The Kanab center point is about 10 miles east of Downtown Kanab and 11 miles east of Kanab Airport.
Kanab, Utah, receives 256 average days of sunlight each year. With weather like that, it's no wonder this community is all about physical activity in the outdoors. From spring to fall, the city throws many festivals and events, including 5K and 10K runs, marathons, and triathlons, but also community music, film, arts, and heritage festivals.
Each April, Kanab commemorates the area's legacy of filmmaking with the Little Hollywood Shootout each April, inviting budding and established filmmakers to come to Kanab and make a film from scratch in two days. The event culminates in a premiere screening at Kanab's Crescent Moon Theater.
If you're planning on getting out into nature, whether for birding, hiking, or riding the dunes, plan your visit to Kanab, Utah, between spring and early fall. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon opens in mid-May and remains open until mid-November.
Serious outdoor runners love the challenge of the Grand 2 Grand Ultra Marathon in September. This marathon pushes athletes beyond their endurance limits with a run through the desert. For those who prefer a less extreme run, Kanab offers plenty of events for all skill levels. The Feeling Lucky 5K comes in March, followed by the Kanab 10K in May and the festive KTown Turkey Trot 5K in November to herald the holiday season.
You don't have to be a hiker, biker, runner, or wilderness expert to enjoy your time in Kanab. Come in February for the Balloons and Tunes Roundup, a three-day festival of hot air balloons and live music. March brings the Spring Symphony of the Canyons, an unforgettable orchestral performance that is sometimes performed at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Experience the Old West during Jacob Hamblin Days. You'll enjoy rodeo events and frontier-style parades featuring period clothing, mule wagons, and pushcarts. In August and September, the Kane County Fair and Western Legends Roundup, Demolition Derby, and Apple Festival will offer plenty of family-friendly entertainment that will give you a taste of Western culture both then and now.
Whether you're a military service member, government official, AAA member, or senior citizen, you'll find great discounts at the Best Western Red Hills. This roadside hotel is a favorite of budget travelers who don't like to scrimp on comfort.
Each room comes with a flat-screen television, and you can stay connected thanks to the hotel's free Wi-Fi. Take a shower using the free toiletries in the combination bath and tub. Then settle into the pillowtop bed for the night, winding down with a show on TV.
Hampton Inn Kanab offers great value with a lot of style. This modern hotel channels the spirit of the modern Southwest with touches of pony hair print and neo-Southwestern fabrics that are understated, never dated. Guest rooms feature flat-screen televisions with satellite programming to entertain you, plus Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay. The entertainment continues with an indoor pool and spa tub and a fitness center.
The Hampton Inn Kanab serves free breakfast daily, but you can also stock up on snacks and light meals in the hotel's convenience store. You can stow them in your refrigerator or heat them up with your microwave in the room. Style, comfort, and convenient amenities make this the affordable Kanab area hotel that sacrifices nothing.
One of the best things about Kanab is its vast array of hiking options and wilderness experiences. There is a trail or activity suited to every skill level or ability. If you're new to hiking, the Huntress Trail and Horseshoe Bend offer easy afternoon hikes. Intermediate-level hikers will enjoy the 2-5 mile Bunting Trail and 6-mile Cottonwood Trail, which are mildly strenuous. The seasoned and fit hiker can try to tackle the appropriately named Hell Drive. This full-day hike is difficult but rewarding, as hikers will be able to spot incredible Native American art along the way.
You can hike many regional trails throughout the year, but be sure to pack well for the elements. Carry layers for the colder evenings and emergency supplies just in case. Best of all, hire an experienced wilderness guide to accompany you. Guides can also shuttle you around so you won't have to worry about getting to the trailhead, and they'll be there to pick you up when you're done.
If hiking isn't for you, but you still want to experience the beautiful landscape, consider chartering a private flight that can accommodate a family or small group. You can also get your adrenaline racing with a 4x4 or Hummer tour of the mountains and dunes between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. There are also shuttle services available, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
Kanab bills itself as unspoiled and classically Old West, and once you visit, you'll certainly agree. For the history lover, hiker, athlete, thrill seeker, or film buff, there's simply no better place to visit than Kanab, Utah.
Below are reviews of the city of Kanab, UT from an actual visitor's perspective.
Cliff Tours to Peekaboo Canyon!
It's close proximity to Zion National Park.
Cute community.
Lot to see and do. Good central location for seeing the parks.
I love Kanab. I've been here many times but it's been quite a few years. It still has that beautiful, small town ambience and the surroundings are gorgeous. I like how close it is to The Canyons and I love visiting Best Friends Sanctuary. I would love to live here!
Loved the city of Kanab. Friendly folks, quiet, close to outdoor recreation in all directions.
Charming town...good food...great scenery!
Loved the City of Kanab. Being lifelong advocates for homeless animals, our visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary was an unbelievable experience.
Beautiful city. Lots to do. Grand Canyon and Zion National Park are close for a day trip. Lots of good choices. Good markets
Clean, nice place with friendly staff.
Nice people to answer questions if you have any. Many historical attractions in the area.
Restaurant we ate at was superior.
Lots of great hiking and the surrounding area is gorgeous!
We drove around and found the park. So fun to walk around. We had recommendations from locals about where to eat. Both places were amazing. I apologize for not having the names. The people are very friendly.
The restaurants were great! Brown Box Bakery has great grilled cheese avocado and ice cream. The Rocking V Cafe restaurant has great food and atmosphere. Need to get on waiting list early, as it gets full quickly at dinner time.
Close to the national parks.
Nice little town that has everything you'll need. Good location.
It's clean with great restaurants, fun museum, and interesting shops.
It was enjoyable to visit the old western stars of film.
Kanab is just small enough to still be enjoyable. It is in the middle of many beautiful places, just a short drive away. Less expensive than Zion or Bryce but just as much of an experience.
Good
We like Kanab. The people are friendly and there are lots of things to do.
Car show.
It houses the Best Friends Sanctuary where so much good is done for animals and unfortunately there isn't enough funding for them to do all that they would like to do. They do so much for the animals that are there.
Kanab' s people are just warm and friendly.. countless adventures all over to explore.. can't wait to return….
The vistas and views in Kanab are amazing, and it's central to all the places in Southern Utah we love to visit.
City is amazing and beautiful!
Very friendly town and the scenery is amazing!
Within walking distance of dining and sightseeing attractions.
Kanab is a nice little town to walk around in. There are also many interesting places in the area to visit. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is about a half hour's drive to the west with Zion National Park a short drive further west from there. A 45 minute drive to the east on Highway 89 takes one to the Toad Stools rock formation in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers a short walk through some spectacular rock formations. Further east on Highway 89 is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. An hour and a half drive southeast of Kanab on Highway 89A takes you to the Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center. The visitor center in Kanab also has maps of interesting hiking areas around Kanab.