Kanab

Kanab, a small town in southern Utah, is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic red-rock landscapes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the nearby national parks. Known as 'Little Hollywood' for its history as a filming location for Westerns, Kanab offers a genuine, low-key vibe with easy access to some of the most stunning and remote scenery in the American Southwest. This is a place for self-drive adventurers who want to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of slot canyons, towering cliffs, and star-filled skies.

Highlights & What to See

• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – The nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary offers tours and volunteer opportunities, a heartwarming stop for animal lovers.
• Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons – Just north of town, these two photogenic slot canyons on Hole-in-the-Rock Road offer an easy, otherworldly hike through swirling Navajo Sandstone.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – A vast, rugged landscape of canyons, plateaus, and dinosaur fossils. Drive the scenic Cottonwood Canyon Road or hike to Calf Creek Falls.
• Little Hollywood Museum – Celebrates Kanab's film legacy, with memorabilia from classic Westerns and TV shows shot here, including The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke.
• Moqui Cave – A fascinating natural cave turned museum, displaying Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and fluorescent minerals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least two full days to appreciate Kanab's surroundings. Day one can be dedicated to the slot canyons and a scenic drive on Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Day two allows for a deeper exploration of Grand Staircase-Escalante, including a hike to Calf Creek Falls or a drive along Cottonwood Canyon Road. If you have a third day, consider a trip to nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park or a visit to the Best Friends Sanctuary. The town itself is small, so most of your time will be spent on the road or trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Zion National Park – About a 1.5-hour drive west, Zion's towering cliffs and the Narrows hike are unforgettable.
• Bryce Canyon National Park – A 1.5-hour drive north, famous for its hoodoos and amphitheater-like geology.
• Lake Powell & Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – About an hour east, offering boating, kayaking, and the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – South of Kanab, this area includes the Wave (permit required) and Paria Canyon, with stunning escarpments.

Please check official sources for current details.