Kanab, Utah: The Perfect Base Camp for Zion & Bryce

Before our first trip to southern Utah, I had never even heard of Kanab — and honestly, I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce it. (For the record, it’s usually said “kuh-NAB”, though sometimes you’ll hear “kuh-NAHB.”)

At the time, it seemed like nothing more than a small blip on the map between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. We planned to stay there simply as a place to rest between park visits so we wouldn’t have to pack and re-pack between hotels.

But once we arrived, we realized something quickly: Kanab is much more than a stopover.

Instead, we discovered a whole treasure trove of adventures right outside our door — from sand dunes and slot canyons to animal sanctuaries and incredible hikes. What we thought would be a convenient base camp ended up becoming one of our favorite family travel destinations in the Southwest.

Kanab proudly calls itself the “Greatest Earth on Show,” and after visiting a few times, it’s easy to see why. If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Antelope Canyon, Kanab might just be the perfect place to stay.

Why Kanab Is the Perfect Base Camp for Southern Utah

One of the best things about Kanab, Utah is its location. The town sits in southern Utah, surrounded by some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest.

Approximate drive times:

• Phoenix → Kanab: ~6 hours
• Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon) → Kanab: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Zion National Park → Kanab: ~45 minutes
• Bryce Canyon National Park → Kanab: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Because so many bucket-list destinations are within driving distance, Kanab is a perfect place to stay if you want to explore multiple parks without constantly changing hotels. Instead of packing up every morning, you can settle into one place and easily visit:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon

Kanab also tends to be less crowded and more affordable than staying directly inside the national parks, which makes it an especially great option for families.

Things to Do in Kanab

One of the biggest surprises about Kanab is how much there is to do right in and around town.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

If you only do one thing in Kanab, make it Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Located about 30 minutes from town, this state park is exactly what it sounds like — massive dunes of soft pink sand stretching across the desert.

We rented sand sleds and boards and spent hours climbing and sliding down the dunes. Walking up the dunes can definitely be a workout (especially later in the day when the sand heats up), so bring:

• sunscreen
• water
• comfortable shoes

If you’re visiting with younger kids, there’s a smaller dune to the right of the observation deck that’s easier to manage.

Both of our kids had an absolute blast sledding down the sand, and a few years later when we visited again they even tried sandboarding — and they were MUCH better than me at it!

Pro tip: Go early in the morning and pack a lunch. There are picnic tables where you can relax in the shade after playing in the dunes.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Animal lovers should not miss Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Located just outside Kanab, it’s the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, and tours are free (though you should book in advance).

They offer tours of several areas including:

• horses
• pigs and goats
• dogs and cats
• rabbits — our family favorite!

Even if you don’t take a tour, the property itself is beautiful and worth a scenic drive.

Peekaboo Canyon

Peekaboo Canyon is often described as a less crowded alternative to Antelope Canyon, and it’s an incredible experience.

We booked a UTV tour with Kanab Tour Company, which ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

The kids — and especially my husband — had an absolute blast riding through the desert in the UTV before arriving at the canyon. From there, we walked through the slot canyon and explored the winding sandstone formations before driving back.

On the return trip we even stopped at a hidden cave with water, which made the adventure even more fun.

Our tour allowed kids ages 5 and up, making it a great family-friendly activity.

Hiking Near Kanab

There are several great hikes near Kanab that are short and perfect for families.

Some favorites include:

• Sand Caves – unique cave formations carved into sandstone cliffs.

• Belly of the Dragon – a short but fun hike through a tunnel carved under the highway.

• Toadstool Hoodoos – a unique landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations (still on our list for next time!).

Local Restaurants in Kanab

Kanab also has some surprisingly good food options for a small town.

Some of our favorites include:

• Wild Thyme Café – great dinner spot (and excellent skinny margaritas).
• Sego Restaurant – elevated Southwestern cuisine served family-style, with complimentary kids plates (apple slices, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, etc.) when dining with a paying adult.
• Big Al’s Burgers – perfect casual lunch stop.
• Peekaboo Wood Fired Kitchen – delicious pizza and a great place for lunch.

Most restaurants are pretty casual, which makes sense since most people have been adventuring all day.

Where to Stay in Kanab

On our most recent trip, we stayed at the Dino Ranch Airbnb, and it was absolutely perfect for families.

The property includes:

• a trampoline
• swings
• a sandbox with hidden dinosaur bones
• outdoor space for kids to play

After spending mornings out adventuring, we loved coming back to the house and relaxing on the porch while the kids played.

And yes — there’s also a hot tub.

There are multiple houses on the property, which makes it a great option if you’re traveling with extended family or friends.

5-Day Kanab, Utah Itinerary: Zion, Bryce & Page

Day 1: Arrival in Kanab

Highlights

• Arrive in Kanab
• Explore downtown
• Relax after travel

Details

Most travelers reach Kanab by driving from nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or Phoenix.

Plan to arrive in the afternoon, check into your hotel or Airbnb, and spend the evening getting settled.

A few easy first-day ideas:

• walk around downtown Kanab
• grab dinner at Wild Thyme Café
• enjoy sunset views of the surrounding red rock landscape

This relaxed first evening is perfect before a few days of exploring the surrounding parks.

Day 2: Coral Pink Sand Dunes + Kanab

Highlights

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Sandboarding
• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Details

Start the morning early with breakfast at Kanab Creek Bakery before heading to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (about 30 minutes away).

Spend the morning exploring the dunes and trying sand sledding or sandboarding.

In the afternoon, visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States.

Dinner suggestion: Sego Restaurant.

Day 3: Zion National Park

Highlights

• Pa’rus Trail
• Riverside Walk
• Canyon Overlook

Details

Drive about 45 minutes from Kanab to Zion National Park.

Family-friendly hikes include:

• Pa’rus Trail
• Riverside Walk
• Canyon Overlook Trail

Start early to beat the crowds and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Return to Kanab for dinner or grab takeout on the way back.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Highlights

• Sunrise Point
• Queen’s Garden Trail
• Bryce Amphitheater

Details

Bryce Canyon is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Kanab, making it an easy day trip.

Start at Sunrise Point and explore the famous hoodoo rock formations.

One of the best hikes for families is Queen’s Garden Trail, which takes you down into the canyon and offers incredible views.

Day 5: Page, Arizona

Highlights

Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
Lunch in Page

Details

Drive about 1 hour 15 minutes from Kanab to Page, Arizona.

Start the morning with a tour of Antelope Canyon, one of the most famous slot canyons in the Southwest. Midday tours often provide the best lighting.

After the tour, stop for lunch in Page.

Good options include:

• BirdHouse
• Ranch House Grille

Before heading back to Kanab (or continuing your trip), make the short walk to Horseshoe Bend, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Arizona.

Alternative Adventure Near Kanab

If you’d rather skip the crowds in Page, consider visiting Peekaboo Canyon instead.

Peekaboo Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon similar to Antelope Canyon, but it’s much less crowded and offers a more adventurous experience.

We booked a UTV tour with Kanab Tour Company, which ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Riding through the desert before walking through the canyon made the whole experience even more memorable.

This tour allows kids ages 5 and up, making it a great family-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

We’ve now visited Kanab twice, and both trips have ended up being some of our favorite family vacations. Between the sand dunes, slot canyons, national parks, and outdoor adventures, the area truly has something for everyone — including kids of all ages.

If you’re planning a trip to Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Page, consider making Kanab your home base. You might just discover that this small desert town becomes the highlight of your trip.