Top things to do on your trip to Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah provides access to amazing canyons, pink sand dunes, and manmade caves and tunnels. Kanab is also just slightly over an hour away from Page, Arizona. This makes both of these towns worth combining into an amazing tour through the southwest. If you are heading to Kanab, these are my recommendations for what to do.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Visit the Kanab sand caves
A very neat site to visit that is just a short drive from Kanab is the sand caves. These are manmade caves that were created when the area was mined for sand. The remaining caves are very picturesque and absolutely worth visiting if you are in Kanab. Do note that there is a fairly steep scramble up a sandstone slope to get up to the caves, so they might not be appropriate for those that do not trust their footing or who are afraid of scrambling up a steep rock face. If you do not have these limitations or fears, you should absolutely visit this site and spend some time exploring within the caves. Bring a flashlight or headlamp because the deeper reaches of the caves are very dark.
The approach to the sand caves
Looking out towards the highway from inside the caves
Looking back towards the entrance to the caves
Go see Belly of the Dragon
This manmade water diversion tunnel is also well worth the visit. The tunnel is said to resemble the windpipe of a dragon. This is a very accessible attraction as it is located right off the road. The entire hike through the tunnel and back is very short. The interior of the tunnel is covered in graffiti and etchings, which is pretty interesting and quite amazing that so much surface area of the tunnel has been covered. The photographs that you can get at this site are really amazing and this is definitely a family friendly stopover given its close proximity to the highway. If you are passing through Kanab, you would be remiss not to stop at Belly of the Dragon.
Hike through Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon
This slot canyon between Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona should top your list of places to visit in the area. Buckskin Gulch is a beautiful slot canyon that continues to amaze as you walk through the labyrinth of canyons. I took the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch trail when I visited. This really cool hike takes you through Wire Pass Slot Canyon before finally ending up in Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon.
You will likely not have cell phone service or data at the trailhead, so be sure to purchase your trailhead permit ahead of time here. Keep an eye on weather forecasts as well. If there is rain nearby, do not enter a slot canyon as flash flooding can occur immediately and be deadly. From Kanab, it takes approximately 1 hour to reach the Wire Pass Trailhead.
The entrance to Wire Pass Slot Canyon when viewed from the convergence with Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon
Walking through Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Looking into Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon from the convergence with Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Walking into Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon for a little way before returning to Wire Pass Slot Canyon
Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park:
When I visited Kanab, I did not have enough time to visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. This park is definitely on my list for the next time I am in the area. My sister and brother-in-law got to visit when they passed through Kanab and had an amazing time. You can rent sand boards and sand sleds as well to make your visit more thrilling and adrenaline pumping. You can check out rates for board and sled rentals as well as other potential expeditions at the park’s website here.
Grab an ice cream cookie sandwich from Brown Box Cafe
After a day of touring sites around Kanab, you should visit Brown Box Cafe for a Kanookie. This is a skillet cooked cookie that is then made into an ice cream sandwich. You get to choose your cookie dough and ice cream flavors from a list of many varieties. This treat was so decadent and delicious after a long day of adventuring. The cafe also has grilled cheese and salad options and is definitely worth visiting when you are in Kanab. To view their website and build up some anticipation for a delicious Kanookie, click here.
Grab some Cuban food from Havana Cabana the Taste of Cuba
If you have never had Cuban food before, you should visit Havana Cabana while you are in Kanab. Cuban food is quite interesting in that it is very mild and not spicy at all compared to other Caribbean and Central American fare. The food is well prepared, and the quality and taste speak for themselves without the addition of a ton of spices and seasonings. I think this was the first time I ever tried Cuban food, and I was very satisfied with my meal. I would recommend breaking out of the usual restaurant routine and giving this restaurant a try while you are in Kanab. You can view Havana Cabana’s menu here.
If you go to Kanab, Utah:
When I visited, I stayed at the Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area and had a great stay. This hotel has a really nice outdoor pool and hot tub and is within easy walking distance to many restaurants and cafes in downtown Kanab. They also have a breakfast buffet to help fuel your daily adventures and a fitness center if you are looking to maintain your fitness routine while on vacation.
