10 Best Things to do in Kanab in 2024

Kanab, Utah, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking:

Adventure
Natural beauty
Cultural experiences

Kanab also boasts a rich history, particularly in the film industry, earning the nickname “Little Hollywood.”

Visitors can step back in time to the golden era of Westerns or immerse themselves in local art and culture.

Today, we want to talk about the best things you can do in Kanab, Utah.

Table of Contents

10. Try a Via Ferrata

The steel cables and railings provide safety and security, even for beginners.
Professional guides are available to help less experienced climbers navigate the route.
The highlight of the experience is a thrilling 180-foot rappel down the cliff face at the end of the climb.
This activity is suitable for adventurers of all skill levels, provided you have a moderate level of fitness.

If you’re seeking a heart-pounding adventure, trying a Via Ferrata in Kanab is an absolute must. Via Ferrata, meaning “iron road” in Italian is a climbing route where climbers are secured to a series of:

Steel cables
Ladders
Railings fixed to the rock face

These routes allow climbers to scale cliffs and rugged terrain with added safety measures, making it an excellent option for those who want to experience the thrill of rock climbing without the risks of traditional climbing methods.

In Kanab, the Via Ferrata route takes you up a sheer vertical rock wall, providing adrenaline-pumping excitement along with incredible panoramic views of the desert below.

Climbing a Via Ferrata route allows you to challenge yourself physically while enjoying some of the most awe-inspiring views in the region. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that promises excitement and accomplishment.

9. Water Activities at Lake Powell

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Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding allow you to navigate the lake’s narrow, scenic canyons.
Rent a boat to explore famous landmarks like Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural arches in the world.
The calm waters and quiet inlets provide the perfect escape from the busy crowds.
Lake Powell offers opportunities for both peaceful exploration and high-energy water sports.

Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, is a haven for water lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Situated on the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by towering red sandstone cliffs.

The lake offers an array of water-based activities, from serene kayaking trips to thrilling boat rides that explore hidden canyons and secluded beaches.

For those looking to relax and take in the scenery, stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Lake Powell is a perfect way to soak in the beauty of the area.

With its hidden gems, including caves, inlets, and dramatic rock formations, a day spent at Lake Powell is both refreshing and exhilarating.

8. Hiking and Scenic Drives

Cottonwood Canyon Road offers panoramic views of the region’s stunning desert landscape.
Stop by Yellow Rock and Hackberry Canyon for unique geological features and short hikes.
The Belly of the Dragon hike is perfect for families and easy to access.
Scenic drives and hikes provide an up-close experience of Southern Utah’s natural beauty.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Kanab offers a variety of breathtaking hiking trails and scenic drives that showcase Southern Utah’s desert landscapes.

One of the most popular routes is Cottonwood Canyon Road, a 47-mile-long dirt road that winds through stunning desert scenery.

The route is perfect for those who want to take a leisurely drive through the dramatic landscape or for those looking for short hikes along the way, such as a stop at Yellow Rock, where vibrant rock formations provide a photographer’s dream.

Another family-friendly adventure is the hike to Belly of the Dragon, a short but memorable tunnel hike located just north of Kanab.

This easy hike takes you through a man-made tunnel carved into sandstone, making it a fun and accessible adventure for visitors of all ages.

These routes are perfect for both seasoned hikers and those looking for a more relaxed adventure.

7. Art and Culture

Little Hollywood Museum offers free entry and a look at Kanab’s film history through old movie sets and props.
Visitors can learn about Kanab’s role as a filming location for numerous Westerns.
Local art galleries showcase the natural beauty and history of Southern Utah through various artistic mediums.
The combination of art and film makes Kanab a unique cultural destination.

Kanab is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural history, particularly its connection to Hollywood’s golden age of Westerns.

The town has earned the nickname “Little Hollywood” due to the numerous Western films and television shows filmed in the area.

One of the best places to explore this legacy is the Little Hollywood Museum, where visitors can step back in time and experience the town’s film history through preserved movie sets, props, and memorabilia.

Admission to the museum is free, making it a great stop for families and film buffs alike.

Local galleries showcase works of art that focus on the region’s unique geology, Native American heritage, and the area’s history as a popular film location.

These galleries provide an opportunity to take home a piece of Kanab’s culture in the form of beautiful artwork.

Kanab’s cultural offerings provide a perfect complement to the area’s natural beauty, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of the town’s heritage and artistic contributions.

6. Moqui Cave

Moqui Cave features an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including pottery and arrowheads.
Visitors can also see dinosaur tracks and other geological wonders on display.
The cave’s natural formation adds a unique ambiance to the museum experience.
It’s a great stop for families and history lovers, providing both education and adventure.

Moqui Cave is a fascinating natural history museum located just a few miles outside of Kanab.

Set inside a sandstone cave, the museum offers a blend of history and geology, showcasing Native American artifacts, fossils, and even dinosaur tracks.

The cave itself is a striking natural wonder, and the museum’s exhibits offer insight into the ancient cultures and prehistoric life that once thrived in the area.

The exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of Southern Utah, while the cave itself adds an element of mystery and wonder to the experience.

5. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Best Friends is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the U.S., providing care for thousands of animals.
Visitors can take guided tours, volunteer, or foster animals during their visit.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and birds.
Best Friends is dedicated to ending the killing of animals in shelters and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Animal lovers will find a visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary both heartwarming and inspiring.

Located just outside of Kanab, this sprawling sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal rescue organization in the United States, providing a haven for thousands of animals, including:

Cats
Dogs
Horses
Birds

Visitors can tour the facilities, meet some of the resident animals, and even volunteer to help care for them during their stay.

One of the most unique aspects of the sanctuary is the opportunity for visitors to foster animals during their time in Kanab.

A visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is more than just a stop on your trip, it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Interesting Fact: The co-founder of Best Friends Animal Sancutary, Francis Battista, was one of the biggest advocates for no-kill policy.

4. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The park is ideal for OHV riding, with miles of dunes to explore.
Sandboarding offers a fun, unique way to experience the dunes.
The park’s red-orange dunes are a photographer’s dream, particularly during golden hour.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park provides a serene yet thrilling experience for all visitors.

For those looking for a unique and thrilling outdoor adventure, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a must-visit. Located just a short drive from Kanab, the park is known for its striking red-orange dunes that shift and change shape with the wind.

This ever-changing landscape is perfect for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts who want to ride the dunes or for visitors who want to try their hand at sandboarding.

The park’s otherworldly beauty also makes it a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the dunes take on a glowing red hue.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss.

3. Discover Unique Geologic Formations

White Pocket features swirling patterns of colorful rock that resemble an alien landscape.
Toadstool Hoodoos offers easy access to fascinating mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Coyote Buttes South is a remote, visually stunning area, less crowded than The Wave.
Each of these formations showcases the rich geological diversity of Southern Utah.

Kanab’s surrounding landscapes are home to some of the most unique and visually striking geological formations in the world.

One of the most mesmerizing places to visit is White Pocket, an otherworldly landscape where swirling patterns of colorful rock create an almost alien environment.

This remote area is less crowded than other popular destinations like The Wave, but its beauty is equally stunning. Another popular geological wonder is Toadstool Hoodoos, where mushroom-shaped rock formations stand tall against the desert sky.

For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Coyote Buttes South offers a more secluded experience with equally breathtaking scenery.

The area’s colorful rock formations and dramatic landscapes make it a must-see for any nature lover or photographer.

These formations are a testament to the power of nature and time, and they provide visitors with an unforgettable experience of Southern Utah’s geological wonders.

2. Explore National and State Parks

Zion National Park offers famous hikes such as The Narrows, where you wade through a river flanked by towering canyon walls.
Bryce Canyon National Park features dramatic hoodoo formations that create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a more peaceful, secluded experience compared to the busier South Rim.
Each park is within easy driving distance from Kanab, making day trips convenient and rewarding.

Kanab is the perfect home base for exploring some of the most famous national and state parks in the United States.

Just 30 minutes away is Zion National Park, one of the country’s most iconic parks, known for its towering sandstone cliffs and incredible hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers equally stunning scenery with its famous hoodoo rock formations, while the North Rim of the Grand Canyon provides a quieter, less crowded alternative to the South Rim.

Exploring these national and state parks allows visitors to experience some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, all within a short drive from Kanab.

1. Visit Slot Canyons

Buckskin Gulch is the world’s longest and deepest slot canyon, offering an unparalleled hiking experience.
Wire Pass offers a shorter, more accessible hike through dramatic canyon walls.
The Wave, with its iconic rock formations, requires a lottery permit for access.
These slot canyons provide some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the region.

Kanab is home to some of the most famous and beautiful slot canyons in the world, making it a paradise for hikers and photographers alike.

Buckskin Gulch, the longest and deepest slot canyon in the world, offers an unforgettable adventure through narrow, winding walls that stretch for miles.

For those looking for a shorter, more accessible hike, Wire Pass provides equally stunning views with its towering, narrow canyon walls.

Perhaps the most famous slot canyon in the region is The Wave, known for its surreal, swirling rock formations that have made it one of the most photographed places in the world.

However, access to The Wave is limited by a lottery system, so visitors will need some luck to secure a permit.

Slot canyons are a highlight of any trip to Kanab, offering a combination of adventure, beauty, and exclusivity that is hard to find anywhere else.

The Bottom Line

Kanab, Utah, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

With iconic slot canyons and dramatic landscapes of national and state parks, every corner promises an unforgettable experience.