Zion National Park - East Entrance near Keyhole Canyon
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Canyoneering with All Ways Adventure & Toadstool Hoodoos
Planning a Vacation in Kanab, Utah
If you are looking for a hotel in Kanab, I’m going to guess that you are planning a trip to Zion National Park. I’ll start with all of the lodging ideas for a trip to Zion, and then give some reasons why you might want to pick Kanab.
The first lodging option is directly within Zion National Park – this is going to include campgrounds, cabins, and hotel rooms within the lodge. If you are lucky enough to snag one of these options, it would be hard for me to argue there is a better option. Limited lodging within the park though leads to the more likely options of Springdale, Kanab, and St. George. Throughout several family trips to Utah, we’ve had a chance to stay in each (some of them more than once).
Springdale is the most obvious choice – it’s right next to the main park entrance, making it super convenient to drive, walk, or a take bus into Zion. While it’s convenient for the day activities within the park, the downsides are limited options for food (of which all will be busy), difficulty parking anywhere except at your hotel, and difficulty turning onto the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway when you leave your hotel.
Watching the sunset from our hotel (Zion Canyon Lodge) in Springdale
St. George might be the least obvious choice due to being the furthest away from the park (about an hour from the main entrance). The benefit to staying in St. George is the size of the city – there are tons of hotels, places to eat, and stores in case you forgot something or need to replace broken things. There are tons of places other than Zion that are amazing to hike that are relatively close by, including Snow Canyon State Park, Yant Flat Candy Cliffs, Red Reef Trail, and Kanarra Falls. The downside is that hour drive into the park – to get in at a decent time and avoid a long line, it’s going to need to be an early morning.
KOA Cabin that we rented in Hurricane (outside of St. George)
The third option is Kanab. And from this point forward, I’ll assume that’s what you pick and give ideas on how to plan the perfect trip if Kanab is your lodging location. Kanab is about 35 minutes east of Zion’s eastern entrance. Kanab is a small town, with a local, small-town vibe. There are chain hotels, but no chain restaurants.
If Zion is your destination, the east entrance is not normally busy – it’s super easy to get into the Park. There are a handful of pullouts within the Park on the east side. I would highly suggest parking your car, walking towards the water, and just see what you can find. There are petroglyphs, small cascades of water, and slot canyons. This side of the Park is not busy, due to limited parking, and not many official trails.
The biggest downside to planning a vacation to Zion from Kanab is that parking at the main entrance might be tricky if you are travelling in the summer months. There is a shuttle that operates for free inside the Park, but it starts at the Visitor Center, near Springdale, and to get on that shuttle, you need to be able to find a parking spot. From Kanab to Zion’s Visitor Center is an hour drive, and it might take a little longer if you have to wait for traffic going through the tunnel. You are going to want to get up early.
Each trip I plan, it’s a game – how much time do I want to spend driving each day versus how much time do I want to spend packing and unpacking the car. The best part of staying in Kanab are all of the other options beyond just Zion. A hotel in Kanab puts you within a reasonable day driving distance to Zion, St. George, multiple Utah State Parks, Bryce National Park, Page (Arizona), Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. Additionally, if you want to do a local tour (ex. Canyoneering, renting UTVs/ATVs, or a 4x4 ride out to a special location.), there are several tours options that operate within Kanab. Staying in Kanab opens multiple options for an epic vacation.
Canyoneering with All Ways Adventure
Where is Kanab?
The closest cities to Kanab with large airports are Las Vegas (3 hours), Salt Lake City (4 hours and 45 minutes), and Phoenix (5 hours and 15 minutes). Kanab is located along US-89, and it’s just north of the Arizona-Utah border. It’s useful to know that Arizona does not have daylight saving time. Half the year, crossing the state border between Arizona and Utah will change your clock by an hour. Just something to be aware of as you plan a trip.
Below is a map showing where Kanab is located, as well as cities with International Airports, and other National Parks, any of which could be combined into a larger road trip. For information on the other National Parks, use the hyperlinks in the captions, which will link to other posts I’ve written.
A - Zion National Park - 40 minutes from Kanab to the east entrance, B - Bryce National Park - 90 minutes from Kanab, C - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - This is a large park. It’s 40 minutes to Toadstool Hoodoos and over two hours to the town of Escalante, D - Capitol Reef National Park - 3 hours from Kanab, E - Arches National Park - 5 hours from Kanab, F - Canyonlands National Park - 5 hours to Island in the Sky and 5.5 hours to the Needles district, G - Monument Valley Tribal Lands - Over 3 hours from Kanab, H - Grand Canyon National Park - 3.5 hours to Grand Canyon Village (south rim)
Lodging and Logistics
We’ve stayed in Kanab twice so far, and we have a third trip planned in 2026. I strongly prefer the Hampton Inn over Days Inn… But we may just have hit the Days Inn during a time of construction, maybe. We are staying at the La Quinta in 2026.
Kanab is cool because it has a super small-town vibe without the crowds of a nearby National Park. Most of the restaurants are locally owned, which are fun to try out. We loved the low key, great food, and reasonable prices at Don Beto’s Mexican Food. The pizza was great at Lotsa Motsa Pizza. We’ve been to Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant twice because we enjoyed it so much.
It would be easy to fill a week in Kanab. On past trips, we’ve spent two nights each. In 2026, we are spending four nights. It really depends on what you’d like to do on your trip, and if you are traveling with kids, what you want to do in this area of the country is going to change as they get older, thus why we keep returning.
You can’t get to Arches, Canyonlands, or Capitol Reef in a day trip from Kanab, so if your itinerary is the Might 5 National Parks, you won’t be here for many days. If you are looking for a place to just stay in one spot for week, Kanab would a place you could do that and do something different every day, even though it’s a pretty small town.
East side of Zion National Park - on a warm day in March, before the snow melted and turned everything to mud…
Time of year and the resulting weather is another important thing to consider when planning a trip to Kanab. Even though this town is in a desert, it’s a high desert- its elevation is about 5000ft. That means it does get cold enough to snow in the winter. Snow and rain make the non-paved roads extremely difficult (if not impossible) to drive on. Do not enter a slot canyon if it has recently rained or if rain is in the forecast. Summers are going to be hot. Be careful not to end up on an exposed (limited shade) trail in the afternoon. Pack an umbrella to create your own shade and bring twice as much water as you think you might drink - no less than 2L per person.
Things to do in or near Kanab, Utah
In the map below, I have hyperlinks so you can jump to different sections within the post. At the end of each section there is a link back to the map. Simply reading the post top to bottom is also an option. I also have links to separate posts that I’ve written, with more information about each place to visit.
North and West
1 - Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves) - This is a short hike (little less than a mile out-and-back) with a very steep and somewhat sketchy sandstone hill to climb to get to a manmade cave. The best time for pictures is late in the afternoon.
2 - Kanab’s Peekaboo Slot Canyon - Peekaboo is a short, beautiful, and easy 1.0 mile out-and-back slot canyon near Kanab (not to be confused with the Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Escalante). This canyon does require an off-road vehicle to get to the trailhead. Vehicles can be rented in Kanab or ask a tour guide to take you there.
3 - Belly of the Dragon - This is an amazing manmade water culvert under US-89 that is being carved slowly into a slot canyon by the water moving through the sandstone. Roundtrip trail is 0.25 miles
4 - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park - Explore a sand dune habitat and play in the sand. Walk up a dune and have fun running down, sledding down, or rolling down. Repeat over and over.
5 - Zion - East Entrance - The east side of the park is quieter with both longer trail options as well as unmarked places to explore.
6 - Zion - Main Entrance - Several months throughout the year, a free shuttle bus runs from the Visitor Center to the main trailheads. Hikes range from extremely easy to extremely difficult.
7 - Water Canyon - Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Water Canyon is a rugged, wild canyon that has something for all adventurous souls. Enjoy a 2 mile out-and-back hike to the waterfall, a 6 mile out-and-back hike to White Dome or hike up into Water Canyon and rappel out.
8 - Sand Hollow State Park - Enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, or riding ATVs through sand dunes at Sand Hollow State Park. Jumping Rock is a short 0.3-mile relatively easy walk from the parking lot. This State Park is going to be better suited for older kids.
9 - St. George, Utah - A nearby city with a population of over 100,000 people. If you aren’t sure where to stay for lodging on a trip to Zion, this is a good city to check out as well to see what best fits your vacation needs.
10 - Pioneer Park - A free city park in St. George, UT. There are no playgrounds or swings, but there are arches, slot canyons, caverns, Moqui steps, and tons of rocks to scramble over, under, through, around, up, and down.
11 - Snow Canyon State Park - A unique place to hike which includes both a short slot canyon and lava tube caves that can be explored, in addition to some beautiful hikes. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the lava tubes.
12 - Red Reef Trail - A relatively easy 1.7-ish mile out-and-back hike along Quail Creek within a stunning canyon. The first obstacle involves some Moqui steps that require a bit of courage to cross. The trail continues upstream but will likely be underwater in the winter and spring months.
13 - Yant Flat Candy Cliffs - A relatively easy 2-3 mile hike through the desert to the Candy Cliffs, a hidden and strangely beautiful display of geometric patterns cut into red-and-white striped Navajo Sandston surrounded by green brush-covered mountains. Use the road from Leeds - the road from St. George is not well maintained.
14 - Zion - Kolob Canyon - This section of Zion is not connected to the other entrances. This entrance is located directly off of I-15. The viewpoints along the road are worth the trek, even for those that don’t hike. The vibe feels very Sedona-ish. There is a short hike, a medium hike, and some long hike options (including backpacking campsites).
15 - Kanarra Falls - A moderately difficult hike that travels through a slot canyon with four waterfalls. This trail goes through the water and feet and ankles will get wet. Permits are needed for this hike.
16 - Bryce Canyon National Park - Bryce could be a long day trip from Kanab for someone that doesn’t plan on hiking much, or for those that like to hike, plan to switch lodging locations. This park can be a 3-day trip on its own.
East
17 - Toadstool Hoodoos - The hike out-and-back to Toadstool Hoodoos is about 1.8 miles long, depending on how far one explores the hoodoos. There is minimal elevation change, parking is right off of the highway. This trail does not have shade. Bring extra water.
18 - Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead) - The most common trailhead for Buckskin Gulch, the longest known hikeable slot canyon in the world, is Wire Pass. Permits are required (but there are no limits for the number of day-use permits, so they can be purchased on the day of the hike). It’s 1.7 miles to reach Buckskin Gulch from the Wire Pass trailhead. Once in Buckskin Gulch, the slot canyon stretches for 20 miles to White House (for a through hike option) or 46 miles to Lee’s Ferry (also as a through hike). Note that overnight permits are limited and hard to obtain.
19 - White Pocket - White Pocket is an easy 2 mile-ish hike in an incredible, otherworldly landscape. To access White Pocket, a 4x4 vehicle is required, as well as knowledge of how to drive in deep sand. For those that do not own a 4×4 vehicle or know how to drive through sand, book a local tour.
20 - Page, AZ - Page is a little bit bigger than Kanab and has a more modern feel to it. Antelope Canyon can be a day trip from Kanab, but there are plenty of other things to do, which may make it worthwhile to switch lodging to Page at some point on your vacation.
21 - Lake Powell (Wahweap Marina) (including a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge) - Swimming, renting a kayak for a few hours, renting a houseboat for a few days, and / or taking a boat tour (including an option of a longer trek all the way out to Rainbow Bridge water-level permitting) are all options to play in and around Lake Powell.
22 - Antelope Canyon - Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon that requires purchasing a ticket and using a tour guide. The hikes are relatively easy, although some tours require steps or use of a ladder. Tickets are expensive, but this slot canyon is incredible.
23 - Horseshoe Bend - The hike out-and-back to Horseshoe Bend is an easy trail, but there is no shade. Additionally, the trail out descends the entire way, making the trek back to the car more difficult. Bring extra water.
Tour Options
My favorite thing to do on vacation is hike - so my recommended list of things to do below involves hiking (lots of hiking…). It’s worth mentioning though that Kanab has several options beyond hiking to consider. There’s Jeep tours, 4x4 tours, ATV / UTV rentals and tours, horseback riding, and canyoneering. In March 2023, my boys and I booked a day with All Ways Adventure, and we went canyoneering - rappelling into a slot canyon using ropes! It was so much fun! If you are curious about what canyoneering is and want more of a review of All Ways Adventure - here is my post on an Intro to Canyoneering.
Beginner Canyoneer Trek with All Ways Adventure
1 - Moqui Caverns (Kanab’s Sand Caves)
Moqui Caverns (also known as Kanab’s Sand Caves) is a small manmade cave dug into the side of a cliff along US-89. It’s a short hike and quick option to fill a bit of extra time for anyone staying in Kanab. There isn’t much of a trail up the hill though, it’s pretty much just scale up and down it, making this a challenging hike, albeit short. The best time for pictures is the late afternoon.
Moqui Caverns (Kanab’s Sand Caves) - view from the inside
Where are the Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves)?
The manmade cave is located just off of US-89, about 10 minutes north of Kanab, and 30 minutes east of the east entrance to Zion National Park.
Map of Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Cave) location
More Information on Moqui Caverns
For more information on the hike, including a map, specific places to park, and additional pictures, here is my post on the Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves).
Moqui Caverns (Kanab’s Sand Caves) - view from the outside
2 - Kanab’s Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Kanab’s Peekaboo Canyon
Peekaboo is a short and beautiful slot canyon near Kanab (not to be confused with the Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Escalante). This canyon requires an off-road vehicle to get to the trailhead.
Where is Kanab’s Peekaboo Slot Canyon
The off-road pullout from US-89 to Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 15-minute drive north of Kanab’s Sand Caves.
Location of Kanab’s Peekaboo Canyon
More Information on Kanab’s Peekaboo Slot Canyon
For more information on the canyon, a trail map, and additional pictures, see my post on Kanab’s Peekaboo Canyon.
3 - Belly of the Dragon
Belly of the Dragon
Belly of the Dragon is a cool place to stop for hikers of all ages, and it’s just a quick stop off of US-89.
What is Belly of the Dragon?
From internet pictures and posts, I was looking for a cave off in the hills. Let’s expectation set instead. Belly of the Dragon is just a water culvert under US-89. It’s a pretty awesome water culvert, though - there’s a little slot canyon that seems to be starting to form at the base, and it’s cool to see how it begins.
Belly of the Dragon
Where is Belly of the Dragon?
Belly of the Dragon is located under US-89. Exit onto Elephant Gap towards the Twin Hollows Campground. The parking lot will be on your left, about 0.3 miles down the road. Belly of the Dragon is 20 minutes north of Kanab. I would pick Belly of the Dragon over the Sand Caves. It’s easy for anyone to see and an even shorter stop.
Location of Belly of the Dragon
More Information on Belly of the Dragon
For more information, including a trail map and pictures, here is my post on Belly of the Dragon.
4 - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a fun place to explore a sand dune habitat and simply play in the sand. Walk up a dune and have fun running down, sledding down, or rolling down.
Where is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park?
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is not quite 40 minutes from the east entrance of Zion, or it's 30 minutes from Kanab. There are two roads that will get you to the State Park, and any vehicle will work. The route is well-marked.
Location of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
What is there to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park?
There’s no real hiking trail, beyond the short dock, but that’s part of the fun in playing on sand dunes. It’s obvious where you are as long as you can still see the parking lot. Run down the dunes, roll down the dunes, rent a sled from the visitor center (or buy your own). Yep - sledding down sand dunes is a thing! Here is a separate post for everything you need to know about sledding down dunes. Note that the sand is going to get incredibly hot in the sun on a summer day, so arrive early in the morning, or check out this state park in a non-summer month. The sand also needs to be dry for sledding to work.
There are also tour companies that you can take ATVs and ride them up and down the sand dunes. We haven’t had a chance to try this yet, but are hopeful it works out for us on a future trip in 2026.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
More Information on Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
For more information, including additional maps and pictures, here is my post on Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
5 - Zion National Park - East Entrance
East Side of Zion National Park
There are three entrances to Zion National Park, and they are each extremely different. I would recommend stopping to see them all. To enter Zion from Kanab, you will come through its East Entrance. The benefit is that there likely won’t be a line to get into the park. The downside is an additional 30-minute drive to get to the Visitor Center, where you need to be there early enough to get parking, in order to use the shuttle. But, on your way back to the hotel, give yourself some time to enjoy the east side of the park. There aren’t many formal trails on this side of the park, which makes it fun, adventurous, and quiet. Parking consists mainly of tiny pullouts, which limits the number of people that can explore a particular area. If you can snag one of those parking spots, wander down to the creeks, and then follow the water and see what you can find. There are small, cascading waterfalls, petroglyphs, and slot canyons. This side of Zion can be so much fun!
There are a handful of places to canyoneer in the east side of the park. Due to obvious safety reasons, these trails require a pre-purchased permit, a discussion with a park ranger prior to obtaining said permits, and you will need your own equipment and knowledge of how to use it in order to safely get down into the canyon and then back to your car. There are fantastic hikes in the main part of the park, but my favorite section of Zion is its east side!
Where is East Entrance of Zion National Park?
The East Entrance to Zion National Park is about 35 minutes west of Kanab.
More Information on Zion National Park (hiking in the east side)
Canyoneering in Keyhole Canyon
For my complete review of Zion National Park, including information on 23 hikes (pictures, trail maps, and additional logistical information), see my post on Zion. I have the link set to the east-side of Zion in my post.
6 - Zion National Park - Main Entrance (Springdale)
View from Angel’s Landing
Zion is one of my favorite National Parks - probably my second favorite, after Arches. It is such a beautiful place and there are so many things to do for all different types of hiking abilities. Several months out of the year, there is a free shuttle to use while in the main hiking area of Zion. Park at the Visitor Center. The shuttle goes to each of the main trailheads.
Where is the Main Entrance of Zion National Park?
From Kanab, it’s an hour drive to the Visitor Center near Springdale. Consider stopping at Canyon Overlook (one of my favorite trails) on your way. Due to its small parking lot size, it would be better to stop here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Otherwise, plan to drive straight to the Visitor Center to find parking and use the shuttle. Enjoy the east side of Zion on your way back to the hotel in the afternoon.
More Information on Zion National Park
Kayenta Trail along Virgin River in Zion National Park
The Narrows and Angels Landing get all the hype, but consider Pa’rus for an easy, beautiful, and quiet stroll through the bottom of the canyon. Scout’s Lookout has a pretty good view without needing Angels Landing permits, and it avoids the sketchy 1000ft drops on both sides of the trail. If Hidden Canyon ever reopens, that would be my third recommendation.
For additional maps, trail reviews, and pictures, here is my full post on Zion National Park. Note that I have a separate post specific to the Narrows (linked above) due to the length of the trail and specific logistics that need to be considered.
7 - Water Canyon
Waterfall at Water Canyon
Water Canyon, managed the Bureau of Land Management, is a rugged, wild canyon that has something for all adventurous souls. Enjoy a 2 mile out-and-back hike to the waterfall, a 6 mile out-and-back hike to White Dome or hike up into Water Canyon and rappel out.
Where is Water Canyon?
Water Canyon is about an hour west of Kanab. US-89-89A turns into AZ-389 at the border. To get to Water Canyon, you will drive into and then back out of Arizona.
More Information on Water Canyon
Above the waterfall at Water Canyon
For more information on exploring Water Canyon, including a trail map and additional pictures, here is my post on Water Canyon.
Rappelling at Water Canyon
8 - Sand Hollow State Park
Enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, or riding ATVs through sand dunes at Sand Hollow State Park. Jumping Rock is a short 0.3-mile relatively easy walk from the parking lot. This state park is going to be better suited for older kids.
Sand Hollow State Park
Where is Sand Hollow State Park?
Sand Hollow State Park is an hour and 20 minutes west of Kanab. The reason to go there is to get wet. Cliff jumping is fun, but the point is cooling off on a hot summer day. The Wahweap Swimming Spot on Lake Powell is a little closer, just over an hour away, east of Kanab. Due to the longer drive to either location, see if there are additional things closer by that you might want to combine to pick the best swimming option.
More Information on Sand Hollow State Park
For more information on visiting the park, including a more detailed map and additional pictures, here is my post on Sand Hollow State Park.
Cliff Jumping at Sand Hollow State Park
9 - St. George, Utah
St. George is a large city in Utah with a population over 100,000. There are tons of hotels, restaurants, and stores. This is a great place to stop if you’ve forgotten something on your trip, or if you need to replace anything that has broken. We were on a month-long trip in the winter / spring of 2021, and one of my sons had literally walked through his pair of shoes. We were staying in St. George, so these shoes were extremely easy to replace.
If you are planning your first trip to Zion, I would probably lean towards staying in Springdale or Kanab. If it’s your second trip (or more), St. George is a fun city to stay in. Day trip options include Nevada’s Cathedral Gorge and Valley of Fire State Parks, in addition to Utah’s State Parks - Snow Canyon and Sand Hollow, as well as Pioneer Park, Yant Flat Candy Cliffs, Red Reef, and Kanarra Falls.
10 - Pioneer Park
Arch at Pioneer Park, in St. George
Pioneer Park is a free city park in St. George, UT. There are no playgrounds or swings, but there are arches, slot canyons, caverns, Moki steps, and tons of rocks to scramble over, under, through, around, up, and down.
Where is Pioneer Park?
Pioneer Park is 90 minutes west of Kanab. This is a fantastic city park; however, I don’t think this would be a destination I would suggest as a day trip from Kanab. If you have a whole day though, and could first go to Snow Canyon State Park, then Pioneer Park, and finish the day at Sand Hollow State Park, this could be a fantastic day and worth the drive.
More Information on Pioneer Park
The Crack - Pioneer Park, St. George
For more information, including a detailed map of the park and additional pictures, here is my post on Pioneer Park.
11 - Snow Canyon State Park
Lava Tubes at Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a unique place to hike which includes both a short slot canyon and lava tube caves that can be explored, in addition to some beautiful hikes. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the lava tubes.
Where is Snow Canyon State Park?
Snow Canyon State Park is an hour and 45 minutes west from Kanab. This State Park would be worth the drive from Kanab. The lava tube caves are so much fun to explore, and the black lava against the red cliffs is a unique landscape to photograph. Scout Cave is a fun, longer hike if it isn’t hot. A day trip to Snow Canyon could be combined with a trek out to the Yant Flat Candy Cliffs (go back on I-15 and take the dirt road from Leeds - the dirt road from St. George is terrible) and then consider stopping at Sand Hollow State Park to go swimming, before driving back to Kanab.
More Information on Snow Canyon State Park
Scout Cave - Snow Canyon State Park
For more information, including specific trail reviews, detailed trail maps, and additional pictures, here is my post on Snow Canyon State Park.
12 - Red Reef Trail
Red Reef Trail
Red Reef Trail is a relatively easy 1.7-ish mile out-and-back hike along Quail Creek within a stunning canyon. The first obstacle involves some Moki steps that require a bit of courage to cross. The trail continues upstream but will likely be underwater in the winter and spring months.
Where is Red Cliffs National Conservation Area?
Red Reef Trail and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is a 90-minute drive west from Kanab. While I think this is a fun place to hike if you are staying closer in St. George, this wouldn’t be the place I would bother driving to from Kanab. Instead, for a similar distance, I would suggest going northwest to Kanarra Falls. Especially if your goal is to get wet.
More Information on the Red Reef Trail
Red Reef Trail
For more information, including a more detailed map and additional pictures, here is my post on the Red Reef Trail.
13 - Yant Flat Candy Cliffs
Yant Flat Candy Cliffs
The Yant Flat trail is a relatively easy 2-3 mile hike through the desert to the Candy Cliffs. At the end of the trail is a strangely beautiful display of geometric patterns cut into red-and-white striped Navajo Sandston surrounded by green brush-covered mountains. Use the road from Leeds - the road from St. George is not well maintained.
Where are the Yant Flat Candy Cliffs?
The Yant Flat Candy Cliffs are almost 2 hours west of Kanab. This wouldn’t be worth the drive from Kanab. But if you are driving along I-15 to get to or from Kanab, it would be worthy of a stop (in a non-summer month).
More Information on the Yant Flat Candy Cliffs
Yant Flat Candy Cliffs
To see more information about hiking, here is my post on the Yant Flat Candy Cliffs.
14 - Zion National Park - Kolob Canyon
Zion - Kolob Canyon view from Timber Creek Parking Lot
When I look up information on what to do at a National Park, I’m trying to find the quiet, less visited, off-the-beaten-path secrets. That’s what Kolob Canyon is - a stunning part of Zion National Park, where you can have trails to yourself. It has a very Sedona, Arizona-vibe to it. If you aren’t a hiker, no sweat. The prettiest parts of this canyon can actually be seen from the main road out to Timber Creek Overlook.
The one thing to note when planning a trip to Kolob Canyon is the elevation. This section of Zion is at 7,000ft, compared with the main part of Zion at 4,000ft. That means it’s going to be colder and snowier in the winter and spring months. I tried to visit Kolob Canyons on several spring break trips in March. Once, I even ventured out to Timber Creek in spite of the snow - to see nothing…. except snow and clouds… In June though, this section of Zion was phenomenal. The trails were hot, but the view and seclusion were worth the weight of the extra water we needed to carry.
Where is Kolob Canyon?
The Kolob Canyon Visitor Center is located about an hour and a half northwest of Kanab. The Visitor Center is located directly off an exit from I-15. This part of Zion is not connected with other entrances. It’s a relatively short drive up to the Timber Creek Overlook (about 15 minutes).
I would highly suggest combing a trek out to Kolob Canyon with a hike at Kanarra Falls.
Kolob Arch
More Information on Kolob Canyon
For additional information on visiting Kolob Canyon, here is my full post on Zion National Park. I have the link set to the section within the post about Kolob Canyon.
15 - Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls is a moderately difficult hike that travels through a slot canyon with four waterfalls. This trail goes through the water and feet and ankles will get wet. Permits are needed for this hike. Consider pre-purchasing as only 200 hikers are allowed in per day. Walking sticks will be helpful on this hike. Neoprene booties under hiking boots will keep your feet warmer.
Where is Kanarra Falls?
The Kanarra Falls are 90 minutes northwest of Kanab. This is a long drive for one hike, but it’s a pretty awesome hike! To make the most out of that drive, consider stopping at Kolob Canyon, and at least driving all the way out to the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
More Information on Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls
For additional information on this hike, see my post on Kanarra Falls.
16 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon - Sunrise Point
Bryce National Park is quite a bit different than Zion. The road through the park is on the rim, which sits at about 8000ft in elevation. As a result, any vacation planned from October to April is likely to include some snow. And that elevation is high enough for most people to feel it a bit, making breathing more difficult due to a lower oxygen percentage. The last issue that makes hiking here harder than Zion is that the trails start on top of the rim and go down first. Hiking up at the end is tough. For those interested in hiking through this park, Bryce is not a day trip from Kanab. But the views from the rim are amazing. And for anyone that just wants to drive through the park and take pictures from the viewpoints, this would be a fantastic day trip!
Where is Bryce Canyon National Park?
It’s a little less than 90 minutes between Kanab and the entrance to Bryce National Park. As amazing as the trails are, a lot of the best views are from the rim. Bryce could be an amazing day trip from Kanab, as long as you leave your hotel early in the morning and plan to have supper in Bryce Canyon City before returning - to get a full day in at Bryce. For anyone wanting to try a 5+ mile hike, in addition to the viewpoints, these are hard hikes due to the elevation. Plan on switching hotels to give yourself time on the trail without feeling rushed.
More Information on Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon - Peekaboo Loop
This is a link to my full post on Bryce National Park. It includes several trail reviews, maps, and additional pictures.
17 - Toadstool Hoodoos
Toadstool Hoodoos - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Toadstool Hoodoos has a free and easily accessible trailhead, and an easy hike. Just make sure to bring extra water with you and hike in the morning if you are visiting in the summer months.
Where are the Toadstool Hoodoos?
The trailhead to the Toadstool Hoodoos is approximately 40 minutes east of Kanab and is located directly off of US-89. This trailhead is also close to the turn-off point from US-89 for Buckskin Gulch.
Map of the Toadstool Hoodoos Trailhead Location
More Information on the Toadstool Hoodoos
Toadstool Hoodoos - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
For more information on hiking to the hoodoos, including a trail map and additional pictures, see my post on the Toadstool Hoodoos.
18 - Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass Trailhead)
Buckskin Gulch - Bureau of Land Management
Approximately 16 miles long, Buckskin Gulch is currently the longest known, hikeable slot canyon in the world.
Where is Buckskin Gulch?
There are two primary entry points - Buckskin Gulch Trailhead and Wire Pass. For anyone backpacking, there are two additional exit points at White House and Lee’s Ferry. The primary trailhead is Wire Pass, which is about an hour drive, east of Kanab. From US-89, turn on The Cockscomb / House Rock Valley Road. The other entry point, Buckskin Gulch Trailhead is off of the same road from US-89, about 4 miles before reaching the Wire Pass Trailhead.
Map of Buckskin Gulch and its trailheads
Hiking Buckskin Gulch
There are several hiking options within Buckskin Gulch, most involving an out-and-back day hike. Note that day-use permits are required, but are unlimited, so they can be purchased the day of your hike. The overnight permits are hard to obtain and require pre-purchase.
The main trailhead, Wire Pass, requires a 1.7 mile hike (one-way) from the parking area to a T-intersection within Buckskin Gulch, from which you can wander into the slot canyon in either direction. Note that the first 1.4 miles of this trail are completely exposed in the sun, which is going to be a hot trail in summer months. Hike early in the morning.
Expect water on this trail. We hiked in the middle of June and there were several spots with water chest-deep. Clothes will dry out quickly in the desert but realize it’s unlikely you’ll stay dry in this canyon.
Do not enter Buckskin Gulch, or any slot canyon, if it has rained recently, or if rain is in the day’s forecast.
Hiking through Buckskin Gulch
More Information on Buckskin Gulch
For more information, including a trail map and additional pictures, here is my post on Buckskin Gulch.
19 - White Pocket
White Pocket - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
White Pocket is probably the furthest “off-grid” that I’ve ever been before, and this desolate yet breathtaking place is worth the full-day adventure and hassle for getting here. It’s unlike anywhere else that I’ve been so far.
Where is White Pocket?
From Kanab, to get to White Pocket, take the same road as the trailheads to Buckskin Gulch, but keep going much further past. Eventually there is an unmarked sandy road that requires both a 4x4 and knowledge of how to drive in deep sand. There are a handful of unmarked turns required to arrive at the White Pocket trailhead.
Map to White Pocket - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Getting to White Pocket
The easiest way to get to White Pocket (which doesn’t require 4x4 vehicle rental or ownership, nor knowledge and practice of driving in sand) is to pay someone else to take you there… Normally, I’m the one that gives advice on how to do slightly crazy things. This one, I’m just going to advise spending the money. The desert is not a safe place to get stuck or lost. We booked a tour with Paria Outpost & Outfitters. I would very much recommend their tour.
Hiking at White Pocket
Once you get to White Pocket, it’s a free place to hike with no permits required. You can easily wander 2+ miles without too much change in elevation, although a lot of the hike is along rock surfaces, so hiking poles might be helpful. This was a full day with the tour. It’s about a 2 hour drive each way, with 3 or so hours of hiking. This could be combined with a short hike out-and-back to Buckskin or the Toadstool Hoodoos.
White Pocket - Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
More Information on White Pocket
For more information and logistics on visiting, as well as additional pictures, here is my post on White Pocket.
20 - Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona is a little bit bigger than Kanab, and has a little bit more modern feeling of a newer city. If you are hiking in Zion, Page is not the right city to get a hotel in. It’s too far away for more than one day of hiking, and Zion is going to require more than one day of hiking, even for young families.
The Toadstool Hoodoos, Buckskin Gulch, and White Pocket are all approximately the same distance from Kanab and Page. You could tour Antelope Canyon, hike out to Horseshoe Bend, and put a toe in Lake Powell, all on the same day trip from Kanab, without switching hotels. If you intend to head out to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, or Moab (Arches and Canyonlands), I would suggest hiking at the Toadstool Hoodoos, and taking a tour of Antelope Canyon. Then spend the night in Page, and head off to your further destination. The Glen Canyon Dam is an interesting stop as well.
For more information, here is a similar guide to planning guide for a vacation to Page, Arizona.
21 - Lake Powell - Boat Rental, Tours, Swimming & Wahweap Marina
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a flooded canyon, created by the Glen Canyon Dam. Its primary purpose is water regulation to the lower states (Arizona, Nevada, and California) and to ensure that the Colorado River water is not overused by the upper states (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico). The resulting lake is more than 161,000 acres with 1,900 miles of shoreline, and a max water depth of 583ft.
Where is the Wahweap Marina?
The Wahweap Marina is on the west side of the Colorado River, about a 15-minute drive from the middle of Page. From US-89, turn onto Lakeshore Dr / Wahweap Blvd. The trek from Kanab is a little over an hour. Renting a boat or going on a kayak tour might on its own make for a fantastic day trip. A short stop at the beach, combined with hikes at Horseshoe Bend and Toadstool would also make a great day trip. Or combine it with Antelope Canyon. Page is also a great city to get a hotel and spend a few nights in.
The Wahweap Marina is within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, therefore, there is a vehicle fee. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass, parking is free.
Map of Wahweap Marina - including boat rental, swimming beach, and the start of boat tours
Where to Swim on Lake Powell?
The Wahweap Marina has boat launches, boat rentals, boat tours, and a swimming beach. In addition to the Wahweap Swim Beach, the Chains (see below) is another location to get into the water.
Where to Rent Boats on Lake Powell?
Kayaks and houseboats can be rented at the Wahweap Marina. The best place to kayak, however, is into Antelope Canyon. Check out the Antelope Point Marina for kayak rentals.
Map of Lake Powell and the marinas - including where the boat dock is located for Rainbow Bridge
Kayaking into Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell
What Boat Tours are Available on Lake Powell?
Boat Tours are provided by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas: https://www.lakepowell.com/things-to-do/boat-tours/. You can make reservations through this site.
Backside of Glen Canyon Dam - viewed on a boat tour
More Information on Lake Powell
For more information on Lake Powell, things to do, additional logistics, and more pictures, visit my post on the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (linked to the section on Lake Powell).
22 - Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a tight slot canyon with incredible colors and rock shapes that play with your imagination. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have found myself in. Antelope Canyon is located within a Tribal Park, and the only way to get into this canyon is on a guided tour.
The guided tours are a bit pricey; however, the tour guides will help set up your camera with proper settings so you will get the best possible pictures, and that alone I thought made the price worth it. That, and the canyon is just simply incredible.
The tours are not very big, and this is a popular activity in Page, so consider booking your tickets ahead of time.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Where is Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is located just to the east of Page, Arizona. This is about an hour and a half (not quite) from Kanab. That’s a long day trip, however, if you combine it with a stop at Horseshoe Bend, putting a toe or two in Lake Powell, and hiking at Toadstool Hoodoos or even a short hike into Buckskin Gulch, this would be a worthwhile trek. Page is also a nice city to get a hotel in and spend a couple of nights.
There are different starting locations based off of which tour you pick, so pay attention to the information on your ticket. Lower Antelope Canyon tours start within walking distance to the canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon tours start within the city of Page and include a van ride out to the trailhead. There is a third section of Antelope Canyon referred to as “Rattlesnake Canyon”. These tours have a start location off of AZ-98 and also involve a van ride to the trailhead.
Tour locations for Antelope Canyon / Rattlesnake Canyon
Antelope Canyon Tours
There are two tour options for Lower Antelope Canyon. Ken’s Tours can be purchased at: https://lowerantelope.com/. Dixie Ellis Tours can be purchased at: https://www.antelope-canyon-tours.com/. We booked through Ken’s Tours. Our guide was great! The tour lasted a little over 60 minutes and involved the use of stairs, which had railings.
Tickets for Upper Antelope Canyon can be purchased at: https://www.antelopecanyon.com/, and tickets for Rattlesnake Canyon can be purchased at: Rattlesnake Canyon Tour - Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours.
More Information on Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon
For more information on the logistics of visiting Antelope Canyon, including additional pictures and more information on the tour options, refer to my post on Antelope Canyon.
23 - Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is an iconic viewpoint along the Colorado River. Not officially part of the Grand Canyon National Park (which does not start until slightly south at Lee’s Ferry, about 18 miles down the river), Horseshoe Bend is actually part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. That does not mean its view is any less worthy than those within the National Park boundaries.
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is about 15 minutes south of Page, directly accessible off of US-89. This trailhead is about an hour and 15 minutes from Kanab. Similar to Antelope Canyon (above), just driving out and back to Horseshoe Bend might not be worth it, although the view is incredible. But if you combine this hike with Antelope Canyon, or hikes at Toadstool Hoodoos or a short out-and-back hike at Buckskin Gulch, this would very much be a worthwhile use of a day. Page is also a nice city to get a hotel in and spend a couple of nights.
Location of Horseshoe Bend
More Information on Horseshoe Bend
For more information regarding the logistics of visiting Horseshoe Bend, please see my post on Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. I have the link set to the section within the post that’s about Horseshoe Bend.
More from www.NatureImpactsUs.com
To see more of my posts, click on any pin. There will be a hyperlink to my post on that particular hike.