Driving into Kanab, Utah you go an indication that claims “Best Earth on Present”. The primary time I noticed that signal, I keep in mind considering how daring of an announcement it was even for Southern Utah, which has among the most unbelievable landscapes on this planet.
Seems, that signal was proper, or a minimum of I believed so!
Kanab sits on the Arizona border in Southwestern Utah and is the gateway to quite a few outside adventures. From slot canyon hikes to Nationwide Park visits to scenic drives and extra, Kanab is a must-visit for anybody trying to expertise among the most stunning landscapes within the southwest.
With a lot to see and do, although, it’s simple to get overwhelmed by the choices. On this information, I’m going over one of the best issues to do in Kanab, Utah so you possibly can profit from your go to.
Vital Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with bathroom paper) and following the established guidelines. Within the desert, this additionally means studying learn how to defend cryptobiotic soil and the way it has a big impact on our ecosystems.
1. Go to a Nationwide Park
Utah is house to 5 Nationwide Parks, three of that are lower than two hours from Kanab, making it an awesome base camp for a Utah Nationwide Park highway journey.
Every park provides a singular expertise. You possibly can hike by means of Bryce’s hoodoos, ponder your mortality on the best way as much as Angel’s Touchdown, or howl into the Grand Canyon, all on the identical journey.
2. Discover the Nationwide Monuments
Don’t get me fallacious, I really like our Nationwide Parks however the Monuments are actually my favourite.
America’s Nationwide Monuments span tens of millions of acres and have unbelievable mesas, buttes, and canyons with seemingly limitless dust roads and only a few individuals.
For me, that’s what Southern Utah is all about.
Kanab has 5 Nationwide Monuments close by:
For my part, these Monuments are one of the best locations to discover the wild landscapes round Kanab.
If you happen to actually need to get off the grid, I extremely advocate a one-way backpacking journey by means of Paria Canyon. Kristen (BFT’s Founder) spent 4 days on this canyon and says it is likely one of the greatest backpacking journeys she’s ever performed. If you happen to’re intrigued by this, take a look at these desert backpacking ideas to see what mountain climbing in an space like this takes.
3. Drop Right into a Slot Canyon
If you happen to solely have a day or two to discover Kanab, I extremely advocate testing among the slot canyons.
The slot canyons round Kanab are probably the most particular a part of this space and supply a really distinctive expertise.
If you happen to don’t have a lot time, Peek-a-Boo Canyon (to not be mistaken with Peek-a-Boo Canyon close to the city of Escalante) is a superb possibility and might simply be reached from city. Regardless of being very shut, although, it is likely one of the least accessible canyons round and I don’t recommend attempting to drive on the market except you will have a really succesful car and have expertise driving in deep sand. If that doesn’t describe you, there are many information outfits on the town that may carry you on the market.
If in case you have some extra time (and don’t thoughts spending a little bit of time within the automobile to get there), you possibly can take a look at the Cottonwood Narrows, Lick Wash, or Hackberry Canyon – all of that are simple hikes with nice surroundings and could be accessed by most vehicles so long as it hasn’t rained not too long ago.
There are tons of, if not 1000’s of canyons outdoors of Kanab which makes choosing a favourite practically unimaginable however, if I had to decide on, it might in all probability be Buckskin Gulch.
Buckskin is likely one of the longest and deepest canyons on this planet and is most frequently accessed from the Wirepass Trailhead. What I really like about Buckskin is how numerous it’s geologically. Each quarter mile or so, you are feeling such as you’re in a brand new canyon because the partitions round change coloration and form. As a result of reputation of this canyon, don’t anticipate to have this path to your self.
A notice on security: at all times verify the climate when heading right into a canyon. Flash floods are fast, terrifying, and lethal. As a basic rule of thumb, if there’s an opportunity of rain simply keep out of the canyons.
4. Hike The Wave
The Wave is likely one of the most well-known (and hardest to go to) locations close to Kanab, Utah. It’s a geological formation with wavy sandstone striations that truly make it appear like a wave.
A allow is required to hike right here, and it may well take years to lastly win a coveted ticket.
If you happen to handle to land a allow, nevertheless, The Wave is a really magical sight to see. You possibly can be taught extra about what to anticipate and allow ideas in our Mountaineering The Wave Path Information.
5. Go to White Pocket
Much less well-known and and a superb various to the Wave, White Pocket is a group of sandstone options in The Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument about two hours outdoors of Kanab.
Strolling round White Pocket, it’s simple to neglect that you just’re nonetheless on Earth.
Although it doesn’t require a allow, it does require 4-wheel drive to entry so you could want some assist getting there.
E-book a White Pocket Mountaineering Tour
6. Spend a day at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is situated about thirty minutes west of Kanab and it’s an intriguing place to spend a day or two.
The sand dunes are always shifting and might transfer over 50ft a 12 months.
This park may be very in style with OHV lovers, but when that’s not your factor, it’s also possible to discover mountain climbing, nice outside images alternatives, sand boarding, and extra.
7. Go to Coyote Buttes South
Those that aren’t fortunate sufficient to win a Wave allow sometimes head to Coyote Buttes South. This space additionally requires a allow, however it’s a lot simpler to accumulate than The Wave.
Coyote Buttes South provides an extremely distinctive assortment of formations together with cute little rock bubbles to oddly mangled towers.
There are many nice hikes across the Coyote Buttes South space, however my favourite is out to Cottonwood Teepees Viewpoint. It’s a shocking 6.6-mile hike with unbelievable views, a distant really feel, and tremendous cool rock formations.
8. Swim or Paddle on Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a desert dream with a number of hundred sq. miles of water that snakes by means of what was once Glenn Canyon, some of the distinctive canyons on this planet.
On the lake, you possibly can lease kayaks and paddleboards in addition to jet skis and pontoon boats, relying on how briskly you wish to go on the water.
The lake is especially gratifying through the scorching summer season months when mountain climbing within the desert will not be suggested.
The shore of the lake additionally has an unbelievable quantity of dispersed tenting choices. If you happen to’re in search of an in a single day journey and don’t thoughts a little bit of logistical planning, take a look at this in a single day kayak journey to Labyrith Canyon on Lake Powell.
9. Make Some 4-legged Mates at Finest Mates Animal Sanctuary
Finest Mates Animal Sanctuary is house to 1600 rescued animals of all styles and sizes and is the biggest sanctuary for homeless animals within the nation.
Although they’ve amenities and companions throughout the U.S., the sanctuary is on the middle of their operations and Kanab is their house.
If you happen to love puppies, kittens, and different lovable furry mates, take a tour of the sanctuary or donate a few of your time by volunteering. It’s a singular expertise that solely Kanab can supply.
10. Take a Scenic Drive
If you happen to don’t really feel like mountain climbing however nonetheless need to see the realm, then taking a scenic drive is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Kanab.
Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop
The Cottonwood Street Loop is an outstanding drive by means of Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument and has loads of locations to cease and have a look round.
You are able to do it as a 187-mile loop from Kanab or do it as a method to get to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park or Kodachrome Basin (one in every of Utah’s greatest state parks) if that’s the place your highway journey is taking you.
Highlights alongside the Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop embody:
- Grosvenor Arch
- Kodachrome Basin State Park, which has an awesome campground
- A lot of nice mountain climbing choices
Lees Ferry & Web page, Arizona Loop
One other loop that I wish to take is out to Lees Ferry and Web page, Arizona. Begin by taking 89 south out of Kanab, up and over the Kaibab plateau, and down in direction of Lees Ferry which is likely one of the few locations round the place you possibly can simply entry the Colorado River.
There’s additionally a colony of California condors that may be considered from the previous Navajo bridge simply outdoors the doorway to Lee’s Ferry.
Alongside your route, you’ll go the Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon, that are positive to blow your thoughts a bit.
After Lee’s Ferry, you possibly can proceed on towards Web page, Arizona (the place you possibly can simply spend a few days too!), after which take 89 West again to Kanab.
11. Seize a Chew to Eat
After a protracted day of mountain climbing across the desert, few issues are as satisfying as an awesome meal that you just didn’t should cook dinner for your self.
Whereas many small desert cities have an awesome eatery or two, Kanab has fairly a number of nice choices for any palette.
Listed here are a number of of my favourite locations to eat round Kanab:
Willow Canyon
Willow Canyon is my favourite place on the town to get espresso. Equal elements cafe, bookstore, and equipment store, Willow has an awesome choice of books concerning the space, all the gear you may want for adventuring, and a always evolving menu of scrumptious lattes.
Rocking V
Rocking V is the place I’m going if I need a burger and a beer. Easy and informal, the menu has loads of choices for any choice.
Peekaboo Canyon Wooden Fired Kitchen
Peekaboo is owned and operated by Finest Mates Animal Society, which is why they’ve an solely vegetarian menu.
Generally the one factor your physique needs is pizza and in these moments I head to Peekaboo.
That being mentioned, in addition they have an awesome choice of entrees for many who will not be pizza individuals.
Kanab Creek Bakery
Kanab Creek Bakery is the place to go if you would like contemporary bread or have a candy tooth. They provide an early breakfast menu when many locations on the town don’t. Positively don’t miss this one.
Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant
Escobars is a Kanab traditional, one thing that’s apparent in the event you go by on Sunday and see the road out the door.
A traditional native Mexican joint, the menu is ideal for the weary hiker who wants a hefty meal. What do I get? Tacos, Clearly.
Vermillion 45
Vermillion 45 is a French bistro with loads of choices for any palette. I personally love any and all of their pasta dishes. The gnocchi will get me each time. Be sure you seize a reservation in the event you’re planning on consuming right here as tables can go shortly.
Sego
After I’m doing information work, I persistently have purchasers who rave about Sego. Rated as top-of-the-line eating places in Utah, Sego provides a singular culinary expertise that rivals that of many larger metropolis eating places.
A novel mixture of flavors and contemporary substances, the menu has influences from all around the globe. Seize a reservation for this one as properly.
Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme is the place I ship of us who respect vegetarian choices that aren’t pizza-related.
The restaurant has an informal vibe and grows its personal produce in a number of natural gardens that it runs. I’m an enormous fan of their bowls.
Large Al’s
Each city wants a burger joint and in Kanab, it’s Large Al’s. A traditional drive-thru spot, Al’s provides easy and scrumptious burgers at quick meals costs however with significantly better meals.
I’m a sucker for a superb French fry and have been identified to eat a number of too many because of Al’s fry sauce. Sorry, not sorry.
The place to remain in Kanab
- Finest Mates Roadhouse and Mercantile – pet pleasant!
- Canyon’s Boutique Resort – house to Sego’s restaurant
- Grand Circle Lodge – a quaint B&B set in a comfortable 1921 house
- Kanab Suites – good costs and cute rooms
Kanab Journey Suggestions
Have Too A lot Water, At all times.
I don’t know if you already know this however the desert is a harsh place. It’s very easy to underestimate the desert which is why my largest tip is to at all times carry further water.
You by no means know what’s gonna occur, you may get rotated within the canyon or get your automobile caught on some anonymous dust highway. You possibly can survive for fairly some time with out meals but when you end up stranded in the summertime warmth with out water your well being will diminish in a short time.
As a part of your highway journey necessities, have an emergency stash of a minimum of 2 gallons per individual in a water container like this, and don’t crack into it except it’s an emergency.
Be Further Vigilant When Going Off-Pavement
As I discussed earlier than, the desert round Kanab may be very sandy and infrequently muddy after rain. After I say muddy, I imply it’s a bit of sloppy, I imply the clay roads flip to soup and also you’ll bury your automobile nearly a foot deep.
Take your time when not driving on pavement and at all times get out to verify on the highway you’re unsure about, particularly in the event you don’t have off-road expertise.
Ask a Native
Kanab residents are a really type and pleasant bunch and are normally more than pleased to speak concerning the house that they love a lot.
If you happen to’re in search of suggestions, whether or not it’s for a meal or a day hike, don’t be afraid to ask a neighborhood what they’d do. Chances are high they may give you some details about one thing that you just wouldn’t discover in any other case, and people are at all times one of the best experiences to have.
Do Your Analysis
The world round Kanab is a tapestry of public lands managed by a number of totally different land administration organizations.
The foundations and rules for the locations that you just go to can change in a short time in a brief distance so it’s good to know what they’re.
The Nationwide Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Administration are all very pleasant of us whose job is to ensure the general public can take pleasure in themselves whereas respecting the desert.
They’re all more than pleased to provide the rundown concerning the space and provide you with suggestions in your itinerary.
Additionally, as I discussed earlier, most of the sights round Kanab require permits. Having an concept of what these are, how exhausting it’s to get a allow, and while you would wish to get one, will prevent quite a lot of complications while you arrive.
Put on the Acceptable Garments
The desert generally is a harsh place, so along with bringing further water, be sure you put on desert-appropriate garments like a solar hat and lengthy sleeves.
Have Enjoyable
In any other case, what’s the purpose?
Attending to Kanab, Utah
The closest worldwide airport to Kanab is Las Vegas, which is a 3-hour drive to the west, making Kanab an awesome road journey vacation spot.
Kanab can be about:
- 1 hour from Web page, Arizona
- 5 hours south of Salt Lake Metropolis
- 3.5 hours north of Flagstaff
- 3.25 hours northwest of Las Vegas
As a seasoned highway journey addict, I can inform you in good religion that every of those drives is exceptionally stunning.
Public transportation in Kanab is virtually non-existent so, in the event you don’t reside inside driving distance, you’ll must lease a automobile.
If you’re going to lease a automobile, I’d advocate one thing with both 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Belief me on this one, Southwest Utah is a really sandy place and infrequently muddy place. It’s simple to get caught earlier than you understand what’s taking place, even simply pulling over off the freeway.
Finest Time to Go to Kanab, Utah
As with most desert places, the climate in southern Utah generally is a lesson in extremes, with summer season days frequently within the low tons of and winter nights dipping into the low teenagers.
Spring and fall
Visiting Kanab is hottest through the spring and fall when it’s not fairly as scorching as summer season but in addition not fully frozen at night time.
If you happen to’re a fair-weather traveler, spring and fall are one of the best occasions to go to Kanab and the encircling space, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in all the dispersed tenting within the space.
Winter
If you happen to’re a weirdo like me, nevertheless, perhaps you’ll agree with my unpopular opinion that winter in Southern Utah is wonderful.
It’s no secret that Nationwide Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are getting busier 12 months after 12 months which might make visiting them a problem in the event you’re attempting to keep away from crowds.
If you happen to’re attempting to get outdoors with out coping with the crowds, winter is your greatest wager. Positive, it’s a bit chilly generally however, for probably the most half, it’s bearable in the event you discover ways to layer.
Moreover, permits for sights like The Wave or The Narrows in Zion are a lot simpler to get when there aren’t 1,000,000 individuals on the town making use of for them. The draw back of visiting within the winter is that most of the native companies are seasonal and closed for the winter, which generally is a bummer.
Lastly, I’ve met loads of individuals who have traveled fairly the gap to Kanab solely to search out out they couldn’t get permits or shuttle tickets, successfully ruining their journey. So be sure you do your analysis concerning the permits and rules on the locations you plan to go to.
In search of extra nice issues to do within the Southwest? Try these weblog posts to begin planning your highway journey:
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Have you ever been to Kanab, Utah or are you planning a visit? Tell us within the feedback!
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