hub. Situated in southern Utah, it is mostly a gateway town with numerous tourist destinations such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
There are many things that one can do outdoors in the charming atmosphere of the town. So, to make your trip easier you can include the activities mentioned below in your list of things to do in Kanab.
1. Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
This incredible natural wonder, located near Kanab, will be interesting for any traveler. This slot canyon is colorful and has thin channels as well as high walls made of sandstone that make it appear like a fairyland.
The hike is not very challenging and therefore can be done by everyone, including families and first-time hikers. It is possible to get to the canyon from the Dry Fork Trailhead, and while there is a bit of climbing that happens, it isn't difficult.
The optimal time for a visit is spring or autumn, as the weather in this state is comparatively cooler.
2. Hike Through Buckskin Gulch
This massive slot canyon stretches over 16 miles and is one of the longest and deepest in the entire South West of America region. To visit Buckskin Gulch, you simply need to get to the Wire Pass Trailhead, off the US-89.
After that, you will start your trek on foot over the Wire Pass slot canyon to the Buckskin Gulch connection point. There are some stretches where you shall be required to cross some water patches as well as a few climbs, though the scenery shot is incredible.
Hikers and climbers must secure a permit before going on the trail, especially when they are planning to camp, even for a day.
3. Explore The Moqui Sand Caves
These man-made caves were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s through sand extraction for glass and mold manufacture. They offer a short and brief, maybe half a mile, easy to moderate with some steps up a steep sandstone slope.
After reaching the caves, nice views along with rock formations will be available for the visitors. Admission is free of charge, and the best time to take photographs is in the evening when the sun starts to set.
Just make sure to wear comfortably and firmly gripped shoes, and do not let the kids get near the openings of the caves as there are steep declines there.
4. See The Wave
It captures the heart through the wonderful wave sculpture made from sandstone that will make you wonder. It might sound like an exotic dream, but think of the ocean of colorful ice; that is what you will find if you are lucky enough to visit this site.
Not surprisingly, it is one of the most popular permits to hike in the United States of America. The wave can only be accessed through an entered lottery and is offered to a few people only. On its own, the hike is not easy as there isn't a trail in the first place to follow.
But let's assure you that the beauty of the views is always rewarding the efforts! When you get to The Wave, be ready to be in awe.
5. Blend of History And Natural Beauty At Paria Townsite
Old Paria, or Paria townsite, is one of the attractive historical sites existing on the bank of the Paria River in Utah. This settlement was established in the 1870s and was at one time a prosperous village that, for one or other reasons, such as flooding, had been deserted by the 1920s.
Today there are only traces of this ghost town, stone foundations, and an intriguing cemetery with headstones indicating anonymous individuals, which causes the desire to know more about the town.
The area is also well known for its beautiful natural grandeur, especially the Paria Rainbow Mountains. It could be an excellent place for taking photos.
6. The Mushroom-Shaped Rock Formations
Anyone visiting Kanab must take a look at Toadstool Hoodoos. These are fractured and collapsed mushroom-shaped rock structures that took millions of years to form. A hard crust has formed at the top of the softer rock.
The hike to the toadstool is quite easy. It only takes 1.5 miles for a roundtrip, and the outlook is awesome. As you get to the hoodoos, you can walk around the area and surely take great pictures.
Children will enjoy running and crawling around the rocks. You should not pass on this particular place every time you are in southern Utah.
7. Discover The Cliffs of Big Water
These gorgeous-looking cliffs are way much higher than the rest of the area, and the best part is that they give very nice views and good photo shoots. This region has been mostly important due to the rocks and the fossils discovered around this region pointing to earlier inhabitance.
For visitors, the only way is hiking, and this is because the cliffs are difficult to access by car or any other means of transport. Take lots of water with you, put on comfortable shoes, and do not forget your camera. There are maps and more information about the area with the trails at the Big Water Visitor Center nearby.
8. Sled Down The Coral Pink Sand Dunes
This interesting park has amazing rosy-looking dunes where visitors can sled and sandboard. You can hire sleds and sandboards within the park and ensure you enjoy your day.
The park operates around the year, and it is a perfect place to take your family. It also harbors the Coral Pink Tiger Beetle, which is unique to the state of Utah. So invite your equipment and have fun on the one-day trip in this stunning territory.
9. Try Via Ferrata and Rappelling In Cave Lakes Canyon
Cave Lakes Canyo is a treasure in Utah, simply north of Kanab. Here you can do the Via Ferrata, literally translating 'iron path' in Italian. It is controlled climbing that enables climbers to get to the upper rim with the help of metal fixed bars.
Once you get to the top, you can abseil down the face of a 180-foot rock in an exciting manner, hence making it an interesting activity. The geography of the canyon reveals its historical link with the Anasazi Indians, and its natural beauty includes striking red sandstone faces and several springs.
It is perfect to visit for such activities as hiking, photography, and observing the various wildlife.
10. Explore Little Hollywood Museum
If you find yourself in Kanab, Utah, you should not miss the Little Hollywood Museum! This place is a kind of cinema museum dedicated to the town's film heritage, which was a set for over 100 movies, especially Westerns, since the 1920s.
Still, there are opportunities to walk through the original sets of such pictures as The Outlaw Josey Wales and Sergeants 3. Easy guides and handy cultural experiences await. You should experience taking a picture in the old jail or saloon.
It is an interesting museum to be visited and is free, open throughout the year, for people of all ages. Also, there are awesome cool props and every kind of memorabilia to have fun.
11. Stop By Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
The focus of this shelter is no-kill. This animal shelter is the biggest in the nation and has been in existence for about three decades now. The founders incubated as a little entity but have expanded into this wonderful facility, which rescues all manner of animals: dogs, cats, horses, and such.
The sanctuary concerns an area that covers thousands of acres in a red rock canyon country. You can take a tour to visit them and maybe get to know more about them. Just imagine how great it is that such animals get a second opportunity to live at these rescues.
The sanctuary offers you the opportunity to walk a dog or play with them as long as you like.
12. A Scenic Drive Through Cottonwood Canyon Road
This road is 47 miles long and provides a scenic ride in the center of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Beginning at Cannonville, this is an excellent road to use to discover the amazingly colorful terrain of Utah.
You will get to observe stunning sandstone structures in the region, such as the Gross Ventre Arch. The Cottonwood Wash Narrows are ideal for hikers. Despite the construction of this pass for power line maintenance purposes, it has turned into one of the most preferred routes for adventurous people.
Just a heads up: It is mostly gravel and becomes soft and muddy, especially when wet, therefore requiring a kind of vehicle with high clearance.
13. Try Homemade Pie At Houston's Trail's End Restaurant
Established in 1945, this place will nourish you with a genuine Western atmosphere, rubbed with good old comfort food. The pies are the show stealers here. All their pies are baked from scratch every single day, with recipes that have been in their families for generations.
Everything served in portions is large, so it is wise to go with a large appetite. You can therefore decide to go for a slice, or even the entire pie. They have all your basic ones, such as apples, cherries, and pecans, and they also have some special ones.
The pies are made to be Mile High pies, so prepare for a fork and knife kind of experience.
14. Spot Bighorn Sheep At Zion National Park
When you happen to be in Zion National Park, it will be good if you take a look at the bighorn sheep. Sighting these majestic creature animals is so exciting. They mainly feed on grass, shrubs, and herbs, which are found in the park since the land is rocky.
You might also get to see some mule deer, the golden eagles, and if you are very lucky, you can see the magnificent mountain lion. This has never been a settlement of anybody, but Zion was inhabited by Native Americans and Mormon pioneers sometime in the past.
It has high red cliffs and has many different terrains, making it important for hiking and camping as well as to enjoy the nice scenery.
15. Off-roading Through ATV Tours
You need to go off-roading if you are in Kanab, Utah. Grab an ATV and go for an off-road trip in the red rocky surroundings. You can go through the sandy dunes, tackle different terrains, and get the best views on your ATV trips.
It is more like moving through a real western movie location. Visiting less-known places such as Peek-a-Boo Canyon or White Pocket will give you that other-worldly feeling.
If you need an adventurous ride, then try an ATV tour on your next visit to Kanab and have the best experience ever.
16. Witness Balloons and Tunes Roundup
Balloons and Tunes Roundup is an annual festival celebrated in Kanab, most preferably in February. This event hosts hot air balloon lifts at the venue of the previous Coral Cliffs Golf Course and also includes features such as live performances, food sales, and a lantern celebration.
The event attracts over 40 hot air balloon pilots. There you can see the colorful scene of balancing taking to the skies in the morning whenever the weather is favorable. There are things to do, such as shopping for local products and performances from various bands every day of the weekend.
17. See The Dinosaur Tracks
Less than a half mile past the Utah Port of Entry, you can come face to face with real dinosaur footprints, which are estimated to be 185 million years old. These tracks are of Grallator, a carnivorous dinosaur, as can be told from the above tracks.
The walk is not very difficult but not very easy either; wear good shoes. You will sometimes face quite steep inclines. The trailhead is easy to locate while parking may be a nightmare since there is no proper signposting.
Follow the location of a porta-potty as your signal. The landscapes from the top are lovely, especially if viewed in the evenings.
18. South Coyote Buttes
This is located at Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs, and this is not as famous as The Wave. It has several fossils on exhibit, including the real dinosaur footprints, and they are 190 million years old.
These footprints are of different dinosaurs, and it is interesting to get a view of the past to some extent. As a result, for the trips into the park, which everyone must take to access its attractions, one gets a permit.
If you don't have a car that can clear all these barriers, it will be better for you to join a guided tour.
19. The Great Chamber (Cutler Point)
This is a huge hole with wonderful yellow sand on it. The greatest source of entertainment is the fact that people can go there to take pictures and interactively roam around. To get there, you will have to drive on some sandy roads.
It is better to go with a guide or take a tour if you don't want to drive on soft sand. The actual hike to the Great Chamber is only half a mile, but sometimes steep and sandy, so good shoes and water are recommended.
It is suggested to visit the island during spring or autumn since the climate is more favorable. It is open to the public, and you do not need any permits.
20. Visit The White Pocket
This place is famous for its rocks and colored sandstone. The shapes and colors that are present here are very characteristic and would be perfect for a photographer. Once you get there, the best way is through the hiking channels.
Of course, it is an easy to moderate hike, with the trail's distance varying between 2 and 4 miles. No permit is required to get into the park, and this makes it easier to plan for a trip in the park.
Between March and October, you can even see the night sky and possibly even the Milky Way if the atmosphere is clear.
