14 Amazing Hikes Near Kanab, Utah

In this article, we’ll tell you about 12 of the best hikes near Kanab, Utah. Get ready to discover rolling sand dunes, red-rock caves, slot canyons, hoodoos, rivers, and stunning slick rock formations!

14 Best Hikes near Kanab

Nestled among the red rock cliffs of southern Utah, the small town of Kanab, Utah is the perfect home base for exploring some of the southwest’s most otherworldly desert landscapes, including mushroom-shaped hoodoos, the longest slot canyon in the world, vibrant pink sand dunes, and more!

Below are 14 of the best hikes near Kanab, all within an hour’s drive, ranked according to our epic-ness scale.

1. Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
2. The Wave
3. Paria Canyon
4. Observation Point
5. Zion Canyon Overlook
6. Toadstool Hoodoos
7. Coyotes Buttes South
8. The Nautilus
9. Coral Pink Sands
10. Red Hollow Canyon
11. Water Canyon
12. Moqui Caverns
13. Belly of the Dragon

Remember to Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on trail, be well-prepared, leave nothing behind, take only photos and memories with you, treat the area with respect and help preserve this beautiful spot for generations to come.

Map of the best hikes near Kanab

The map below displays the location of each of the best hikes near Kanab on the list above. Use this map to help you plan your trip.

• To view more details about each location, click on the marker on the map.
• To save this map for future use, click the star next to the title. From your phone, open the Google Maps app and click the “saved” tab, followed by the “Maps” icon. From your Gmail account, navigate to Maps –> “Saved” –> “My Maps” –> “Maps” tab.
• To email this map to yourself, click the three dots in the upper right corner.

1. Wire Pass & Buckskin Gulch

• Hiking distance | 5.6 miles (plus option to continue farther into Buckskin Gulch)
• Elevation gain | 600 feet
• Estimated time | 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Fees | Day use permit required, $6 per person
• Trailhead | Wire Pass Trailhead (9 miles down House Rock Valley Road, 4WD drive and high clearance are recommended, although it’s typically doable with 2WD in dry conditions)
• Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 9

Often considered the longest slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch stretches for nearly 16 miles with walls that reach a height of over 400 feet! Without a doubt, Buckskin Gulch earns the top spot on our list of the best hikes near Kanab.

In addition to being the longest slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is also known as one of the most dangerous hikes due to extreme flash flood risk. Do not attempt this hike if there is any precipitation in the forecast!

One of the most popular ways to access Buckskin Gulch is via a smaller slot canyon called Wire Pass. Hiking Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch is a great way to see two awesome slot canyons in one hike.

The Wire Pass Trailhead is located about 9 miles down a dirt road that is typically accessible with 2WD but becomes very muddy following rain or snow. Alternatively, the easternmost end of Buckskin Gulch can be accessed through Paria Canyon via the White House Trailhead for a 14-mile roundtrip hike that includes two of the best Utah slot canyons!

2. The Wave

• Hiking distance | 6.7 miles
• Elevation gain | 1250 feet
• Estimated time | 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Fees | Permits required, $9 lottery application fee (non-refundable) plus $7 per person permit fee if selected
• Trailhead | Wire Pass Trailhead
• Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 9

The elusive “Wave” is one of Utah’s most picturesque landscapes, a view you’re likely to have seen on a computer background or screen saver. Visiting the unique wave-like formation is a bucket list worthy experience, but will require some patience to check off. Permits to visit the “Wave” are given out via a lottery system and are notoriously difficult to obtain!

To get permits for the Wave, you have two chances: an advance lottery that opens 4 months in advance of your hike, or a day-of lottery.

We have personally entered the lottery at least 6 times, to no avail! Nonetheless, we feel a spot on this list of the best hikes near Kanab is well-deserved, and we wish you better luck than we’ve had in snagging a coveted permit.

3. Paria Canyon

• Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 14 miles
• Elevation gain | 900 feet
• Total time | 7 – 9 hours
• Difficulty | Hard (involves hiking in sand and many river crossings)
• Fees | Day use permit required, $6 per person
• Trailhead | White House Trailhead (high clearance recommended, accessible with 2WD when dry)
• Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 9

Easily one of the best hikes in southern Utah, Paria Canyon stretches for 40 miles from southern Utah into northern Arizona.

For a shorter taste of the canyon, you can hike roughly 14 miles out and back from the White House Trailhead to the Paria Canyon-Buckskin Gulch confluence. Alternatively, to see the canyon in all its glory, start from White House Trailhead and hike the full 40 miles down to the Lee’s Ferry trailhead, typically done as a 3-night, 4-day backpacking trip.

In its northern section, Paria Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon with towering sandstone walls and the typically docile Paria River meandering through its center.

The entire hike is absolutely beautiful and worth the time and effort to complete the full 40-miles. However, if you only have time for a day hike, the section of Paria Canyon from Whitehouse Trailhead to Buckskin Gulch is definitely worth doing, and only about 45 minutes from Kanab!

4. Observation Point

• Hiking distance | 7 miles
• Elevation gain | 750 feet
• Estimated time | 4 – 5 hours
• Difficulty | moderate
• Fees | $35 per vehicle entrance fee, or covered by the annual America the Beautiful Pass
• Trailhead | Zion Ponderosa Ranch (shuttle access to trailhead) or East Mesa Trailhead (4WD, high clearance required)
• Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 8

One of Zion’s most classic viewpoints, Observation Point sits about 700 feet above Angel’s Landing and offers unimpeded views down Zion Canyon.

Traditionally, the viewpoint was accessed via the Weeping Rock trailhead located in Zion Canyon. However, this trail is closed for the foreseeable future due to a major rockfall, which unfortunately may not be cleared for several years.

Luckily, you can still access Observation Point via either the East Rim Trail or the East Mesa Trail, which both depart from the eastern side of the park, and are conveniently located about 45 minutes from Kanab.

Parking at both trailheads is extremely limited and a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required. Alternatively, East Zion Adventures offers a shuttle to either trailhead from the Zion Ponderosa Ranch for $5 per person.

5. Coyote Buttes South

• Hiking distance | 4 – 14 miles (depending on which entrance & section(s) you visit)
• Elevation gain | 1500 feet
• Total time | 3 – 9 hours
• Fees | $9 permit fee + $5 per person use fee, $175-$200 per person with a tour
• Trailhead | Lone Tree, Paw Hole or Cottonwood Cove
• Difficulty | Moderate to hard
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 20 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 8

Coyote Buttes South is the ultimate off-the-grid desert Kanab adventure. Only 20 daily permits are issued for this incredibly remote area deep in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Located just south of the Coyote Buttes North, home to the Instagram-popular “Wave”, Coyote Buttes South gets much less attention.

But we truly don’t understand why! Coyote Buttes South is home to the same swirling rock formations and breath-taking color spectrum. And yet, permits are way easier to get!

And because there isn’t a single formation everyone tries to see (aka the Wave), hikers are more dispersed. In fact, it’s likely you won’t see another soul during your hike!

6. Zion Canyon Overlook

• Hiking distance | 1 mile
• Elevation gain | 200 feet
• Total time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Fees | $35 per vehicle entrance fee, or covered by the annual America the Beautiful Pass
• Trailhead | Zion Canyon Overlook (paved, accessible with any vehicle)
• Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 7

Of all the hikes in Zion National Park, Zion Canyon Overlook offers the biggest bang for your buck! This 1-mile roundtrip hike leads to a stunning viewpoint looking over Zion Canyon and is only about 45 minutes from Kanab.

The hike to Canyon Overlook starts out with a steep climb up the canyon wall and then leads along the edge of a cliff, through a cave, and over a short footbridge until reaching the stunning viewpoint. Due to its short length, Zion Canyon Overlook is a great hike for either sunrise or sunset. You can’t beat watching the sun light up the vibrant canyon walls!

7. Toadstool Hoodoos

• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 150 feet
• Estimated time | 1-2 hours
• Difficulty | Easy
• Trailhead | Toadstool Hoodoos Trailhead, right off Highway 89, accessible with 2WD
• Distance from Kanab | 40 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 6

Located in the southern section of Grand Staircase Escalante, about 40 minutes east of Kanab, hiking to the Toadstool Hoodoos is a surreal experience.

Many places in Utah are described as “otherworldly,” but these odd rock formations truly deserve that title! Thin needles of sandstone in every shape, size, and color are topped with a layer of dark rock, perfectly balanced to withstand the test of time.

At just two miles roundtrip, the Toadstool Hoodoos hike is family-friendly, and accessible for hikers of all skill levels. There is a well-defined trail to the first set of hoodoos, and then you can choose your own adventure and wander around the area until you find all the coolest spots.

From serious photographers to small children, the Toadstool Hoodoos are sure to please any crowd!

Fun fact: Toadstool is just another name for a mushroom. Can you see how the Toadstool Hoodoos got their name?!

8. The Nautilus

• Hiking distance | 1 miles
• Elevation gain | mostly flat
• Total time | 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Difficulty | Easy
• Trailhead | 1 mile down White House Road (high clearance recommended, accessible with 2WD when dry)
• Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 6

Not quite a slot canyon, this spiraled rock formation known as the Nautilus looks almost like a wave that was frozen in time, streaked with vibrant yellow lines.

The trailhead for the Nautilus is located off the same dirt road as Paria Canyon and just a few minutes from the Toadstool Hoodoos. It makes a nice quick stop if you are in the area.

Use extra caution while exploring the Nautilus, as the sandstone walls are extremely fragile. Please refrain from climbing all the way through the Nautilus to preserve this delicate beauty. It should go without saying but do not carve or write on the rock walls.

9. Coral Pink Sands

• Hiking distance | 1 mile
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Estimated time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | Easy
• Fees | $10 state park day use fee
• Trailhead | Inside the main entrance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (paved, accessible with any vehicle)
• Distance from Kanab | 27 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 5

While Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks draw the biggest crowds, we think its state parks deserve a little attention too, like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located less than 30 minutes from Kanab! This little state park is home to bright pink rolling sand dunes that truly live up to the name, nestled at the base of a red sandstone ridge.

There is no defined trail through the sand dunes: simply head out and wander as far as you’d like. That being said, be sure to remember where you entered. It’s easy to get turned around!

The sand dunes are also used for driving ATVs, so you’ll need to walk a little way to find the undisturbed dunes.

10. Red Hollow Canyon

• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 200 feet (excluding the possible steep climb at the end)
• Total time | 1-2 hours
• Difficulty | Easy
• Fees | None
• Trailhead | Red Hollow Canyon Trailhead, located in Orderville (paved, accessible with any vehicle).
• Distance from Kanab | 25 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 5

Although not quite as impressive as Buckskin Gulch, Red Hollow Canyon is a fun and quick slot canyon hike about 30 minutes from Kanab, in the town of Orderville. The hike covers 2 miles roundtrip and the slot canyon itself is about a quarter mile long.

The trailhead is located in a neighborhood in Orderville, with limited parking available. Please be respectful of the residents and be sure to park away from homes and driveways. 

The striped orange walls of the canyon are beautiful and certainly worth a quick hike. Once in the canyon, there are a few minor rock scrambling obstacles until you come upon a roughly 15-foot wall.

It’s possible to climb up and continue past this point, but it’s recommended you have a rope to assist you. The hike is still worthwhile even if you turn back at this point.

11. White Domes via Water Canyon

• Hiking distance | 7.2 miles
• Elevation gain | 2100 feet
• Estimated time | 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Trailhead | Water Canyon Trailhead, 6 miles down Water Canyon Road (typically accessible with 2WD unless it has recently rained or snowed)
• Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 5

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path hike near Kanab, check out the White Domes via Water Canyon, located near Colorado City and Hilldale, about 45 minutes from Kanab.

This hike traverses through a stunning red rock canyon, with views similar to those you’ll find in Zion National Park. The highlight of the trail is a series of “white domes”, or spiraled petrified rock formations.

Please be aware that the trail is quite difficult to follow in places. We highly recommend having the AllTrails Pro map downloaded for offline use to make sure you don’t get lost. There are also a few sections where the trail travels along a narrow and steep ledge, which may be troublesome for those with a fear of heights.

12. Moqui Caverns

• Hiking distance | 0.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Total time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | Easy
• Trailhead | Located right off Highway 89 (paved, accessible with any vehicle)
• Distance from Kanab | 7 minutes
• Epic-ness rating | 3

The Moqui Caverns, a.k.a. Kanab Sand Caves, are conveniently located just 7 minutes outside of Kanab, right off Highway 89. The Moqui Caverns were originally created as a sand mine, but today they offer a fun, short adventure with views through the “windows” to the rocky, orange cliffs in the distance.

The hike to the Moqui Caverns is one of the most popular quick hikes near Kanab, requiring just a short half-mile round trip hike. That being said, the hike is fairly steep and requires a short scramble to reach the caves.

If you have a fear of heights, the narrow ledge to the caves may cause you trouble (for reference, I have a serious fear of heights and this one didn’t bother me).

13. Belly of the Dragon

• Hiking distance | 0.5 miles (option to extend up to 1.8 miles)
• Elevation gain | 180 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 3
• Difficulty | Easy
• Fees | None
• Trailhead | Belly of the Dragon Trailhead, gravel road, typically accessible with any vehicle
• Distance from Kanab | 20 minutes
• Estimated time | 15 to 30 minutes

You can find this hike on AllTrails: Belly of the Dragon

The Belly of the Dragon is a massive man-made tunnel carved out under the road, located about 20 minutes from Kanab. While Belly of the Dragon has become fairly “Insta-famous”, it frankly wasn’t our favorite stop.

The walls of the cave are covered in graffiti, and we personally tend to find man-made sights less exciting than natural ones. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most popular hikes near Kanab and worth a quick stop if you’re in the area.

From the parking lot, it’s only about a quarter mile to walk all the way through the Belly of the Dragon. There is a trail on the other side of the cave that continues for another 3/4 of a mile or so, but there isn’t much more to see.

Hikes near Kanab | FAQs

When is the best time to visit Kanab?

• Ideal | March to May, September to October
• Avoid | July, August, December to February

Because summers get brutally hot, the best time to go hiking in Kanab is during the spring (March through May) or fall (September through November) when temperatures are milder. You can expect warm daytime temperatures but chilly nights, with average highs in the mid-60s to 70s, and lows in the 30s to 40s during spring and fall.

It’s also possible to hike in Kanab during the winter, which is typically fairly mild with averages highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s, although snow is still possible. 

Avoid slot canyons if there is rain in the forecast, as flash floods can develop quickly and are extremely dangerous in these tight spaces. Buckskin Gulch is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in America due its lack of exit passageways, meaning there is no escape route in the event of a flash flood. 

How are the road conditions near Kanab?

Many of the trailheads for the best hikes near Kanab are located down rough dirt roads, including Buckskin Gulch, the Nautilus, Paria Canyon, Coyotes Buttes South, and the Wave. High clearance and 4WD are recommended to access these trailheads.

In addition, never attempt to drive any of these dirt roads if it has recently rained or if there is any precipitation in the forecast. The roads become extremely muddy and impassable when wet, even with 4WD. We attempted to drive down House Rock Valley Road following recent snow, and trust us, it’s not worth it!

Make sure that you are prepared with appropriate vehicle safety equipment, including an extra spare tire, and always pack extra food and water in your vehicle in the event that you get stuck.

What should I pack for hiking in Kanab?

• Plenty of water | Be sure to pack plenty of water for hiking in the hot desert sun – at least 3 liters per person for hiking and keep extra water in the car in case of emergency. We use Platypus 2-liter bottles for storing extra water.
• Sunglasses (Goodr) | At only $25, Goodr sunglasses are cheap, durable and non-slip (perfect if you’re the type of person that tends to loose sunglasses, like me!)
• Fix-a-flat | Due to the rough nature of many of the roads near Kanab, getting a flat tire is always a possibility. Although just a temporary solution, Fix-a-Flat can be a good option to avoid having to change a spare tire. However, beware that you can only drive up to 100 miles on it (and even less on a washboard road), so you should also make sure you have a spare tire and know how to change it!
• Rain jacket or windbreaker | Heavy winds can whip through the slot canyons blasting sand around and stinging your skin. A windbreaker or rain jacket is great to have to break the sandy wind!
• Backpack with bladder (Hers: CamelBak Helena 20L, His: Camelback Rim Runner 22L) | We both use a similar Camelback backpack for day hiking – they’re comfortable, lightweight and just big enough to hold the essentials without weighing you down. Plus they both come with a 2L bladder.
• Hiking boots (Hers: Danner Mountain 600s, His: Salomon Ultra 4 Mid GTX) | A pair of quality hiking boots with good traction are helpful for walking in sand and climbing around the slot canyons!
• GPS Device (Garmin InReach Mini) | Cell service is very limited or nonexistent on most of the hikes near Kanab. We always carry our Garmin In-Reach in case of emergency in areas without cell service.
• Map downloaded on AllTrails Pro | Many of the trails on this list can be difficult to follow, so you will want to have the trails downloaded in advance to make sure you are able to find your way.
• Sunscreen and chapstick | So important to keep your skin and lips protected during a long day in the desert sun!

Other Utah resources

Planning a road trip through Utah? Read more about a few of our favorite adventures in the area here:

Kanab Resources

• Things to do in Kanab, Utah

Southwestern USA Road Trips

• Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Arizona and Southern Utah Road Trip

Best Utah Hikes

• Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
• Best Hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante
• Best Hikes in Southern Utah
• Best Utah Slot Canyon Hikes

Questions about any of the best hikes near Kanab? Any hikes you think belong on this list? Drop us a comment below!

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