Kanab: Basecamp for 5 Epic Days in Utah
5 Days in and Around Kanab
Start / End
Kanab, Utah
States Covered
UT
National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park
Total Distance
480 miles / 773 km
Suggested Days
5 days
Suggested Seasons
Spring, summer, fall
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
Right smack in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, Kanab is the perfect hub to enjoy some of the most scenic destinations in the Southwest. You could pack a long weekend here and see some of the greatest hits, but in the spirit of the town’s unofficial slogan, we think you should “stay a little longer.” With three iconic national parks and an all-star lineup of other public lands, even this five day itinerary is just scratching the surface.
Preparation
You don’t need us to tell you that the desert is hot— if you visit during the summer, you can surely expect warm temperatures. However, the Colorado Plateau isn’t your average desert. The high elevation and seasonal monsoon weather pattern makes weather forecasting difficult, so be prepared for the worst no matter how nice it seems in the morning. And if you’re not acclimated to high elevations, consider taking it easy for the first few days.
As the popularity of our public lands increases every year, so does the responsibility of each traveler. First and foremost, this means planning ahead and making sure you have your permits and reservations squared away well before your visit, which are becoming the rule rather than the exception for many popular destinations. And second, it means recreating responsibly— follow Leave No Trace principles, respect whose land you’re on, and as the locals say, “be kind to Kanab.”
Itinerary
LODGING
Whether you’re looking for a remote strip of dirt for a tent or a place near town for an RV, spending a few nights sleeping under the stars is just better here. And that’s not just our opinion— Kanab is recognized by the International Dark Sky Association for its efforts to curb light pollution, so no matter where you end up you’re all but guaranteed a view of the Milky Way.
If roughing it isn’t your style, splurge on a stay at Amangiri, run by world-renowned Aman Resorts. If you’re searching for the highest level of creature comforts, look no further.
DINING
Kanab is a far cry from the dusty frontier town it’s portrayed as in movies (see: Little Hollywood Movie Museum below) when it comes to dining. You’ll still find a hearty share of chuckwagon favorites and mid-century diners, but those stand-bys are now complemented by a range of more diverse options. Peekaboo Wood Fired Kitchen offers vegetarian and vegan pizzas, which may be a welcome change after indulging in burgers and cowboy fare at classic Kanab joints such as Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant or Big Al’s Burgers. For an elevated experience, look no further than Sego or the Wild Thyme Cafe.
DAY 1: GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM
This is my friend Sarah AlSayegh photographing a great sunset on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. There’s a funny story I have to share on this one. When we first arrived at this spot, there was a girl sitting off to the side jabbering away on her cell phone. I was surprised she even got cell phone reception there. We walked out to the point and started setting up. Then inexplicably, the girl came and sat down right in front of our tripods, still jabbering away on her phone. We thought that was odd and had to adjust our compositions to keep her out of it. When she was done talking, she turned to us and said what we had done was the rudest thing she’d ever seen. She said her sister was a professional photographer (I don’t know why that had anything to do with the conversation). And then she hoped that we wouldn’t get a single good photograph on our entire trip. Sarah was great, and just responded with a happy “thank you!” The girl left in a huff and we were rewarded with this great sunset.
1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES – 80 MILES / 129 KM
Take a walk on the quiet side—that is, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Situated 80 miles south of Kanab, a fraction of Grand Canyon National Park’s visitors come to this side of the canyon. Here you’ll find hikes suitable for all skill levels, from relaxing strolls along the rim to all-day adventures into the canyon. The half-mile trail to Bright Angel Point is a great starting point, and for trips into the canyon head down the North Kaibab Trail, which reaches the Colorado river after dropping nearly 6,000 feet in 16 miles. It’s not recommended to attempt a day hike down to the bottom, but even hiking a partial section of the trail can take a full day. Just remember, what goes down must come up!
DAY 2: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES – 80 MILES / 129 KM
In a region known for unique rock formations, Bryce Canyon sets itself apart with giant clusters of hoodoos. These jagged stone pinnacles are incredibly rare, and the largest concentration of them on the planet are found here. Scenic Byway 12 hits many of the park’s highlights, while plenty of hiking trails wind their way through the hoodoos. The three mile Queen’s Garden/Navajo Combination Loop is a great introduction to the park, while the eight mile Fairlyand Loop is slightly off the beaten path.
DAY 3: ZION NATIONAL PARK
35 MINUTES – 30 MILES / 48 KM
Zion is Utah’s most visited National Park, and if you visit you’ll see why. If you want to see some of the park’s more popular attractions (which, let’s be honest: you do), preparation is key. Permits, even for day hikes, are often required– however, they are well worth the minor inconvenience. On warm days, consider a hike up the Virgin River into a section known as “The Narrows,” which criss-crosses the river into a (you guessed it!) narrow canyon. If you aren’t afraid of heights, consider braving the climb to the top of Angel’s Landing. This 5.4 mile hike is not for the faint of heart; the only thing between you and a 1,000 foot drop off on either side of you is a network of handrails and chains, but the view from the top is unbeatable.
DAY 4: TAKE A BREAK IN TOWN
0 MILES / KM
If Kanab seems eerily familiar, there’s a reason: over 250 classic Western films and TV shows have been set here, earning it the nickname ‘Little Hollywood.” Pay homage to the town’s silver screen history by following this map to see what movie stars have been to Kanab for filming. In fact, Kanab has more than 50 maps to help you find hidden gems around town—find the best one for your day here!
Take a step even further back in history—approximately 180 million years—with a trip to the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite. Reaching the site requires a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle, or the expert guidance of a local tour operator. Hundreds of fossilized tracks meander around the site, dating back to the Early Jurassic period. The tracks are extremely fragile, so unless you are a dinosaur, tread lightly.
To find modern day critters, make a stop at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This no-kill animal sanctuary is not your average shelter; with over 1,600 animals at any given time, it’s the largest animal shelter of its kind in the country. Take a tour around the property and make furry friends in places like Dogtown, Piggy Paradise, and Horse Haven. After a visit here, you might leave Kanab with an extra family member (or two).
DAY 5: WIRE PASS TO BUCKSKIN GULCH
1 HOUR – 50 MILES / 80 KM
The Colorado Plateau is a land full of superlatives, and for your last day here comes another: the longest and deepest slot canyon in the world. Several hundred feet deep and 16 miles long, Buckskin Gulch is the slot canyon that all other slot canyons are compared to; at its narrowest you’ll be rubbing elbows with the walls. Navigating the entirety of the canyon requires careful planning and moderate canyoneering know-how, but a day trip from Wire Pass lets you explore to your heart’s (or abilities’) content. The 3.4 mile trail (round trip) offers easy access to the canyon, and from there you can continue on in whichever direction you choose. Permits are required for all trips, and most importantly, do not attempt this trip unless you are absolutely certain there is no rain in the forecast. Flash flooding occurs frequently, and sometimes the consequences are deadly. Check in with the local BLM field office for the latest conditions, or consider hiring a guide if you’re unsure about your experience or abilities.
