by Two Outliers 
Kanab, Utah is a hiker’s paradise, providing easy access to endless great hiking opportunities and numerous national parks, national monuments, and state parks. The best hikes near Kanab feature some of Utah’s most unique desert landscapes, including rolling sand dunes, red-rock caves, slot canyons, hoodoos, rivers, and stunning slick rock formations. In this article, we’ll tell you about 12 of the best hikes near Kanab, Utah to help you plan an awesome trip!
Two Outliers may contain affiliate links – we only recommend products we personally use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Kanab, Utah
Nestled among the red rock cliffs of southern Utah, just across the Arizona border, the small town of Kanab, Utah is the perfect home base for exploring some of the southwest’s most unique landscapes.
Within 1 hour of Kanab, you will find many incredible hikes featuring otherworldly desert landscapes, mushroom-shaped hoodoos, the longest slot canyon in the world, vibrant pink sand dunes, and more!
If you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds found at Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks and explore a few lesser known gems, Kanab is the perfect home base.
Read more about Kanab
Help us protect this beautiful place!
Before we get into it, we wanted to start with a word about preserving the incredible landscapes that surround Kanab. The seven principles of “Leave No Trace” are especially important in this remote area, as services are limited, the ecosystem is particularly fragile, and there are often no defined trails.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Do not carve or vandalize any of the rock or plant life.
- Always stay on the trail. When there is no defined trail, avoid trampling the crypotbiotic soil (that layer of black or white crust over the sand and dirt). Walk through loose sand, previously disturbed land, or across slick rock where ever possible.
- Pack out what you pack in. Do not leave behind trash. Do not take anything with you that you didn’t bring.
- Use waste disposal bags to carry out any human waste.
- Be prepared! Many of the hikes near Kanab are in remote areas down dirt roads with no cell service and no services (gas stations, restrooms, etc). Make sure you are prepared to change a tire, carry extra water and food, and have a means of navigation without cell service. Carrying a GPS device, like a Garmin In-Reach Mini, is a good idea to be able to call for help in case of a serious emergency.
- Know your limits. Research trails ahead of time and don’t attempt any hike that is outside your skill level.
- Never set out on a hike in the desert without extra food and water, and avoid hiking midday during the summer.
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.
When is the best time to visit Kanab?
Because summers in Kanab get brutally hot, the best time to visit 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.
Road conditions
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.
Things to know before hiking in Kanab
Below are a few key things to know before you go hiking in Kanab.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principals to protect this fragile area, as discussed above.
- As mentioned above, be prepared for rough road conditions to reach the trailheads and make sure you are driving a suitable vehicle.
- Cell service is limited or nonexistent on many of these hikes near Kanab. We recommend carrying a GPS device, like a Garmin InReach Mini, while hiking near Kanab in case of a serious emergency.
- 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.
- Advanced permits are required to hike Coyotes Buttes South and the Wave. These permits are in high demand and can be difficult to obtain so make sure to plan well in advance.
- Day use permits are required to hike Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, which can be purchased online or at the trailheads. Keep in mind that cell service is limited, so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. There is no limit on day use permits, so you don’t need to worry about booking in advance.
- The hikes near Kanab are located in very remote areas where services are limited. Make sure you use the restroom and fill up your gas tank in town before heading out.
12 Best Hikes near Kanab
With the logistics out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff! Below are 12 of the best hikes near Kanab, all within an hour’s drive!
- Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
- The Wave
- Paria Canyon
- Observation Point
- Zion Canyon Overlook
- Toadstool Hoodoos
- Coyotes Buttes South
- The Nautilus
- Coral Pink Sands
- Red Hollow Canyon
- Water Canyon
- Moqui Caverns
- Belly of the Dragon
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
Hike Stats
- Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
- Hiking distance | 5.6 miles (plus option to continue farther into Buckskin Gulch)
- Elevation gain | 600 feet
- Total time | 3 – 4 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 9
- 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
Find this hike on AllTrails: Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
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.
From Wire Pass Trailhead, it’s about a 1.7-mile hike to reach the Buckskin Gulch-Wire Pass confluence, and you can continue in either direction through Buckskin Gulch for as long as you wish (the entire canyon is about 16 miles in length).
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!
Read More
2. The Wave
Hike Stats
- Location | Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
- Hiking distance | 6.7 miles
- Elevation gain | 1250 feet
- Total time | 3 – 4 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 10
- Difficulty | Moderate
- Fees | Permits required, $9 lottery application fee (non-refundable) plus $7 per person permit fee if selected
- 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
Find this hike on AllTrails: The Wave Trail
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!
If you are lucky enough to win the lottery, you’ll need to drive 9 miles down a bumpy dirt road and then hike 6.7 miles roundtrip along a trail that traverses over slick rock and requires some route-finding skills. However, when you finally catch a glimpse of the stunning “Wave”, all the effort will finally have been worth it!
- Enter the lottery for the Wave permits on recreation.gov.
3. Paria Canyon
Hike Stats (Whitehouse to Buckskin Gulch)
- Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
- Hiking distance | 14 miles
- Elevation gain | 900 feet
- Total time | 7 – 9 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 9
- 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
Find this hike on AllTrails: White House Trailhead to Buckskin Gulch
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.
Of course, water levels can change rapidly, depending on the time of year and recent weather conditions, so always be sure to check the weather before you go. Do not hike if there is rain in the forecast, as this is a prime flash flood location.
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 (linked above) is definitely worth doing, and only about 45 minutes from Kanab!
4. Observation Point
Hike Stats (via East Mesa Trail)
- Location | Zion National Park
- Hiking distance | 7 miles
- Elevation gain | 750 feet
- Total time | 4 – 5 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 8
- 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
Find this hike on AllTrails: East Mesa Trail to Observation Point
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.
Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail (AllTrails linked above) is a significantly easier hike compared to hiking via the East Rim Trail and is the more popular of the two routes.
5. Coyote Buttes South
Hike Stats
- Location | Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
- Hiking distance | 4 – 14 miles (depending on which entrance & section(s) you visit)
- Elevation gain | 1500 feet
- Total time | 3 – 9 hours
- Epic-ness rating |8
- 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
Looking for the ultimate, off-the-grid desert adventure? Then look no further than Coyote Buttes South! There are only 20 daily permits to this incredibly remote area, located deep in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, so you’re likely to find solitude in one of the few truly untouched areas in the Southwest.
Located just south of the Coyote Buttes North, which is 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 that everyone tries to see (aka the Wave), hikers are more dispersed and it’s unlikely you’ll see another soul while you’re visiting. Coyote Buttes South just may be one of the Southwest’s last few hidden gems.
6. Zion Canyon Overlook
Hike Stats
- Location | Zion National Park
- Hiking distance | 1 mile
- Elevation gain | 200 feet
- Total time | 1 hour
- Epic-ness rating | 7
- 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
Find this hike on AllTrails: Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
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.
In addition to Observation Point, it’s one of the few trails in Zion that can be accessed with your personal vehicle, rather than the Zion Park Shuttle.
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!
Looking for more great hikes in Zion? Check out this article for three awesome ways to spend a day in the park:
7. Toadstool Hoodoos
Hike Stats
- Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | 150 feet
- Total time | 1-2 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | easy
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | Right off Highway 89, accessible with 2WD
- Distance from Kanab | 40 minutes
Find this hike on AllTrails: Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
Located in the southern section of Grand Staircase Escalante, about 40 minutes east of Kanab, visiting 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
Hike Stats
- Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
- Hiking distance | 1 miles
- Elevation gain | mostly flat
- Total time | 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | Easy
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | 1 mile down White House Road (high clearance recommended, accessible with 2WD when dry)
- Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes
Find this hike on AllTrails: The Nautilus
The Nautilus is yet another example of the wild landscapes that can be found in the area surrounding Kanab. Not quite a slot canyon, this spiraled rock formation looks almost like a wave that was frozen in time, streaked with vibrant yellow lines, and is unlike anything we’ve ever seen!
Please use extra caution while exploring the Nautilus, as the sandstone walls are extremely fragile. While it would be possible to climb all the way through the Nautilus, please refrain from doing so, as to preserve this delicate beauty.
To get to the top of the Nautilus, you can walk around the edge of the formation instead. It should go without saying, but do not carve or write on the rock walls.
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.
9. Coral Pink Sands
Hike Stats
- Location | Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Hiking distance | 1 mile
- Elevation gain | 100 feet
- Total time | 1 hour
- Epic-ness rating | 5
- 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
You can find this hike on AllTrails: Coral Pink Sands Trail
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, as it’s easy to get turned around once you’re further into the dunes. We’d recommend dropping a pin on your phone or using the downloaded AllTrails map to make sure you don’t get lost.
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
Hike Stats
- Location | Orderville, Utah
- Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | 200 feet (excluding the possible steep climb at the end)
- Total time | 1-2 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 5
- Difficulty | Easy
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | Located in Orderville (paved, accessible with any vehicle).
- Distance from Kanab | 25 minutes
You can find this hike on AllTrails: Red Hollow Canyon Trail
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
Hike Stats
- Location | Canaan Mountain Wilderness
- Hiking distance | 7.2 miles
- Elevation gain | 2100 feet
- Total time | 3 – 4 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | Moderate
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | 6 miles down Water Canyon Road (typically accessible with 2WD unless it has recently rained or snowed)
- Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
You can find this hike on AllTrails: White Domes via Water Canyon
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path hike in southern Utah, 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
Hike Stats
- Location | Off Highway 89
- Hiking distance | 0.5 miles
- Elevation gain | 100 feet
- Total time | 1 hour
- Epic-ness rating | 4
- Difficulty | Easy
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | Located right off Highway 89 (paved, accessible with any vehicle)
- Distance from Kanab | 7 minutes
Find this hike on AllTrails: Moqui Caverns
Please note that the trailhead for the Moqui Caverns on the AllTrails link above is NOT correct. While the destination is accurate, the parking lot is actually just across the road from the caves.
The Moqui Caverns, a.k.a. Kanab Sand Caves, are conveniently located just 7 minutes outside of Kanab, right off Highway 89. Originally, the Moqui Caverns were created as a sand mine, but today they offer a fun, short adventure with nice views looking through the “windows” to the rocky, orange cliffs in the distance.
The name “Moqui” refers to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans (previously known as the Moqui Native Americans) who inhabited the area centuries ago.
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 you walk along to reach 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
Hike Stats
- Location | Off Highway 89
- Hiking distance | 0.5 miles (option to extend up to 1.8 miles)
- Elevation gain | 180 feet
- Total time | 15 to 30 minutes
- Epic-ness rating | 3
- Difficulty | Easy
- Fees | None
- Trailhead | Gravel road, typically accessible with any vehicle
- Distance from Kanab | 20 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.
Other things to do in and near Kanab
Looking for other things to do near Kanab? Below are a few great ways to spend your time in the area:
- Take a kayaking trip on the Colorado River to see the famous Horseshoe Bend from below!
- Visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, one of the country’s largest animal shelters that is home to cats, dogs, horses, birds, bunnies and more! You can schedule a tour of the facility or volunteer at the shelter.
- Rent ATVs and go off-roading in Coral Pink Sands. If hiking through thick sand doesn’t sound appealing, you can also explore the area with four wheels.
- Take a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. While it’s a bit further than Zion, Bryce Canyon is located about 1.5 hours from Kanab, making it manageable as a day trip.
- Go horseback riding. There are numerous options for horseback riding in the area around Kanab, including ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co and Kanab Western Adventures.
Packing list 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 Mini in case of emergency in areas without cell service and it gives us (and our parents) peace of mind.
- 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!
P.S. Check out our complete list of day hike essentials here:
Other Utah resources
Planning a road trip through Utah? Read more about a few of our favorite adventures in the area here:
- How to Plan an Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip
- Adventurous One Week Road Trip in Arizona and Southern Utah
- 10 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
- How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
- 16 Best Hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Snow Canyon Lava Tubes & Petrified Dunes
Questions about any of the best hikes near Kanab? Any hikes you think belong on this list? Drop us a comment below!
Save this article on Pinterest!
