Best Things to Do Near Kanab, Utah (A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems & Must-See Adventures)
- May 5
- 8 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
What Are the Best Things to Do Near Kanab, Utah?
The best things to do near Kanab, Utah include White Pocket, Cathedral Wash, Toadstool Hoodoos, Belly of the Dragon, The Nautilus, Wire Pass Trail, Lake Powell + The Chains, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. This area offers a mix of easy hikes, unique rock formations, slot canyons, and iconic viewpoints—all within about an hour of Kanab.
Why Kanab, Utah Is the Perfect Basecamp for Adventure
I absolutely love visiting Kanab. It’s one of those places I keep coming back to again and again—and somehow, every single time, I find a new hidden gem. It’s such a fun, beautiful small town with great food, great places to stay, and endless adventures just a short drive away.
I’ve always thought of Kanab as a smaller, quieter version of Sedona. It has that same kind of magic—red rock landscapes, peaceful energy, and so much natural beauty—but without the crowds. The town itself is just so charming, and it feels like the perfect place to slow down while still having access to some of the most incredible places in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
If you’re looking to explore beyond Zion and experience something a little more off the beaten path, Kanab is the perfect basecamp for discovering some of the best things to do near Kanab, Utah.
Best Things to Do Near Kanab, Utah
White Pocket: One of the Most Unique Things to Do Near Kanab
Tucked inside the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket is one of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever explored—and easily one of the most unique things to do near Kanab.
This one had been on my bucket list for years, and it completely lived up to the hype. The swirling rock formations, soft sandstone textures, and endless patterns make it feel almost unreal.
Getting there definitely takes some effort—you’ll need high-clearance 4WD and a little confidence driving in deep sand—but once you arrive, it’s one of those places you just don’t want to leave.
If you’re someone who loves exploring and finding places that feel a little more wild and untouched, this is 100% worth it.
Cathedral Wash: An Underrated Slot Canyon Hike Near Page, Arizona
Located near Page, Cathedral Wash is one of my favorite adventurous things to do near Page, Arizona (just outside of Kanab).
It starts out pretty mellow, but as you keep going, it turns into a fun little adventure with some scrambling, obstacles, and a bit of route finding—which I always love.
And the payoff at the end? So good. You end up with this incredible overlook of the Colorado River that feels way more remote than you’d expect.
If you’re looking for something a little adventurous but not overwhelming, this is such a fun one to add.
The Nautilus: One of the Most Unique & easy to get to Rock Formations Near Kanab
The Nautilus is one of those places that feels like a total hidden gem.
Tucked away between Page & Kanab, this short hike to a cool rock formation is known for its sculpted sandstone walls that almost look like waves frozen in time.
It’s a quick hike, but the payoff is incredible—and it’s one of those spots that feels a little more off-the-beaten-path compared to some of the more popular hikes in the area.
If you love unique textures and exploring places that feel a little more hidden, this is such a fun one to add to your trip.
If you’re planning to visit, I share exactly how to find it, what to expect, and tips for exploring here:The Nautilus Slot Canyon (How to Find It + What to Know Before You Go)
Wire Pass Trail: Easy Access to a Stunning Slot Canyon
If you want a classic slot canyon experience without a long, strenuous hike, the Wire Pass Trail is such a great option.
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this hike takes you through narrow canyon walls, winding passages, and some really beautiful sections of slot canyon.
It’s also the gateway to Buckskin Gulch (one of the longest slot canyons in the world), which makes it feel a little extra special.
This is a great option if you want something adventurous but still doable in a half day.
If you’re planning to hike it, I break down permits, directions, and what to expect in this guide:Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch (What to Know Before You Go)
Toadstool Hoodoos: Easy and Unique Hike Near Kanab, Utah
The Toadstool Hoodoos are one of my favorite easy hikes near Kanab, Utah—and one of the most unique landscapes in the area.
It’s a short, super doable hike (great if you have kids with you), and the rock formations are just so fun and different. It almost feels like you’re walking through a completely different landscape compared to Zion.
This is one of those spots that’s perfect when you want something low effort but still really cool.
If you’re planning to visit, I share everything you need to know—including how to get there, what to expect, and tips for your visit—in this guide:Toadstool Hoodoos Utah Hike Guide (What to Know Before You Go)
Belly of the Dragon: A Quick and Fun Stop Near Kanab
Belly of the Dragon is such a fun little stop—and honestly, one I always recommend if you’re heading toward Zion or Bryce from Kanab.
It’s quick, easy, and just different enough to keep things interesting. The tunnel creates this cave-like experience with really cool light coming through… it literally looks like the belly of a dragon!
It only takes about 15–20 minutes, so it’s perfect to pair with other stops in the area.
If you’re planning to visit, I share exactly how to find it, what to expect, and tips for exploring in this guide:Belly of the Dragon Kanab Utah (How to Find It + What to Know Before You Go)
Kanab Sand Caves (Moqui Caverns): Easy Stop with Big Views
The Kanab Sand Caves—also known as Moqui Caverns—are one of the most popular and unique stops right near town.
These man-made caves carved into the sandstone create a really cool, almost surreal setting, with open archways, textured walls, and incredible views out over the surrounding landscape.
It’s a short hike to get up to them (with a little bit of a sandy scramble at the end), but nothing too difficult—and once you’re up there, it’s such a fun place to explore and take in the views.
This is one of those quick stops that’s totally worth it, especially if you’re already driving through the area.
If you’re planning to visit, I share exactly how to find them, what to expect, and tips for exploring here:Kanab Sand Caves (Moqui Caverns Utah – How to Get There + What to Know Before You Go)
Lake Powell: Best Water Activities Near Kanab and Page, Arizona
About an hour from Kanab, Lake Powell is one of my favorite places to go when I want to switch things up a bit.
After a few days of hiking and exploring in the desert, getting out on the water just hits different.
One of my favorite spots is The Chains—a popular area for swimming and cliff jumping, with deep water and those incredible red rock canyon walls surrounding you. It’s such a fun, adventurous way to experience Lake Powell without a boat, and honestly one of the highlights of the area for me.
If you’re planning to visit, I share exactly how to get there, where to park, and what to expect in this guide:The Chains Lake Powell (Cliff Jumping + Swimming Guide Near Page, Arizona)
Whether you’re swimming, boating, or kayaking through the canyon walls, it’s such a fun way to experience a completely different side of this area—and one of the best ways to cool off in the summer.
Horseshoe Bend: Iconic Viewpoint Near Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend is one of those places that’s popular for a reason.
It’s a short, easy hike, and the view at the end is just incredible. Seeing the Colorado River curve through the canyon like that never really gets old.
That said—it can get crowded.
If you can, go early in the morning. The light is beautiful, and the experience feels so much more peaceful.
If you’re planning to visit this area, I share more tips, timing advice, and what to pair it with in this guide:Things to Do in Page, Arizona + Horseshoe Bend (What to Know Before You Go)
Antelope Canyon: Famous Slot Canyon Near Page, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world—and yes, it’s as beautiful as you’ve probably seen in photos.
The flowing sandstone walls, the light beams… it really is stunning.
But I’ll be honest—it’s also one of the busiest experiences in this area.
If you go in knowing that and just soak it in, it’s still 100% worth experiencing at least once.
If you’re coming from Zion, I share exactly how to plan your visit, what to expect, and how to make the most of it in this guide:Visiting Antelope Canyon from Zion National Park (What to Know + Tips for Planning)
How to Choose the Best Things to Do Near Kanab
If you’re trying to narrow things down, here’s how I’d think about it:
Looking for easy + quick stops?
Toadstool Hoodoos
Belly of the Dragon
Horseshoe Bend
The Nautlus
Want something more adventurous?
White Pocket
Cathedral Wash
Wire Pass Trail
Looking for iconic experiences?
Antelope Canyon
Lake Powell + The Chains
Honestly, you really can’t go wrong—it just depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
2–3 Day Kanab, Utah Itinerary (Real Weekend Example)
If you’re looking for a real-life way to experience some of the best things to do near Kanab, here’s a recent weekend itinerary I did—and it was such a good mix of adventure and slow, relaxing time.
Day 1 – Arrival + Slow Evening
Stop at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Visitor Center to pet the kittens
Dinner at Only In Kanab food truck (the best burger!!)
Check in to BaseCamp 37
Spend the evening swinging in hammocks, watching the sunset, and making s’mores under the Southern Utah sky
Day 2 – Full Adventure Day
Wake up early for sunrise from your tent
Slow morning with coffee + exploring BaseCamp 37
Hike The Nautilus
Lunch in Page at Birdhouse in Page
Swimming + cliff jumping at the Chains area of Lake Powell
Quick stop at Horseshoe Bend
Dinner back at BaseCamp 37
End the night with UNO at the kitchen table
Day 3 – Explore + Head Home
Slow morning + breakfast, then check out
Coffee at Kanab Creek Bakery
Hike Squaw Trail (local trail with views over town)
Explore the Kanab Sand Caves
Stop at Belly of the Dragon
Scenic drive home through Zion National Park
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kanab, Utah
Kanab might be a small town, but it’s surrounded by some of the most unique landscapes in the Southwest.
It’s one of those places that feels a little quieter, a little slower—and in the best way. You can explore incredible places during the day and then come back to a town that feels relaxed and welcoming.
Every time I visit, I find something new… and that’s what keeps me coming back.
Planning Your Trip to Zion & Southern Utah
If you’re planning a trip to Zion and the surrounding areas, I put together a 68-page Zion Guide with itineraries, hidden gems, and all my best local tips to help you make the most of your time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
It’s designed to help you experience places like this without the overwhelm.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
