This Charming Desert Town Is The Perfect Gateway To Utah’s Most Breathtaking Attractions

I’ll be honest, before I visited Kanab, Utah, I had no idea just how incredible this little desert town really was. I knew it was near some national parks, but I figured it was just a quiet stopover, a place to crash before heading to Zion or Bryce Canyon.

Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. After spending time exploring Kanab, I quickly realized it’s not just a gateway. It’s a destination in its own right, packed with beautiful landscapes and the kind of adventures you’ll be talking about for years.

Now that I’ve been there, I’ve got some solid advice on what you absolutely can’t miss. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this place to your travel list.

1. Gateway To Zion, Bryce Canyon, And The Grand Canyon North Rim

Some places are special, and then there’s Kanab. It’s a town that casually sits between three of the most jaw-dropping national parks in the country. Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon’s lesser-visited North Rim are all within a short drive, making Kanab an unbeatable basecamp for adventure.

One day, you could be trekking through Zion’s red canyons, squeezing between the walls of the legendary Narrows or standing in awe beneath Angels Landing. Next, you’re gazing across the Grand Canyon, taking in its sheer vastness without the overwhelming crowds of the South Rim.

And Bryce? Those otherworldly rock spires (hello, hoodoos!) will have you feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Kanab is the perfect launching pad to experience them without the hassle of packed hotels and long tourist lines.

2. Home To The Famous Wave And White Pocket Formations

If you’ve ever seen photos of The Wave, you probably assumed it was either heavily edited or from an alien world. Nope!

This swirled sandstone masterpiece is real, and it’s hiding just outside Kanab. The hike is challenging, the permits are notoriously tough to get, but if you manage to secure one, you’ll be rewarded with a landscape so mesmerizing it barely seems real.

Didn’t get in? No worries, because White Pocket is like The Wave’s underrated cousin. It offers similar mind-bending rock formations but with far fewer restrictions. Standing among these surreal sandstone waves, you’ll quickly understand why Kanab is considered one of the most visually stunning destinations in the Southwest.

3. Slot Canyons Like Peek-A-Boo And Buckskin Gulch

Ever wanted to squeeze through narrow, twisting canyons that glow with shades of orange and red? Kanab has you covered. The slot canyons here, like Peek-A-Boo and Buckskin Gulch, are some of the longest and most breathtaking in the world.

Buckskin Gulch, in fact, holds the title for the longest slot canyon on Earth, stretching for miles with walls so high they block out most of the sunlight. Walking through these natural corridors feels like stepping into another world—one where every turn reveals a new, unexpected formation.

Some spots are so tight you’ll have to turn sideways to pass through, making the experience feel like a mix between an Indiana Jones adventure and a geological masterpiece. It will be hard to return to reality!

4. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, The Largest No-Kill Shelter In The U.S.

Kanab is also home to one of the most inspiring animal sanctuaries in the world. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the largest no-kill shelter in the U.S.! It’s so much more than just a rescue center. It’s a sprawling oasis where thousands of dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, and even pigs get a second chance at life.

I love animals so much that I couldn’t stop my tears of joy every second spent here.

Visitors can take a tour, volunteer, or even hang out with the animals for the day. You can literally take a dog on a field trip! Whether you’re an animal lover or just need a break from hiking, this heartwarming stop is well worth a visit.

5. A Famous Filming Location For Classic Western Movies

If Kanab feels strangely familiar, that’s because Hollywood has been using its landscapes as a backdrop for decades. There’s a good reason why it’s nicknamed “Little Hollywood”!

This small desert town has starred in over 100 Westerns, from John Wayne classics to more modern productions. Drive around, and you might recognize spots from movies like The Lone Ranger or Stagecoach.

You can even visit the old Western film sets at the Little Hollywood Museum, where weathered saloons and rustic stables make you feel like you’ve stepped onto an old movie set. The best part? Kanab’s cinematic scenery is the real deal. A wild, rugged landscape that perfectly captures the untamed spirit of the American West.

6. Incredible Stargazing With Minimal Light Pollution

Let me tell you, Kanab is stunning during the day, but at night? It’s pure magic. I remember stepping outside after dinner one evening, and the sky looked like someone had spilled a bucket of stars across it.

With barely any light pollution, the Milky Way stretched above me like a glowing river, and I swear I could see every constellation I’d ever learned as a kid.

One night, I drove out to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, laid back on the soft, rippled sand, and just watched the universe do its thing. Shooting stars, complete silence, and a sky so clear it felt unreal. If you ever find yourself in Kanab, do yourself a favor, look up. You won’t regret it!