Are you looking for a place that will give you a chance to cross out many things on your bucket list?
If yes, Kanab, Utah, is the answer!
Located at Kane County, Utah, Kanab is dubbed as “Little Hollywood” for its filmmaking history.
But Kanab’s uniqueness does not end there.
It is also home to many natural recreational areas with breathtaking sceneries.
If you are a fan of hiking and other extreme activities, this place will surely surprise you.
Kanab will also give you the best scenic backgrounds that will spice up your Instagram feed.
Bring your bucket list and get ready for an adventure in Kanab, Utah.
Here are the 17 best things you can do on your Kanab trip.
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Buckskin Gulch is regarded as one of the longest slot canyons in the whole world.
With its dramatic and jaw-dropping continuous slot that runs for about 15 miles, there is no doubt that most people consider it as their all-time favorite hike.
Although Buckskin Gulch looks like a dangerous hike, it is actually simple.
You can go for a day hike or an overnight backpacking adventure.
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If you are traveling with your family or your friends, take note that the group size for this hike is limited to 10.
Another good news is you can also bring your dogs with you.
To try this once-in-a-lifetime hike, you must acquire a permit for day hiking and backpacking.
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Kanab is filled with unique destinations with interesting names.
A great example of that is Belly of the Dragon.
If you are looking for a quick and easy hike where you can bring your family, Belly of the Dragon is the answer.
Located 16 miles north of Kanab, Belly of the Dragon features a tunnel that goes under the highway.
It may have a scary name, but this place will surprise you with majestic views of a little slot canyon at the end of the tunnel.
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With the tunnel’s beautiful structure, you might think that this is a natural cave, but it is actually man-made!
It was originally built to divert the water under the highway.
This is why it is more advisable to visit Belly of the Dragon on a sunny day.
Belly of the Dragon may not be a natural cave, but there is no doubt that it is naturally breathtaking.
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Kanab is home to another world-class hiking destination – The Wave.
With its unique sandstone formations, this place will surely provide you with a rewarding view after a long hike.
However, to protect its beauty, they made sure that visiting this place would not be as easy as one-two-three.
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You need to try your luck and win The Wave’s lottery to have a permit.
Applications for permits are open from 8:30 am to 9:00 am only.
These applications are scheduled for the next day.
Only 16 people or four groups can win the lottery.
If you are one of this lucky 16, make the most out of your The-Wave experience.
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If you are looking for the perfect place to face your fear of heights, why not try Kanab’s Via Ferrata?
Translated as “iron path,” a Via Ferrata refers to using ladders, metal rungs, or fixed safety wires for easier and safer hiking or rock-climbing experience.
At Kanab’s Via Ferrata, you can enjoy this extreme activity with the assurance that your safety will be the number one priority.
They offer an “Up and Down Experience” from the base of Cave Lakes Canyon up to the canyon wall.
The great thing about this adventure is you do not need to have climbing experiences, you just simply need the heart and the confidence to do it.
You can even bring kids ages 8 and above with you!
Once you have reached the top, you will instantly feel fulfilled and rewarded with the picturesque landscape.
Thrilling yet smooth and easy – this ideal adventure is at Kanab’s Via Ferrata.
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Not so far away from Kanab’s Via Ferrata, you can find the historic Moqui Cave.
Inside this cave, you will adore an ancient history museum that presents Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and a wide collection of fluorescent minerals.
Most people visit Moqui Cave for these amazing fluorescent minerals that give the cave an extra aesthetic vibe because of the natural glow and bright colors.
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Aside from the museum’s beauty, you will also admire its perfect structure from the outside.
If you want to get to know more of Utah’s history while admiring the majestic landscape, exploring Moqui Cave is a must.
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Make the most out of your trip to Moqui Cave by trying The Cave Café.
Just outside Moqui Cave, you will find this top-rated food truck serving fresh and healthy food and smoothies.
Among their bestsellers is the Moqui Bowl, an acai-based bowl with peanut butter, granola, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, cinnamon, and honey drizzle.
You will also crave their sandwiches, especially their Southwest Turkey Club.
The Cave Café will make your Moqui Cave trip more legendary.
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Covering about one million acres of America’s public land, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is divided into three units – Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon.
True to its name, expect something grand once you visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
There are different driving routes and hiking trails you can try to explore the natural wonders of this place like monoliths, natural bridges, slot canyons, and many more.
With Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument’s extraordinary beauty, you can take exceptional photos to level up your Instagram photos.
You can also capture the beautiful collection of natural wonders to use as your own screen wallpaper.
After all the fun-filled nature adventure, you deserve a treat!
Kanab’s top-rated restaurant awaits you.
Located in the Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites, Peakaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Grill serves a wide variety of dishes, such as salads, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and many more.
They also offer beers, wines, and spirits that will match their mouthwatering dishes.
Aside from the amazing food, Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Grill is also commended for its remarkable customer service.
If you are going to dine here after a long exhausting hike, you won’t be disappointed because the staff will accommodate you right away!
Good service and even greater food, are guaranteed at Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Grill.
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Another way to further explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is to hike Toadstool Hoodoos.
Toadstool Hoodoos earned such a name because of its mushroom-like rock formations.
There are two trails you can take if you want to see these hoodoos.
The first one starts at the entrance of the trail along Highway 89 and runs for about less than half an hour.
This trail is quick and simple, covering less than 2 miles back and forth.
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The other trail is the less popular one.
Starting at the Paria Contract station, this trail is shorter than the first one.
But since these trails are not really hard to hike, you can try to go on both trails.
These trails will give you a clear and flawless view of the Toadstool Hoodoos.
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Another restaurant Kanab is certainly proud of is Rocking V Café.
This restaurant will provide you with as many options as you would like.
They have casual and fine dining; vegetarian to vegan; they even have gluten-free dishes!
Rocking V Café also offers a good place surrounded by music and art for you to enjoy your food more.
They may not have a WiFi connection, but they have an explanation for that.
As per their website, Rocking V Café wants you to exhale, chill, and enjoy your dining experience.
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Located just southeast of Zion National Park, you can find the world-famous Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Popular for its pink sand dunes that were formed due to the pink Navajo Sandstone’s erosion, this park is one of Kanab’s most treasured attractions.
Aside from the beautiful view of 3,730 acre-field covered by pink sand dunes, this State Park still has a lot more to offer.
If you want a closer experience of the pink sand dunes, you can try sledding.
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If you have a sled of your own, you can bring them to the park; otherwise, you can rent one at the visitor’s center.
You can also show off your sandboarding skills in this State Park!
If you do not like falling over the pink sand dunes, you can also try riding OHVs.
With this, you will experience driving around 1,200 acres of pink sand dunes.
With these activities you can try, your Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park will definitely be a memorable one.
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Now that you have explored sand dunes, caves, slot canyons, etc., it is now time for a water adventure!
With its perfect structure, Lake Powell fits perfectly into the natural landscape.
But like Belly of the Dragon, this lake is also man-made!
There is a long list of activities you can try here in Lake Powell.
You will surely enjoy swimming around Lake Powell because of its warm water and perfect weather.
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Visitors can swim anywhere around Lake Powell, except the marinas.
The lake’s perfect shape is also fit for water activities, like wakeboarding and waterskiing.
If you want a chill overnight stay along the lake, you can also rent Lake Powell’s houseboats.
These houseboats are divided into three classifications: economy, deluxe, and luxury houseboats.
Despite its classy and luxurious ambiance, Lake Powell is one of the most affordable destinations you can find in Kanab.
Relaxation and fun – you can find these two at Lake Powell.
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Kanab earned its nickname ‘Little Hollywood’ for its interesting history in filmmaking.
Since Kanab became a primary location for films during the 1920s, you can find a lot of plaques dedicated to people who played vital roles in the film industry.
If your priority for your Kanab trip is taking spectacular photos, this place will make that happen.
Strike a pose beside the old movie sets and you will instantly get that movie vibe for your photos.
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Home to around 1,600 rescued animals, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a popular destination for animal lovers.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary provides its amazing service to dogs, cats, horses, pigs, bunnies, and any other animals who need safety, care, and comfort.
You can make your trip more valuable ad heartwarming by giving this sanctuary a visit.
There are some activities you can try on your visit like attending a tour or volunteering on your visit.
You can also explore the sanctuary on your own.
On your Kanab trip, you can be a loving best friend.
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Before going on hikes, sand dune adventures, and water fun, why not stop over for a quick breakfast at Kanab Creek Bakery?
Just a few minutes away from Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Grill, this European-style bakery is famous for its breakfast burrito, artisan bread, and other baked goodies.
If you are in a rush, you can just order for taking out but if you still have some time to spare, it would be nice to enjoy their freshly made meals with their desserts on the patio.
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Also known as the Jewel of Kanab, the Kanab Heritage House Museum lets you discover the colorful traditions and customs of southern Utah.
The museum is housed in an 1894 Queen-style Victorian home built by Henry Bowman, located on South Main Street.
You’ll expect to see many displays that present Kanab’s past and its people.
Join a half-hour guided tour and learn about trivia and the history that makes Kanab’s heritage unique.
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You’ll travel back in time as you see various antique furnishings and objects from different periods inside the museum.
Check out every room and discover the stories behind the displays.
You can also sign up for different demonstrations available throughout the year.
End your tour by strolling around Kanab Heritage House Museum’s lovely gardens.
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One of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument’s visitor centers, you need to drop by The Kanab Visitor Center while you’re in the area.
You’ll find this attraction within the Paria River District, on East Highway 89.
Browse through the displays that highlight the geological and archaeological history of the Monument.
Take a look at the cross-section mural, a model of the monument, and various archeological exhibits.
Center staff will be there to accommodate you on your visit and answer your questions.
You can also browse through The Kanab Visitor Center’s bookstore.
A visit to Raven’s Heart Gallery in West Center Street will bring out your love for the arts.
The gallery features original works by local established and emerging regional artists and guest artists.
Owned by Photographer Gary Kalpakoff and Artist Cyrus Mejia, the gallery stands for inspiring compassion, kindness, and respect for life and is well-represented by every artisan’s work in various media.
Catch market events, gallery shows, artist talks, and various workshops for art makers and enthusiasts.
Drop by on the First Friday and meet two featured artists with their live demos.
You’ll get to meet artists of Raven’s Heart Gallery, including Gail Alger, Willamarie Huelskamp, Joshua Baird, and Nick Blaisdell, among others.
The RedStone Theater has been around since 1934, providing years of great performing arts entertainment in the Kanab community.
It was formerly called the Kanab Theatre and is recognized as the Premiere Performing Arts Center in the area.
This venue is located on West Center Street and is currently owned by the Dillman Family whose roots hail from Kanab.
Get to see wholesome entertainment with featured shows for the whole family to enjoy.
Check out their website to see upcoming shows you would want to watch.
RedStone Theater also offers venue rentals for your special events and celebrations and guided tours to southern Utah sites given by Dan Dillman.
Need some time to relax and unwind after a tiring adventure? Jacob Hamblin Park is a great place to just slow down for the day.
Your little ones will enjoy the play area with swings, bridges, slides, and plenty of green space to run around.
Set up the grill for some burgers, hotdogs, and barbecue on your family picnic.
You can also use the facilities in the concession building like a counter, sink, refrigerator, and freezer with a refundable deposit.
You’ll enjoy the views of the mountains while eating at the picnic tables.
You can find Jacob Hamblin Park at North 100 East.
Kanab may not be the most popular destination you will hear about in Utah, but this place will surely exceed your expectations.
With its picture-perfect sceneries, thrilling activities, relaxing experiences, and satisfying food, Kanab is surely the destination of your dreams.
Get your bucket list ready and make sure your cameras are working for an adventure of a lifetime at Kanab.
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