Most people overlook this charming town as they drive through, but Kanab and its surrounding area have so many beautiful things to offer. This town is perfectly situated amongst some of southern Utah’s best-kept secrets and offers the perfect backdrop for your next photoshoot. Make sure to take out your camera and get ready to fill it with fabulous photos of you striking a pose in front of the 5 best things to do in Kanab, Utah.
This guide is all about the 5 most unforgettable things to do in Kanab Utah. And while you’re here, stick around until the end to grab my printable Kanab travel guide.
So Where is Kanab Utah Anyways?
This charming town of 4,300 sits smack dab in the middle of some of the most breathtaking national parks in the southwest. It’s a vacationer’s dream come true, no matter what the season. Kanab is only 7 miles from the ever-sunny state of Arizona. Surrounded by a stunning range of western geologic scenery, from pink cliffs and sand dunes to volcanic craters and deep canyons, Kanab is truly a feast for the eyes. With such consistently good weather, it’s no wonder this area is so popular with visitors!
Want to know what the weather in Kanab looks like?
In Kanab, you better be prepared for the heat of the summer and the chill of the winter! It’s hot, dry, and clear in the summer and cold, snowy, and cloudy in the winter. The temperature usually jumps from a frigid 22°F all the way to a fiery 92°F. Don’t worry, you won’t have to deal with anything below 10°F or above 99°F, so there’s no need to pack your parka or swim trunks. Stay cool or warm and enjoy the ever-changing weather in Kanab!
How many days do you need in Kanab?
If you’ve got one day to spare in Kanab, Utah, fear not! You can definitely hit up some quick spots along with a major tourist attraction or two. But if you can spare two whole days, then buckle up because you’re in for a real treat! You’ll have enough time to check off all the must-sees on both sides of town. Now, if you really want to make the most out of your trip, make it a 3-day extravaganza! You can explore some amazing trails or even join a 4×4 tour and so much more.
Kanab Utah Hotels Worth Staying At
Who doesn’t love a comfortable hotel room after a long day of exploring? And trust me, you will need it after you learn more about some of the most amazing things to do in Kanab. And I’ve got just the list to make all your hotel dreams come true.
Restaurants in Kanab That Will Make You Drool
Kanab is a treasure trove filled with great dining spots that will have you savoring every last bite. From five star restaurants to food trucks that’ll knock your socks off, this place has it all! After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than with a plate full of delicious food. I can’t wait to dish out some of the tastiest spots in Kanab, Utah you don’t want to miss:
Best Things to do in Kanab
I’ve got the inside scoop on all the top attractions that make Kanab the go-to destination. From hiking to sightseeing, this list has it all! So, fasten your seatbelts and join me on this exciting journey through Southern Utah’s adventure capital. Get ready to experience some serious fun and check off your bucket list with these unmissable activities. Here are the best things to do in Kanab.
1. Explore the Otherworldly Toadstool HooDoos Trail
Get ready to land on Mars! You simply can’t miss this otherworldly trail located east of Kanab, Utah. Take a peek at the map here, so that you don’t miss the trailhead! The 1.8-mile hike is like stepping into a sci-fi movie, with stunning red rock formations surrounding you at every turn. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the beauty of this picturesque place, which looks straight out of Hollywood. Don’t miss out on the chance to take a stroll on Martian soil – or rather, Utah’s unique geological wonders!
This is the most recognizable spot on Instagram, and for good reason! The rock spire pictured is a toadstool formation. These mushroom-like rocks are formed over millions of years through erosion.
There is no shortage of perfect Instagram backdrops here, so make sure to wander around and fill that camera roll. TIP: If you want to avoid crowds make sure to go early in the morning or towards the end of the day. This is a VERY popular trail.
2. Visit Moqui Sand Caves and the Moqui Cave Museum
Next stop is the Moqui Caverns located 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah off highway 89. You can find this hike under ‘Sand Caves’ on AllTrails here. This place has become quite popular on Instagram recently, and when you visit you will see why!
The caves are located on the east side of the road just south of the Moqui Cave Museum. There is no fee to hike to the caves, but for easier accessibility park in the small dirt lot found directly across from the caves. There is no trail marker, but you can easily spot the caves from the road.
Welcome to the one of the most impressive caverns in Utah! With multiple rooms and mind-blowing windows that look out into the beautiful red rock formations. And hey, on a scorching summer day, the cool cave atmosphere will be a refreshing escape from the heat.
Looking for a place to nerd out on prehistoric creatures and Native American artifacts? Look no further than Moqui Cave! This natural history museum boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur tracks and unique fluorescent rocks and minerals from around the world. Plus, with a parking lot big enough for even the biggest RVs and buses, getting there is a breeze. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the stunning exterior – you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem!
3. Go Sandboarding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
This beautiful state park is so underrated and often overlooked, but it’s less than 30 minutes west of Kanab. Most people drive right past it as they are heading north towards Zions National Park. What makes this park so unique is the rolling hills of pink-hue sand against the amazing backdrop of the red sandstone cliffs. It makes for the perfect pit-stop, especially since admission is only $10!
What makes this park so unique is the rolling hills of pink-hue sand against the amazing backdrop of the red sandstone cliffs. It makes for the perfect pit-stop, especially since admission is only $10!
This state park still remains widely less popular than some of the other parks and landmarks nearby, which makes it an ideal park to explore and catch some perfect Instagram photos without all the crowds!
If you want to make your visit extra special, make sure to rent a sand-board when purchasing a day pass at the entrance. We visited in late March and this particular day was extra windy, which made it too difficult to sled down these hills without proper eyewear.
I would recommend visiting this site to check weather conditions before your visit.
4. Take A Cute Little Journey Through Belly of the Dragon
A hidden tunnel found under the highway that is easy to miss, but definitely worth the stop! This place is just 16 miles north of Kanab under Highway 89. More on this trail can be found here.
Hiking not your thing? Don’t sweat it, because this one is easy. This means you can pull off your cute look for Instagram without all the sweat! Just a short detour from your road trip to explore this incredible cave. Get there early if you want to get some photos without the crowds.
This tunnel is manmade and was created with the intent to help with flooding. Over time drainage from the upper canyon has carved these sandstone walls and created a ripple-like appearance throughout the cave.
Once you are through the other side of the tunnel and have some extra time, make sure to explore the beautiful little canyon. If you walk another 4 miles you will discover a slot canyon.
5. Wander the Hidden Diana’s Thrones Slot Canyon
If you are looking for a much less crowded slot canyon near Kanab, the Diana’s Thrones slot canyon trail is a must-see! This trail provides stunning views of mother nature’s craftsmanship.
The hike starts out in a sandy wash and follows a UTV trail, but after 1 mile you descend into a slot canyon. As you venture further into the canyon it becomes more narrow and the canyon walls become taller, and eventually you reach a place where canyoneering equipment is required. At that point we decided to back-track and conclude our hike.
TIP: This trail is a loop and you need to go counter-clockwise to avoid the section where rock climbing is required.
Additional Hot Spots in Kanab
- Heritage House Museum– If you’re anything like me you love the charm of victorian homes and this beautifully preserved house definitely fits the bill.
- Little Hollywood Land– Channel your inner movie star and make a pit stop here to explore some old western movie sets. Best part is it’s free!
- Nature’s Showcase– The exterior of this building is just as cute as the inside. You will find a wonderful selection of pretty sand stone pieces.
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary– A wonderful place for animal lovers to go and visit. The grounds are beautiful and there are so many opportunities to interact with these animals.
- Downtown Kanab– Take some time to walk around downtown to see all the cute local shops and historical murals.
Make sure to include Kanab on your next road trip through Southern Utah, I promise you won’t regret visiting this magical little town especially when you have a camera roll filled with so many Instagram-worthy photos!
Before you leave, make sure to snag your free Kanab itinerary below!
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