With easy access to popular national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, as well as lesser-visited spots like Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, the Vermillion Cliffs, and Kodachrome Basin State Park, there is no shortage of incredible things to do in Kanab, Utah. Kanab makes an awesome home base for exploring some of the Southwest’s most unique landscapes in southern Utah and northern Arizona. We’re excited to share with you 16 ideas for the best things do during your stay in Kanab!

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Things to do in Kanab, Utah

Nestled among vibrant red rock cliffs, the small town of Kanab, Utah is the perfect home base for exploring some of the Southwest’s best national parks, iconic desert landscapes, and lesser-known hidden gems.

Within 1 hour of Kanab, you will find no shortage of fun things to do, like exploring the longest slot canyon in the world, hiking through otherworldly desert landscapes, relaxing on the shores of Lake Powell, watching the sunset over pink sand dunes, kayaking on the Colorado River, and so much more!

If you are looking to see some of Utah and Arizona’s classic landmarks, but you also like to escape the crowds and explore off the beaten path, make Kanab your home base in southern Utah!

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.

Read more about Kanab

Where to stay in Kanab

Although Kanab is a small town, you have plenty of options for where to stay. Here are a few ideas:

• Best Friends Roadhouse | Support the animals at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary AND stay in a beautiful, modern room or suite in the heart of Kanab? Sign us up!
• Kanab Suites | Recently renovated rooms at a reasonable price located in the center of Kanab.
• Canyons Boutique Hotel | A unique stay in a renovated Victorian house in Kanab with an outdoor pool and dog friendly rooms.
• Canyons Lodge | Rustic charm and modern amenities meet at this adorable lodge in Kanab . They have an outdoor pool even offer complimentary bike rentals!

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 & safety

Many of the best things to do in Kanab are located down rough dirt roads, including Buckskin Gulch, 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 visiting Kanab

Below are a few key things to know before you set out to explore 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 in many areas around 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. Purchase tickets in advance as cell service is not available at the trailhead.

16 Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah

Without further ado, below are 16 of our favorites things to do in Kanab, Utah:

• Kayak the Colorado River through Horseshoe Bend
• Hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos
• Take a day trip to Lake Powell
• Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
• Hike through the world’s largest slot canyon: Buckskin Gulch
• Visit Zion National Park
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
• Go on a backpacking trip through Paria Canyon
• Watch the sunset from Coral Pink Sand Dunes
• Explore Willis Creek Slot Canyon
• Visit the Moqui Caverns & Belly of the Dragon off Highway 89
• Take a tour of Antelope Canyon
• Try to score permits for the famous Wave
• Explore the otherworldly landscape of Coyote Buttes South
• Go horseback riding in Kodachrome Basin State Park
• Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Map of the best things to do in Kanab, Utah

The map below displays the location of each of the best things to do in Kanab, Utah 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. Kayak the Colorado River through Horseshoe Bend

Quick Stats

• Location | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Total distance | 16 miles one way (option to reduce distance to 10 miles by having the backhaul service drop you off just after Horseshoe Bend)
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty |Moderate
• Cost | $105 day trip, $140 overnight (including backhaul)
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 30 minutes
• Road conditions | Fully paved

Odds are you’ve either been to, heard of, or seen photos of Arizona’s famous Horseshoe Bend, a sharp turn in the Colorado River that carves a horseshoe shape into massive red cliffs. Located just 10 minutes from Page, Arizona the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint that looks down over the Colorado River is wildly popular and attracts hundreds of visitors per day. But did you know that you can escape the crowds and experience Horseshoe Bend by kayaking on the Colorado River?!

Kayaking through Horseshoe Bend is easily one of the best things to do in Kanab and a unique way to experience one of the Southwest’s most famous viewpoints! Horseshoe Bend is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona and may be accessed by boat via Lee’s Ferry, a boat launch about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kabab.

Kayaking Horseshoe Bend may be done as a day trip or a one-night camping trip, depending on how far you wish to kayak. In our opinion, kayaking the Colorado River as an overnight trip is the best option because you can take your time, soak in the beauty of the canyon, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of early morning on the river.

Find more information about planning an epic Horseshoe Bend kayaking trip here:

2. Hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos

Hike Stats

• Location | Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 150 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 6
• Difficulty | Easy
• Cost | Free
• Distance from Kanab | 40 minutes
• Road conditions | Gravel parking area of Highway 89 (accessible with 2WD)

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! The short hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos makes for a great quick thing to do in Kanab if you have just a few hours to kill. Read more about the hike here:

3. Take a day trip to Lake Powell

Quick Stats

• Location | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
• Epic-ness rating | 6
• Cost | $30 per vehicle entrance fee (covered with America the Beautiful Pass)
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour (to Wahweap Marina/Beach)
• Road conditions | Paved (to Wahweap Marina/Beach)

Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made lakes in North America, with a total shoreline of 1960 miles that took 17 years to fill! One of the best things to do in Kanab is to visit Lake Powell from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a huge protected area of land covering 1.25 million acres across Arizona and Utah.

The Wahweap Marina is located about an hour from Kanab and features stunning views of Lake Powell, a lodge and campground, and a nice beach area that makes a perfect spot to cool off and hang out for the afternoon.

Looking for more to do besides relaxing on the lakeshore and soaking in the area’s natural beauty? Below are a few more ways you can spend your time at Lake Powell:

• Kayaking | there are several companies that offer kayak rentals or tours of the surrounding waterways.
• Visit Rainbow Bridge | To get to Rainbow Bridge, there are two options – hike 14 miles (one way) or take a boat. The boat departs from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• Camp | There are multiple campsites, with fees that vary by site. Find more information here.

4. Volunteer at Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary

Kanab is well-known for its massive animal shelter, Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary, which provides homes for up to 1,600 animals, from dogs, cats, and bunnies to horses, pigs, birds, and other animals in need.

Based in Kanab, Best Friends has shelters and partner organizations across the country, with a shared mission to “save them all” and end the killing of animals in shelters by 2025.

If you’re looking for something to do in Kanab besides hiking, spend a couple hours volunteering or taking a tour of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! Who knows, you may just fall in love and find yourself with a new furry friend…

The Sanctuary is located just a few minutes out of town, and you must either volunteer or take a tour in order to visit. It’s best to sign up to volunteer or book a tour in advance of your visit.

In the town of Kanab, there is also an inn and coffeeshop, Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile, whose proceeds benefit the animals at the shelter. I

f you’re short on time, stop by the Mercantile and purchase a coffee or souvenir for your own pet back home (Fitzgerald rocks a Best Friends collar!).

5. Hike through the world’s longest slot canyon: 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
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Cost | Day use permit required, $6 per person
• Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
• Road conditions | AWD and high clearance recommended, possible with 2WD when conditions are dry

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, hiking through the stunning orange walls of Buckskin Gulch is one of the best things to do in Kanab.

The most popular way to access Buckskin Gulch is via a smaller slot canyon called Wire Pass. Hiking through Wire Pass is a great way to see two awesome Utah slot canyons in one hike, and provides the most direct access to Buckskin Gulch.

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.

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!

Read more about how to hike to Buckskin Gulch from Wire Pass here:

6. Visit Zion National Park

Quick Stats

• Cost | $35 per vehicle entrance fee or covered by the America the Beautiful Pass
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour
• Road conditions | Zion shuttle required to reach most trailheads

Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and the Great Basin, Zion National Park is one of the most unique and geologically-diverse places in the southwest.

The 15-mile Zion Canyon with sandstone walls that reach nearly 3000 feet tall was formed by the North Fork of the Virgin River. No trip to Kanab is complete without a visit to Zion National Park!

Zion National Park is the most popular of Utah’s “mighty five” national parks, receiving over 3.5 million visitors in 2020. Zion currently ranks as the fourth most visited park in the United States, which means many of the popular spots in the park are typically quite crowded. Despite the crowds, Zion National Park is beautiful.

There is no shortage of incredible hikes in Zion National Park, including:

• Angel’s Landing | 4.4 miles, 1600 feet of elevation gain
• Scout Lookout | 3.6 miles, 1100 feet of elevation gain
• The Narrows | 9 miles, 700 feet elevation gain (hiking up river through water)
• West Rim Trail | 15.5 miles, 4400 feet elevation gain (loop trail from the Grotto)
• Observation Point | 7 miles, 750 feet (via East Mesa Trail)

Read more about how to spend your time in Zion National Park:

7. Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Quick Stats

• Cost | $35 per vehicle entrance fee or covered by America the Beautiful Pass
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 25 minutes
• Road conditions | Paved

While many people may skip over Bryce Canyon in favor of its more popular neighbor, Zion National Park, this little park is without a doubt worth a visit while staying in Kanab!

Spanning just 35,000 acres, Bryce Canyon receives fewer than half as many visitors per year compared to Zion, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of desert wonders waiting for those who come to explore the park.

With every twist and turn through Bryce Canyon, you will feel like you’ve been transported into a magical land of whimsical clay sculptures and life-size drip castles!

The landscape in Bryce Canyon is dominated by its iconic hoodoos – tall, narrow rock formations that resemble sandcastles at the beach. These hoodoos formed over the course of thousands of years and can reach up to 200 feet high!

Although the park isn’t huge, there are several awesome hikes in Bryce Canyon, such as:

• Navajo Loop | 1.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain
• Rim Trail | 1.1 to 10.4 miles, mostly flat
• Peekaboo Loop | 5.2 miles, 1450 feet elevation gain
• Fairyland Loop | 7.8 miles, 1550 feet elevation gain
• Figure 8 Loop | 6.3 miles, 1600 feet elevation gain

Read more about some of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon here:

8. Go on a backpacking trip through Paria Canyon

Hike Stats (Whitehouse to Lee’s Ferry)

• Location | Paria Canyon – Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 40 miles
• Elevation gain | 900 feet
• Total time | 3 – 5 days
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Hard (involves hiking in sand and many river crossings)
• Cost | $9 reservation fee + $5 per person per day fee for backpacking, $6 per person day use fee
• Distance from Kanab | 45 minutes to Whitehouse Trailhead
• Road conditions | Dirt road, typically accessible with 2WD unless wet

Find this hike on AllTrails: White House Trail to Lee’s Ferry

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

However, 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 incredibly beautiful and backpacking the full 40 miles is absolutely one of the best things to do in Kanab. 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!

9. Watch the sunset from Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Hike Stats

• Location | Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Hiking distance | 1 mile
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 5
• Difficulty | Easy
• Cost | $10 state park day use fee
• Distance from Kanab | 27 minutes
• Road conditions | Paved

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. Pack a snack and cold drink and head out to Coral Pink Sands at sunset for one of the best things to do in Kanab during the evening!

10. Hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 3 miles (option to extend up to 6+ miles)
• Elevation gain | 200 feet
• Total time | 1 – 2 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 7
• Difficulty | Easy
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 45 minutes
• Road conditions | High clearance and AWD recommended, impassable when wet

Find this hike on AllTrails: Willis Creek Narrows

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is a fun, family-friendly hike and underrated slot canyon about 1 hour 45 minutes from Kanab. While most slot canyons in the area are known for their classic orange sandstone, Willis Creek is a bit different, with black and tan striped walls, making for a more unique experience.

As far as slot canyons go, Willis Creek Slot Canyon is fairly wide and the trail is relatively flat, making it easily accessible for all hikers and a perfect adventure for the whole family.

Although getting to Willis Creek from Kanab requires a longer drive than most things to do on this list, it’s worthwhile if you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore a lesser-known slot canyon.

To make the drive worthwhile, stop by Moqui Caverns on the way and visit nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park or Bryce Canyon National Park.

Read more about hiking Willis Creek Slot Canyon:

11. Explore the Moqui Caverns

Hike Stats

• Hiking distance | 0.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 100 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 4
• Difficulty | Easy
• Cost | None
• Distance from Kanab | 7 minutes
• Road conditions | Gravel parking area off Highway 89

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 things to do in 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).

12. Take a tour of Antelope Canyon

Quick Stats

• Location | near Page, AZ
• Hiking distance | 1/2 mile
• Elevation gain | Mostly flat
• Epic-ness rating | 9
• Difficulty | Easy
• Cost | $90 per person (must visit with a tour – book your tickets here)
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 10 minutes

The crown jewel of the American Southwest, taking a tour of the stunning Antelope Canyons is a must-do on any Kanab itinerary.

There are actually two Antelope Canyons near Page: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The two canyons are similar, with the key difference being that Upper Antelope Canyon sits at ground level, while Lower Antelope Canyon is below ground and requires you to descend into it.

Both canyons are worth seeing, but if you are on a budget (tickets aren’t cheap!) seeing one or the other will suffice, as they provide a similar experience.

In order to visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, you will have to take a tour – you cannot visit the canyons on your own. The entire tour lasts an hour and a half, with about 30 minutes inside the canyon.

• Please note that these tours often book up well in advance, particularly during peak season, so book your tour early!
• Antelope Canyon Tours operates on Arizona Time (even though the canyons are on Navajo land). Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings time, while Utah and Navajo Nation do, meaning there may be a time difference. Keep this in mind when planning your travel to Page! We were coming from the Grand Canyon the morning of our tour, and were quite confused when the clock on our phones kept changing!
• Bags of any kind are not allowed in the canyons or on your tour bus. Be prepared to leave everything except your phone and camera in the car.

13. Try to score permits for the famous Wave

Hike Stats

• Location | Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area
• Hiking distance | 6.7 miles
• Elevation gain | 1250 feet
• Epic-ness rating | 10
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Cost | Permits required, $9 lottery application fee (non-refundable) plus $7 per person permit fee if selected
• Distance from Kanab | 55 minutes
• Road conditions | 4WD high clearance recommended, possible with 2WD when conditions are dry

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 things to do 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.

13. Explore the otherworldly landscape of 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
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | Moderate to hard
• Cost | $9 permit fee + $5 per person use fee, $175-$200 per person with a tour
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 20 minutes
• Road conditions | 2WD possible to Lone Tree entrance, 4WD and high clearance required to reach Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove

If you weren’t able to get permits for the Wave, don’t fret! Because there’s an epic alternative right next door at 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, home to the Instagram-popular “Wave”, Coyote Buttes South gets much less attention. 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 Utah’s last few hidden gems, and is an awesome way to spend a day in Kanab.

14. Go horseback riding in Kodachrome Basin State Park

Quick Stats

• Cost | 1 hour rides for $54 per person or 2 hour rides for $75 per person (Kodachrome Trail Rides)
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 45 minutes
• Road conditions | Paved

If you’re looking to escape the National Park crowds and explore one of the more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Kanab, check out Kodachrome Basin State Park, located about 1 hour 45 minutes from Kanab.

The park is named for its colorful gradient of orange, pink and red sandstone, and features stunning views of the southeastern side of Bryce Canyon.

If your feet are aching from too much time spent hiking, give them a rest and explore the area by horseback! Kodachrome Basin State Park offers guided horseback rides along the Panorama Trail, one of the best hikes in the park with awesome views of the backside of Bryce Canyon.

Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

• Cost | $35 per vehicle entrance fee or covered by America the Beautiful Pass
• Distance from Kanab | 1 hour 40 minutes
• Road conditions | Paved

While the Grand Canyon’s South Rim receives 90% of the park’s visitors, the less popular North Rim is also worth a visit, and is conveniently only about a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Kanab!

The North Rim is significantly smaller than the South Rim and offers fewer hiking opportunities, but sees significantly fewer crowds making it easy to find solitude. For incredible views of an American classic from a quieter viewpoint, taking a day trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is certainly one of the best things to do in Kanab.

The North Rim is located at an elevation about 1000 feet higher than the South Rim, which means it gets significantly more snow. As such, the North Rim is typically only from mid-may through mid-October when the road is passable. Make sure to check current road conditions when planning your trip.

More Resources | Things to do in Kanab, Utah

Looking for more details about all the great things to do in Kanab, Utah? Check out the resources below:

• Kayaking Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River
• Complete Guide to Hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos
• Coyotes Buttes South: An Epic Alternative to the Wave
• 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

Questions about any of the best things to do in Kanab, Utah? Drop us a comment below!

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