Discover America’s Premier Small Desert Town Nestled Between Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks

The quaint town of Kanab, Utah, is ideally situated within easy reach of the most famous landmarks in the southwest. The renowned national parks—Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon—are just one to two hours away by car, making Kanab the perfect gateway to The Wave, a stunning red rock formation resembling a wave in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

'Kanab is known as 'the Golden Circle,' centrally positioned among Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell, along with countless other remarkable parks and national monuments,' said Britt Roth, owner of the local Dark Sky RV Campground. 'Southern Utah, particularly Kanab, is famous for its slot canyons, unique natural formations shaped by wind and water over time.'

While Kanab is an ideal base for discovering these iconic sites (and more), it remains relatively unknown—its motto is 'Magically Unspoiled.' This quaint town, home to about 5,000 residents, is filled with outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers eager to explore the wonders just outside their doors. Here’s why they have chosen Kanab as their home and what you, as a visitor, shouldn’t miss during your stay. 

The Optimal Times to Visit

If you’re eager to see The Wave, plan your visit between December and February when the permit demand is lower. During peak months—usually April, May, September, and October—approximately 300 people compete for just 16 daily permits to access The Wave.

Beyond The Wave, Kanab truly shines during spring and fall when the climate is cool and pleasant.

“Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season in Kanab. You get delightful temperatures and sunny days, along with the stunning autumn colors of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. The Zion area, combined with the beautiful mix of Quaking Aspen and Ponderosa trees near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers fantastic photo opportunities,” says Kyle Walker, owner of Grand Circle Tours in Kanab. Meanwhile, Roth prefers spring, noting, 'Kanab’s high desert setting means unique flora and fauna; the landscape is greener than expected, bursting with flowers and colors unlike anything you've seen before!'

If you plan to explore Kanab’s nearby national parks, ensure you check what’s accessible during your visit. All three parks are open year-round, but trails may be restricted in winter, and the north entrance to the Grand Canyon (the most convenient access from Kanab) is usually closed from early December to mid-May.

Activities to Explore

Kanab is conveniently located near three national parks. The closest is Utah’s Zion National Park, just about an hour to the northwest. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are both approximately an hour and a half away, making them perfect for a day trip. 

Ashley Heaton, the general manager of Wild Thyme Cafe, a local eatery, shares her preference among the three parks: “I would have to say my favorite is Bryce Canyon. It offers a bit of everything, from stunning vistas to incredible hikes.”

For those wanting to stay closer to Kanab, the human-made Sand Caves are just a five-minute drive away, while the breathtaking Belly of the Dragon tunnel is located 20 minutes north of the town. Walker also suggests exploring the “Peekaboo [Peek-A-Boo] slot canyon and taking a drive through the Grand Staircase.” A hidden gem he recommends is East Zion, which is “higher in elevation, offering more water and greener paths that few seem to discover. You can find secret hiking spots just waiting to be explored anywhere you can park along the road.”

Visitors should also apply for a permit to see The Wave, located about an hour east of Kanab. This sought-after site is limited to 64 visitors each day (48 permits are allocated three months ahead, while 16 are available one day prior). Those fortunate enough to secure a permit to view the wave-like formation carved into red sandstone should be ready for a six-mile round-trip hike. For those new to desert hiking, it’s advisable to go with a guide — we recommend Walker’s team at Grand Circle Tours. Permit holders can also explore attractions like The Second Wave, Melody Arch, and Fatali's Boneyard. 

If you weren't able to secure a permit, consider visiting White Pocket, a similar yet less frequented destination nestled within the beautiful Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

Accommodations

While Kanab doesn’t feature any five-star hotels (which adds to its appeal), there are several upscale vacation rentals available — including this property with its own private pool and spa. However, the true experience is to embrace the outdoor atmosphere by opting for one of the many local campgrounds or glamping sites.

The Dark Sky RV Campground was named the best campsite in the U.S. for 2023 by Campspot, making it an ideal base for RV and van travelers. Amenities include outdoor showers, a dog park, and even a zip line! For those who prefer camping, the fully equipped safari tents at BaseCamp 37°, located eight miles east of Kanab, offer a cozy experience with California king beds and private decks overlooking the desert. Guests can also enjoy a communal kitchen, ample outdoor seating, and hammocks perfect for stargazing.

If you’re bringing your furry companion along, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is the ideal spot, featuring pet-friendly accommodations and free shuttles to Kanab’s renowned animal sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the U.S. Roth mentions that 'people travel from all corners of the globe to volunteer and visit' the sanctuary, which cares for over 1,600 animals at any given time.

Dining and Drinking Options

For a warm atmosphere and freshly baked treats, visit Kanab Creek Bakery, where you can enjoy coffee, croissants, and a full breakfast menu right in downtown.

For a fantastic lunch experience, try the original Kanab dining spot: Rocking V Cafe. Known for its homemade cooking, the restaurant is also adorned with intriguing art and decor that adds to your dining experience. If you're in the mood for something more upscale, check out Wild Thyme Cafe, which offers a farm-to-table menu with delights ranging from fall-off-the-bone ribs to delicious sesame tofu bowls. Heaton, the cafe's general manager, highly recommends their key lime pie, made from a treasured family recipe.

Lastly, Walker suggests trying Vermillion 45 and Sego. 'Sego has an amazing pork belly watermelon dish, and I can’t resist the dan dan lo mein paired with a prickly pear margarita. At Vermillion 45, I enjoy the rigatoni pasta alla norcina alongside a nice red Italian wine. You can't go wrong with either choice!'

Where to Shop

Visit The mercantile at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile to support the largest animal sanctuary in the U.S., where you'll find a great array of branded merchandise, pet supplies, and unique gifts. For a refined selection of art in a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere, check out Raven’s Heart Gallery, founded by a co-founder of the animal sanctuary, featuring a beautiful collection of local paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.

Lastly, for gifts inspired by the area or to pick up any outdoor essentials you might have forgotten, stop by Willow Canyon Outdoor. This shop boasts an impressive range of books and maps, along with clothing and gear from top brands like Osprey, Black Diamond, and Chaco—perfect for gearing up before your next hike.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Kanab is by flying into St. George, which has the St. George Regional Airport (SGU). From there, it’s about a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Kanab.

For more flight choices, you might consider flying into Las Vegas (LAS), located three hours from Kanab, or Salt Lake City (SLC), which is a five-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can fly into Phoenix (PHX) and take a 5.5-hour drive to reach Kanab.

If you're planning to visit the nearby national parks and rock formations, be sure to rent a car for your travels.