Essential Kanab Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Kanab is a small town in southern Utah surrounded by some of the American Southwest’s most striking scenery. Located between Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Arizona border, it is an excellent base for exploring landscapes shaped by wind, water and time.

With rust-colored cliffs, juniper-covered hills and wide-open plateaus, Kanab offers a dramatic setting for outdoor activities. Nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park adds a vivid contrast with its shifting orange sands, while attractions such as Moqui Cave showcase the area’s distinctive natural and cultural heritage.

Things to Do in Kanab

For travelers searching for things to do in Kanab, the surrounding public lands are the main attraction. Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing and scenic drives provide opportunities to experience layered rock formations and remote desert environments.

Kanab also offers access to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, one of the country’s largest no-kill animal shelters. The sanctuary reflects the community’s connection to animal welfare and responsible tourism.

Natural and Cultural Attractions Near Kanab

Moqui Cave is a sandstone cavern associated with regional Indigenous artifacts and local history. Its unusual setting adds to the range of natural and cultural attractions found around Kanab.

The town’s location near Bureau of Land Management landscapes also appeals to visitors seeking less-developed trails and distinctive geological formations. The region’s desert scenery, including the juniper-covered hills and expansive plateaus surrounding Kanab, makes it especially appealing for photography and scenic exploration.

Kanab’s Small-Town Character

In town, Kanab’s relaxed atmosphere, independent eateries and Western heritage offer a welcome change from the vast wilderness nearby. This combination of small-town character and access to public lands gives Kanab a distinctive identity as a gateway to southern Utah’s red-rock country.

Why Visit Kanab?

What to see in Kanab is ultimately defined by the surrounding region rather than by a single landmark. The town combines natural beauty, outdoor exploration and genuine small-town character, making it a quieter gateway to the monumental scenery of southern Utah.