The small town of Kanab, Utah, is perfectly situated near the Southwest’s most iconic attractions. Just a one- to two-hour drive from the three popular national parks of the Grand Canyon, Mount Zion, and Bryce Canyon, Kanab is the gateway to the waves, a popular red rock formation similar to those found in the Paria Canyon – the Vermilion Cliffs wilderness.
Known as the “Golden Circle,” Kanab is centrally located between Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell. There are many other amazing parks and national monuments. Southern Utah, and Kanab in particular, is known for its slot canyons, a unique natural formation formed by wind and water over time.
While Kanab is the perfect base from which to explore these famous attractions (and more), it’s still relatively unheard of – in fact, its motto is “Magical Unspoiled”. This small town of around 5,000 people includes athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who are always happy with the adventures that await right outside their doors. That’s why they chose Kanab as their home and an attraction that you as a tourist don’t want to miss during your stay.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re determined to visit The Wave, your best bet is to visit between December and February, when the demand for permits drops slightly. During the most popular months to visit The Wave, which is usually April, May, September, and October, there are often around 300 people vying for 16 daily permits.
In addition to the waves, kanab sparkles in spring and autumn when the weather is cool and mild.
The favorite season of residents in Kanab is definitely autumn. You can enjoy the pleasant popularity, mild, sunny days, and gorgeous fall colors of southern Utah and northern Arizona. In the Zion region, the North Rim is home to stunning poplar and ponderosa pine trees near the Grand Canyon, as well as great photo opportunities. At the same time, there were also those who voted for spring. Kanab is located in the highland desert, so the flora and fauna are very unique, the area is much greener than you think, and you will see flowers and colors that you have never seen before!
If you want to visit Kanab’s neighboring national parks, be sure to research which parks are open during your travel window. All three parks are open year-round, but trails may be restricted during the winter months, and the Grand Canyon’s North Entrance, which is the easiest access from Kanab, is typically closed from early December to mid-May.
Things to Do
Kanab is just a short drive from not one, but three. The nearest is Zion National Park in Utah, about an hour’s drive northwest of the city. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and the Stone Forest of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are both about an hour and a half away from Kanab, so the day trip is easy.
Those who want to get closer to Kanab can visit the man-made sand cave, which is just a 5-minute drive from town, or Dragon’s Belly, a visually stunning tunnel located 20 minutes north of Kanab. Apart from that, travelers can take the Peekaboo [Peek-A-Boo] slot canyon and grand staircase road. There’s “a higher elevation, so there’s more water and greener trails, but few people seem to know about it.” Anywhere you can park on the road, there’s a secret hiking spot waiting to be explored.
Of course, visitors should also apply for permission to visit The Wave, which is located about an hour’s drive east of Kanab. This popular site is limited to 64 people per day (48 were licensed three months in advance and 16 were granted a day in advance). Those who are allowed to witness the shape for themselves will need to be prepared to complete the six-mile round-trip hike. If you’re new to desert trekking, it’s best to have a guide – we recommend the Walker team at Grand Circle Tours. Holders of permits can also visit attractions such as Second Wave, Melody Arch, and the Fatali Necropoli.
If you miss your permit, head to White Pocket, a similar but less popular attraction that is also located within the stunning Paria Gorge – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.
Where to Stay
Kanab doesn’t have any five-star hotels (that’s part of its charm), but there are a few luxury vacation rentals, like this one with a private pool and spa. The real way to do this is to stay at one of the many local campgrounds and glamping sites and let the outdoor vibes last until the night.
Named America’s top campground in 2023 by Campspot, Dark Sky RV Campground is the ultimate home base for travelers with RVs and vans. (Plus, they offer extras like outdoor showers, a dog park, and ziplines.) The fully equipped safari tents at BaseCamp 37°, 8 miles east of Kanab, are a great option for those who prefer to sleep in tents. Tent. Each luxury tent features a California king-size bed and a private deck with desert views. There’s also a communal kitchen, plenty of outdoor seating, and hammocks for stargazing.
If you’re traveling with your furry friends, there’s no better place than Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantil, a pet-centric hotel that offers a free shuttle to Kanab’s famous pet sanctuary, which happens to be the largest animal sanctuary in the U.S., and people come from all over the world to volunteer and visit animal sanctuaries, noting that they are home to more than 1,600 animals at any one time, Ross said.
Where to Eat and Drink
For freshly baked food and a cozy atmosphere, head to Kanab Creek Bakery, which offers coffee and croissants in the heart of the city, as well as full breakfast options.
For a delicious lunch, head to Rocking V Cafe, the veteran of Kanab’s dining scene. The restaurant offers home-cooked food, enough art, and cool décor to keep you entertained during your meal. If you’re in the mood for a more upscale meal, the menu at Wild Thyme Cafe is absolutely top-notch. Their “garden-to-table” menu has something for everyone, from tender to ribs with meat falling off the bones to sesame tofu bowls. Heaton, the café’s general manager, says you can’t miss the lime pie, whose recipe was handed down from her grandfather.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Kanab is to fly into the neighboring city of St. George’s, which is home to St. George’s Regional Airport (SGU). From this airport, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to Kanab.
Travelers looking for more flight options should consider flying into Las Vegas (LAS), a three-hour drive from Kanab, or Salt Lake City (SLC), a five-hour drive from Kanab. Similarly, you can fly into Phoenix (PHX) and drive 5.5 hours to Kanab.
If you plan to explore the nearby national parks and rock formations, be sure to rent a car.