It’s just a tiny town, but there are so many things to do in Kanab, Utah for an outdoor lover or hiker.  Kanab is the perfect home base to explore the area, but is also just a short drive from several national parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon.

There are more hikes and beautiful views than you will have time to fit in, so here are some of the best.  

Two important things to know before you go:

• Cell Phones probably won’t work, so HAVE A MAP– either downloaded or paper
• Bring PLENTY of WATER.  Many areas won’t have access.  

Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest slot canyons in the world.  So, if you have plenty of time and are feeling adventurous, apply for an overnight permit.  However, for most of us, the day hike will be more than enough fun.  

Wire Pass is a short 2 mile(one way) easy hike with the last ¼ mile going through a beautiful and tight slot leading into Buckskin gulch.  We took our young children with no problem- and for me, this was a can’t miss spot! There is an 8 ft drop in the middle of the slot where you can choose to climb down the ladder, or go around the slot from the outside and re-enter from the other end.  Petroglyphs can also be seen just past the slot.

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Kanab??
Airbnb:  Find our 5 favorite Airbnbs in Kanab Here!
Houses with VIEWS for DAYS!!!
Hotel:  Canyons Boutique Hotel
a perfect centrally located spot

or find our other favorites at the bottom of the post.

These are those mushroom looking rock formations that you may have caught a glimpse of when driving on the highway between Kanab and Page.  The hike out to walk out among them is just a mile(one way) through washes and along an easy to follow path.

This is a popular hike with a trailhead right on the highway, so getting there is easy even in low clearance vehicles.  

This super famous and super elusive hike is THE most popular in the area.  However, permits are required, and are hard to get.

The hike itself is just a little over 5 miles round trip, but only 20 people per day are allowed on it- half through the advanced lottery, and half through the in person lottery.  Depending on the season, the chances of getting one of these coveted permits is between 5-25%.

Just off the highway north of Kanab, this hike will lead you to dinosaur tracks in the flat rocks on top of the cliff.  However, it’s not an easy or well marked hike.

We attempted it with the boys, and turned back mid way due to incoming rain and steep climbs for the kids.  The boys were so excited about the dino tracks, but maybe next time. It’s a short hike, but listed as intermediate, and was a bit difficult for our guys.

There isn’t much left of the abandoned town, but the nearby rainbow mountains make this a great pit stop off the highway between the Toadstools and Wire Pass.  With just the remains of a few houses and a cemetery, this area has been used as the backdrop for several old western movies.

About a half hour drive northwest of Kanab, this sandy playground will bring out the kid in everyone.  The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle(not included with the National Park Pass- because it’s a state park), but you can also rent a sandboard or take an ATV tour for an additional fee.  

For people who don’t want to venture out into the sand, there’s an overlook with seating.  But the real fun begins when you take off running up the giant dunes. ATVs, Dune Buggies, Bikes, and climbers all share the area, so be aware of your surroundings.  

Don’t miss this cool spot, but be prepared to get dirty! Don’t wear your best clothes, and plan to shower after you leave.

If you’re missing your furry friends from home, spend an afternoon snuggling and playing with the over 1,600 homeless animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  They offer a home and rehabilitation to many many animals, and it can be a fun place to check out for an afternoon.

They are located in Angel Canyon, so you won’t be giving up any time checking out the beautiful landscape.

You can even volunteer to take dogs on special one-on-one outings.  How awesome!!

The sand caves can be seen from the highway and require just a short half mile round trip hike to get there.  They are man-made from sand mining, but provide a cool short stop to explore and take some oh-so-instagramable photos!

Also just off the highway nearby is Moqui Cave, a cave museum full of Native American artifacts.

The Belly of the Dragon is actually a drainage tunnel that goes under the highway, but the wavy rock cavern in an interesting little place to explore.  It’s a short hike just off the highway, but you can continue through the “belly” and extend your hike for another 4 miles if you want.

Make sure to check this place out in the morning or midday when the sun is shining into the cave.

If western movies are your thing, you will love Kanab.  With it’s perfect backdrop, the area has been used in many western movies.  The Little Hollywood Museum has several of the old sets, and is a fun place for the kids to run around and pretend to be cowboys.

This is where the in person lottery for the Wave hike takes place each morning.  In addition to the lottery, there are some neat exhibits and as always, very informative rangers to give you the lay of the land.  

Weather can drastically affect which hikes and drives you should and shouldn’t do.  The rangers at the visitors can give advice on current trail conditions, as well as alternate ideas, should your plans need to change.  

Renting a house is the perfect way to get away from it all and enjoy time as a family.  We've included a link to our top 5 Airbnb picks in Kanab.  They all have amazing hosts, gorgeous interiors, and VIEWS for DAYS!!  You won't regret booking any of these.

Want to rent the house in the picture???  Find it here!

If you love the outdoors, there are so many things to do in Kanab, Utah, that it really should be at the top of your bucketlist.