A Dog Friendly Guide to Kanab Utah: Best Things to do in Kanab with Dogs

May 3, 2021

Looking for a getaway to the outdoors, but don’t want to leave your dog at home? Treat your dog to some of Southern Utah’s most colorful landscapes and scenic hiking trails. Kanab provides some of the best things to do in kanab with dogs including dog friendly activities that are guaranteed to keep your dog satisfied (and tired).

This guide is all about the best things to do in Kanab with dogs. It will help you find the best places to stay and the best places to explore with your dog.

Let’s Talk About How to get to Kanab Utah

Let me introduce you to the hidden gem that is Kanab. This cozy town of 4,300 is nestled right in the middle of some of the most stunning national parks in the Southwest. And trust me, it’s not just a great spot for summer vacays – Kanab is perfect to visit any time of year, especially with your dogs!

Plus, it’s practically neighbors with Arizona, bringing you sunshine even on the gloomiest of days. The western geologic scenery is truly majestic, from the pink cliffs and sand dunes to the volcanic craters and deep canyons. Kanab is definitely a feast for the eyes, and the consistently good weather just sweetens the deal.

Stay In One Of The Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Kanab

What’s better than a vacation with your furry friend? Nothing, really. And luckily for you, the pawsome town of Kanab is home to one of the absolute best dog-friendly hotels in the country. So why settle for anything less when you can treat your pup to the ultimate experience? Book your stay now!

Your New Obsession: Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is a newly remodeled pet-centric hotel that provides premier lodging for you and your dog. The best part about this hotel is that it’s run by Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit organization that’s all about saving animals and creating no-kill shelters. So, relax and enjoy your stay knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of animals all across the country.

You can rest easy in knowing that your stay at this hotel goes towards a very good cause.

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile has all the amenities you and your pet would want. Thoughtful details have been included in the design of this hotel with you and your pet in mind. Lodging includes a dog park complete with a splash pad for those warmer months, a station to wash your pets after a long day of exploring, and a cute shop filled with treats, toys, and souvenirs for you and your dog to take home.

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab (VIDEO)

Coolest Dog Friendly Glamping Paradise: Basecamp37

If you are looking for more of a glamping experience make sure to check out Basecamp37. Your dog will enjoy being so close to the outdoors while you enjoy the cozy accommodations this location has to offer. And who doesn’t love a good glamping spot??

Located just 8 miles east of Kanab you will find spacious tents filled with luxury-style beds and comfortable linens. The communal kitchen and bathrooms are pristine and far from feeling like communal spaces. You will find hammocks, fire pits and even a nice hot tub near the facilities, so make sure to take advantage.

My absolute favorite part about this location is that you are surrounded by the beautiful scenery of cliffs and can admire the spectacular views of the night sky.

The tents come with modern amenities like solar power banks in each tent that give you enough power to charge all of your devices while running lights inside. In the colder months you will find propane heaters to keep you warm.

There are only five tents at this location, which makes it feel very intimate and low-key. The perfect place to spot wildlife and the perfect place to watch the sun rise.

The Cutest Little Tour of BaseCamp37 (VIDEO)

Additional Dog Friendly Accommodations

Zion Wildflower Resort– Dogs under 25 lbs welcome for an additional fee.
Best Friends Cottages– This location is also operated by Best Friends Animal Society, and what makes this place stand out is that you get to stay on the grounds of this magical animal sanctuary overlooking the horse pastures. Make sure to reserve early, because they book up fast!
Canyons Boutique Hotel– This modern Victorian hotel provides a beautiful view of oak creek and the surrounding mountains. The restaurant located at this hotel is also highly reviewed!
Red Canyon Cabins– This place is located off of Hwy 89 on your way into Kanab. The rates are more than affordable and the cabins back up right into beautiful red rock cliffs. There is no official website associated with this location, but you can use Booking, Priceline, Hotels.com, or Expedia.

Take Your Dog To These Restaurants in Kanab

Kanab is basically a foodie paradise, and the best part? You don’t have to choose between hanging out with your pooch and stuffing your face. We’re talking restaurants that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, from fancy restaurants to food trucks that’ll make you weak in the knees. Trust me, after a day of exploring, nothing beats chowing down on some seriously tasty food. So get ready, because I’m about to serve up some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Kanab, Utah that’ll have you drooling in no time.

The Most Unforgettable Things To Do in Kanab With Dogs

Ready for some fun in Kanab with your four-legged friends? Get ready to unleash the adventure with my inside scoop on the coolest dog-friendly activities!

Whether you’re into hiking or sightseeing, we’ve got everything you need to make your trip pawsome. In Southern Utah’s adventure capital, there’s no shortage of awesome things to do, so let’s round up your pack and dive in! With these unmissable activities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time and tick off some major bucket list items. Here is a list of the best things to do in Kanab with your dogs.

Discover Kanab’s Best Dog Friendly Trails

Wander the Space like Toadstool Hoodoos Trail

Grab a leash and head over to the Toadstool Hoodoos trail. Your leashed dog will enjoy this hike just as much as you do as you hike past tall mushroom-shaped rocks and bleached ripple-like red rock formations.

This hike is suitable for all skill levels, but is best used when temperatures aren’t high due to the lack of shade. If you do hike this trail in the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your dog!

We visited this trail in March and were lucky enough to have this place practically to ourselves, but it’s normally very crowded so be mindful of that if your dog doesn’t do well in crowds.

TIP: Most people will stop at the first big hoodoos as the trail opens up, but if you stay left on the trail you will come across even more impressive hoodoos with an amazing view, so don’t miss out!

Visit Dog Friendly Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Your dog will definitely thank you for making a pit stop at this beautiful dog-friendly park. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located just 19 miles west of Kanab and is filled with the softest sand. It makes for the perfect playground for your dog.

The best part is that it only costs $10 to enter the park!

I would recommend checking the weather before you go because we went on a windy day in March and eyewear would have been helpful on day like this one. The weather didn’t stop us from having the best time!

The park does ask that you keep your dog on a leash, but we only removed the leash when we were far enough away from any crowds. Our dog was in heaven as he ran up and down the sand dunes.

Our cute dog couldn’t resist a power nap as soon as he hopped in the car, and who can blame him? This stunning area is definitely worth a stop! Trust us, your only regret will be not making a pit stop here!

Explore This Easy Road Trip Spot: Moqui Sand Caves

If your dog is getting anxious to get out of the car mid road trip I highly recommend making a pit stop at the Moqui Sand Caves! It is a quick detour and provides amazing views. This trail is not marked, but can be spotted off of Hwy 89 about 6 miles north of Kanab. There is a dirt lot on the west side of HWY 89 as you are heading north. You can easily spot the caves from the street.

You will need to climb some mildly steep terrain with your dog. If your dog is well behaved I would recommend having them scale this off-leash, as it makes it easier for the both of you as you make your way to the caves. Make sure to keep a close eye on your dog.!

Your dog will love you for letting them check out such a cool trail! You don’t want to miss out.

Stroll Dog Friendly Zion National Park Trail: Pa’rus Trail

This is a dog friendly trail located inside Zions National Park and is the only trail in the park that permits dogs. The trail is paved and is also popular among cyclists, so make sure to keep your dog on a leash. This trail provides very little shade, so I would avoid walking this trail mid-day. The asphalt can get very hot and burn the pads of your dogs’ paws, so please make sure to check the weather before you go.

Although it may not be the most scenic trail Zions National Park has to offer, you will find beautiful views of the cliffs alongside the Virgin River that flows next to the trail. And given that this is located in Zion National park, this may just be one of the best things to do “in Kanab” with dogs.

IMPORTANT TIP: Do not let your dog drink the water found in the Virgin River, as it was recently discovered it may contain toxic bacteria that can be fatal to you and your dog.

Additional T(r)ails

Diana’s Throne Slot Canyon- A slot canyon you can access with your dog without the use of canyoneering equipment.
Belly of the Dragon- If the name of this trail doesn’t pique your interest, then check out this post to see how amazing this place is!
Whiptail Trail– This paved trail is located inside Snow Canyon Park and provides spectacular views of the park and wildflowers.
Scout Cave Trail– Another great trail located inside Snow Canyon Park. The best part about this trail is that it leads to a cave.
Red Canyon– This is a great alternative to Bryce Canyon, as it allows you to bring your dog and still provides incredible views!