11 Greatest Issues To Do in Kanab, Utah – Bearfoot Concept

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11 Greatest Issues To Do in Kanab, Utah – Bearfoot Concept


Driving into Kanab, Utah you go an indication that claims “Biggest Earth on Present”. The primary time I noticed that signal, I keep in mind pondering how daring of an announcement it was even for Southern Utah, which has a number of the most unbelievable landscapes on the earth. 

Seems, that signal was proper, or a minimum of I assumed so!

Kanab sits on the Arizona border in Southwestern Utah and is the gateway to quite a few out of doors adventures. From slot canyon hikes to Nationwide Park visits to scenic drives and extra, Kanab is a must-visit for anybody trying to expertise a number of the most lovely 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 am going over the most effective issues to do in Kanab, Utah so you may benefit from your go to.

Vital Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out all your rubbish (together with bathroom paper) and following the established guidelines. Within the desert, this additionally means studying how one can shield cryptobiotic soil and the way it has a huge effect on our ecosystems.


Outdoor Gift Guide - 85 gifts for outdoor adventure
Outdoor Gift Guide - best gifts for outdoor adventurers

1. Go to a Nationwide Park

Utah is residence to 5 Nationwide Parks, three of that are lower than two hours from Kanab, making it a terrific base camp for a Utah Nationwide Park street journey.

Every park presents a novel expertise. You’ll be able to hike via 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. 

Bryce Canyon National Park from above with snow
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park in winter | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

2. Discover the Nationwide Monuments

Don’t get me improper, I really like our Nationwide Parks however the Monuments are actually my favourite. 

America’s Nationwide Monuments span hundreds of thousands of acres and have unbelievable mesas, buttes, and canyons with seemingly limitless filth roads and only a few folks.

For me, that’s what Southern Utah is all about. 

Kanab has 5 Nationwide Monuments close by:

In my view, these Monuments are the most effective locations to discover the wild landscapes round Kanab.

In case you actually wish to get off the grid, I extremely advocate a one-way backpacking journey via Paria Canyon. Kristen (BFT’s Founder) spent 4 days on this canyon and says it is among the greatest backpacking journeys she’s ever completed. In case you’re intrigued by this, try these desert backpacking ideas to see what mountain climbing in an space like this takes.

backpacking through Paria Canyon
Paria Canyon in Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument

3. Drop Right into a Slot Canyon

In case you solely have a day or two to discover Kanab, I extremely advocate trying out a number of the slot canyons.

The slot canyons round Kanab are essentially the most particular a part of this space and provide a very distinctive expertise

In case you 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 among the least accessible canyons round and I don’t counsel attempting to drive on the market except you could 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 can convey you on the market.

You probably have some extra time (and don’t thoughts spending a little bit of time within the automobile to get there), you may try 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 lately. 

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor and her dog in Hackberry Canyon, a wet slot canyon, in Southern Utah
BFT Founder Kristen in Hackberry Canyon which is greatest hiked in sandals or water sneakers that you just don’t thoughts getting moist

There are lots of, if not hundreds of canyons exterior of Kanab which makes selecting a favourite almost unimaginable however, if I had to decide on, it could most likely be Buckskin Gulch.

Buckskin is among the longest and deepest canyons on the earth 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’re feeling such as you’re in a brand new canyon because the partitions round change colour and form.  As a result of recognition of this canyon, don’t count on to have this path to your self.

A be aware on security: at all times verify the climate when heading right into a canyon.  Flash floods are fast, terrifying, and lethal.  As a normal rule of thumb, if there’s an opportunity of rain simply keep out of the canyons.

Hiker looking up at narrow slit of sky in Buckskin Gulch slot canyon in Utah
Kristen’s accomplice Ryan in Buckskin Gulch, a traditional Kanab Hike

4. Hike The Wave

The Wave is among 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 seem like a wave.

A allow is required to hike right here, and it might take years to lastly win a coveted ticket.

In case you handle to land a allow, nonetheless, The Wave is a very magical sight to see. You’ll be able to be taught extra about what to anticipate and allow ideas in our Mountaineering The Wave Path Information.

The Wave in Arizona with red sandstone striations
The Wave in Arizona, simply exterior of Kanab | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

5. Go to White Pocket

Much less well-known and and a very good different to the Wave, White Pocket is a set of sandstone options in The Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument about two hours exterior of Kanab. 

Strolling round White Pocket, it’s simple to overlook 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. 

Red and white sandstone formations in The White Pocket area of The Vermillion Cliffs National Monument near Kanab Utah
The White Pocket is full of distinctive white and crimson sandstone formations | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

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 positioned about thirty minutes west of Kanab and it’s an intriguing place to spend a day or two.

The sand dunes are consistently shifting and might transfer over 50ft a yr.

This park may be very common with OHV fanatics, but when that’s not your factor, you may also discover mountain climbing, nice out of doors pictures 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, but it surely’s a lot simpler to amass than The Wave. 

Coyote Buttes South presents 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.

Red sandstone rock formations in South Coyote Buttes near Kanab Utah
Many individuals head to South Coyote Buttes in the event that they aren’t profitable in The Wave allow lottery | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

8. Swim or Paddle on Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a desert dream with a number of hundred sq. miles of water that snakes via what was once Glenn Canyon, one of the distinctive canyons on the earth. 

On the lake, you may 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 in the course of the scorching summer time 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. In case you’re on the lookout for an in a single day journey and don’t thoughts a little bit of logistical planning, try this in a single day kayak journey to Labyrith Canyon on Lake Powell.

View of Lake Powell under a blue sky
Lake Powell is a desert oasis about an hour exterior of Kanab

9. Make Some 4-legged Associates at Greatest Associates Animal Sanctuary

Greatest Associates Animal Sanctuary is residence to 1600 rescued animals of all styles and sizes and is the biggest sanctuary for homeless animals within the nation

Although they’ve services and companions throughout the U.S., the sanctuary is on the heart of their operations and Kanab is their residence. 

In case you love puppies, kittens, and different lovable furry associates, take a tour of the sanctuary or donate a few of your time by volunteering. It’s a novel expertise that solely Kanab can provide.

a goat at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah
Make some new associates Greatest Associates Animal Sanctuary | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

10. Take a Scenic Drive

In case you don’t really feel like mountain climbing however nonetheless wish to see the realm, then taking a scenic drive is among the greatest issues to do in Kanab.

Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop

The Cottonwood Street Loop is an exceptional drive via 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 option to get to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park or Kodachrome Basin (one in all Utah’s greatest state parks) if that’s the place your street journey is taking you.

Highlights alongside the Cottonwood Canyon Street Loop embody:

  • Grosvenor Arch
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park, which has a terrific campground
  • A number 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 the direction of Lees Ferry which is among the few locations round the place you may simply entry the Colorado River.

There’s additionally a colony of California condors that may be considered from the previous Navajo bridge simply exterior 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 may proceed on towards Web page, Arizona (the place you may simply spend a few days too!), after which take 89 West again to Kanab.

scenic drive in Utah with red sandstone cliff in the distance
scenic drives in Kanab are one in all my favourite issues to do | Picture credit score: Jono Melamed

11. Seize a Chew to Eat

After a protracted day of mountain climbing across the desert, few issues are as satisfying as a terrific meal that you just didn’t must prepare dinner for your self. 

Whereas many small desert cities have a terrific eatery or two, Kanab has fairly just a few nice choices for any palette.

Listed below are just a few of my favourite locations to eat round Kanab:

Willow Canyon 

Willow Canyon is my favourite place on the town to get espresso. Equal components cafe, bookstore, and kit store, Willow has a terrific collection of books in regards to the space, the entire gear you may want for adventuring, and a consistently evolving menu of scrumptious lattes.

Rocking V

Rocking V is the place I am going if I desire a burger and a beer.  Easy and informal, the menu has loads of choices for any desire.

Peekaboo Canyon Wooden Fired Kitchen

Peekaboo is owned and operated by Greatest Associates Animal Society, which is why they’ve an totally vegetarian menu

Typically the one factor your physique desires is pizza and in these moments I head to Peekaboo. 

That being stated, additionally they have a terrific collection of entrees for individuals who aren’t pizza folks.

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 case you go by on Sunday and spot 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 case 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 presents a novel culinary expertise that rivals that of many greater metropolis eating places. 

A novel mixture of flavors and contemporary elements, the menu has influences from all world wide.  Seize a reservation for this one as properly.

Wild Thyme

Wild Thyme is the place I ship of us who recognize 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 a giant fan of their bowls.

Massive Al’s

Each city wants a burger joint and in Kanab, it’s Massive Al’s. A traditional drive-thru spot, Al’s presents easy and scrumptious burgers at quick meals costs however with significantly better meals. 

I’m a sucker for a very good French fry and have been recognized to eat just a few too many due to Al’s fry sauce. Sorry, not sorry.

The place to remain in Kanab

  • Greatest Associates Roadhouse and Mercantile – pet pleasant!
  • Canyon’s Boutique Resort – residence to Sego’s restaurant
  • Grand Circle Lodge – a quaint B&B set in a comfortable 1921 residence
  • Kanab Suites – good costs and cute rooms

Kanab Journey Ideas

Have Too A lot Water, At all times.

I don’t know if you realize this however the desert is a harsh place. It’s very easy to underestimate the desert which is why my greatest tip is to at all times carry additional 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 filth street. You’ll be able to 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 street 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 Additional Vigilant When Going Off-Pavement

As I discussed earlier than, the desert round Kanab may be very sandy and sometimes muddy after rain. After I say muddy, I imply it’s slightly sloppy, I imply the clay roads flip to soup and also you’ll bury your automobile virtually a foot deep. 

Take your time when not driving on pavement and at all times get out to verify on the street you might be unsure about, particularly in case you don’t have off-road expertise.

Ask a Native

Kanab residents are a really variety and pleasant bunch and are often very happy to speak in regards to the residence that they love a lot.

In case you’re on the lookout for 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 can provide you some details about one thing that you just wouldn’t discover in any other case, and people are at all times the most effective experiences to have.

Drone shot of Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah from above

Do Your Analysis

The realm 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 verify the general public can get pleasure from themselves whereas respecting the desert. 

They’re all very happy to provide the rundown in regards to the space and provide you with suggestions in your itinerary.

Additionally, as I discussed earlier, most of the points of interest round Kanab require permits. Having an concept of what these are, how exhausting it’s to get a allow, and whenever you would wish to get one, will prevent lots of complications whenever you arrive.

Red and white sandstone rock formations at The Wave near Kanab, Utah
Study last-minute permits on the Wave for spontaneous journeys to Kanab

Put on the Acceptable Garments

The desert generally is a harsh place, so along with bringing additional water, you should definitely 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 a terrific 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 street journey addict, I can let you know in good religion that every of those drives is exceptionally lovely.

Public transportation in Kanab is virtually non-existent so, in case you don’t dwell inside driving distance, you’ll must lease a automobile.

If you’ll 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 sometimes muddy place. It’s simple to get caught earlier than you understand what’s occurring, even simply pulling over off the freeway.

Greatest Time to Go to Kanab, Utah

As with most desert places, the climate in southern Utah generally is a lesson in extremes, with summer time days usually within the low lots of and winter nights dipping into the low teenagers. 

Spring and fall

Visiting Kanab is hottest in the course of the spring and fall when it’s not fairly as scorching as summer time but in addition not utterly frozen at evening. 

In case you’re a fair-weather traveler, spring and fall are the most effective occasions to go to Kanab and the encircling space, particularly if you wish to get pleasure from the entire dispersed tenting within the space.

Winter

In case you’re a weirdo like me, nonetheless, possibly you’ll agree with my unpopular opinion that winter in Southern Utah is superb.  

It’s no secret that Nationwide Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon are getting busier yr after yr which may make visiting them a problem in case you’re attempting to keep away from crowds.

In case you’re attempting to get exterior with out coping with the crowds, winter is your greatest wager. Positive, it’s a bit chilly generally however, for essentially the most half, it’s bearable in case you learn to layer.

Moreover, permits for points of interest like The Wave or The Narrows in Zion are a lot simpler to get when there aren’t 1,000,000 folks 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 seek out out they couldn’t get permits or shuttle tickets, successfully ruining their journey. So you should definitely do your analysis in regards to the permits and rules on the locations you plan to go to.

welcome sign to Kanab Utah "the greatest earth on show"
Kanab – The Biggest Earth on Present

On the lookout for extra nice issues to do within the Southwest? Try these weblog posts to start out planning your street 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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