WHAT TO DO
Nestled amidst an array of State Parks, National Parks, and National Monuments, Kanab and surrounding Kane County is a magical land filled with world-famous landmarks and stunning spaces that are still largely unexplored. And the best part? It’s spectacular any time of the year. Clear your calendars and start planning your next adventure.
Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike.
Grand Canyon, North Rim
68 miles
While the south rim may see more visitors, the Grand Canyon North Rim is truly the best region of the park. The North Rim is quieter, more photogenic, and boasts far more pleasant temperatures in the summer. To truly experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you need to explore it from the north side.
Bryce Canyon National Park
77 miles
Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.
Lake Powell
72 miles
Lake Powell is located in northern Arizona and stretches up into southern Utah. It's part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
​
It is a major vacation destination visited by approximately two million people every year. It is the second largest artificial reservoir by maximum water capacity in the United States behind Lake Mead, storing 24,322,000 acre-feet (3.0001×1010 m3) of water when full.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
7 miles
The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a model for the future of animal welfare.
Today, because of people like you and rescues and shelters around the country, we will bring the entire nation to no-kill by 2025.
Explore what makes the Sanctuary extraordinary
Tucked into the majestic canyons of southern Utah, the Sanctuary is truly a place like no other. See for yourself what a magical place it is.
​
Red-rock vistas meet endless blue skies as the sweet smell of sage lingers in the air. The beauty of the landscape is dwarfed only by the exquisite show of resilience and trust of the animals who come here — and by the love and compassion offered by Best Friends’ members, volunteers and caregivers.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
20 miles
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a state park in southwestern Utah, United States, located between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab, south and west of U.S. Highway 89 in Kane County. The park features uniquely pink-hued sand dunes located beside red sandstone cliffs.
​
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a hugely underrated, immensely entertaining and incredibly sandy stop to include on your Southern Utah road trip itinerary for hiking, sandboarding, driving ATV, camping or even hunting for Bigfoot.
Moqui Cave
6.5 miles
The Sand Caves are actually man-made caves, just like the awesome nearby Belly of the Dragon, except these Sand Caves were originally created when they harvested sand for glass production back in the 1970s.
​
An Ancient history museum inside a natural sandstone Cave. Come and check out the dinosaur tracks, fossils, artifacts and much much more!
The Wave Trail
47 miles
The Wave is located near the Utah-Arizona border in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The site can be found in the Coyote Buttes North section of the park and is accessible by foot only. There is no trail to The Wave, and visitors should prepare for a six-mile round-trip hike.
​
The Wave is comprised of Navajo Sandstone dunes that have calcified vertically and horizontally, turning into hardened, compacted rocks over time. The peculiar and unique fluctuating stratum was created by slow wind and rain erosion.
Little Hollywood Museum
6.5 miles
The city of Kanab, county seat of Kane County, is often called "Little Hollywood" because of its film-making history over the years. This town of 4,300 sits at the hub of the southwest's national parks and offers exciting vacation opportunities year round
​
The museum exhibits a collection of movie sets as the centerpiece of its exploration of how Kanab became the back lot for hundreds of movies.
The anchor of Little Hollywood Land, the Museum is supported by the Trading Post of the West, a gift shop focused on Made in the USA merchandise, and a Costume Photography Studio. There are big clean restrooms, snacks, drinks, and a rustic picnic area. Kid and pet friendly.