Kanab, Utah isn’t just another stop in the Southwest. It’s where the adventure starts. Surrounded by red rock canyons, wide-open desert, and easy access to some of the most iconic national parks in the country, Kanab is the perfect home base for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you're into hiking, canyoneering, paddling, or simply discovering places most people miss, this place delivers.
Here are 9 of the best things to do in and around Kanab for people who like their vacations on the active side.
1. Hike to The Wave (If You Can Get a Permit)
The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North area of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, is known for its swirling sandstone patterns and surreal scenery. It’s also one of the most exclusive hikes in the U.S. Only a handful of hikers get in each day due to the permit lottery.
If you’re lucky enough to score a permit, the 6-mile round trip hike is unforgettable. If not, there are plenty of nearby hikes that offer just as much beauty without the red tape. If you don't want to worry about permits at all,
All Ways Adventure has you covered. Book a guided hike with us and we’ll take you to equally stunning spots with no permit required.

2. Explore Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Just outside of Kanab, Peekaboo Slot Canyon offers towering red sandstone walls and quiet, winding corridors. It’s a great alternative to the more crowded Antelope Canyon and is accessible by 4x4 or on foot with a little extra effort. A guided tour makes the experience safer and more insightful.
3. Take a Guided Canyoneering Trip
If hiking through canyons isn’t enough for you, how about rappelling into one? Canyoneering combines hiking, climbing, rappelling, and sometimes even swimming.
Kanab's canyons are perfect for it. Guided trips make it accessible for both first-timers and experienced explorers.
4. Wander the Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Just a short drive from town,
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is like stepping onto another planet. You can hike across the ever-shifting dunes, go sandboarding, or simply enjoy the wide-open views, especially at sunset.
5. Venture into Grand Staircase-Escalante
This massive national monument is full of hidden treasures. Slot canyons, desert plateaus, fossil beds, and colorful rock formations are all within reach. Trails are often unmarked, so going with a guide helps you explore safely and with a lot more confidence.

Popular day trips from Kanab include Buckskin Gulch, Lick Wash, and the Toadstool Hoodoos.

6. Check Out Moqui Cave and the Sand Caves
Moqui Cave is a quirky stop with fossils, artifacts, and a look at the area’s natural history. Just up the road are the manmade Sand Caves. These are easy to reach and perfect for photos. It’s a quick, fun stop that gives you a taste of the region’s unique vibe.
7. Go Paddling in Lake Powell or Glen Canyon
Only about an hour from Kanab,
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the scenery. A guide can help you explore quiet coves, narrow slot canyons, and lesser-known beaches.
8. Visit Zion National Park’s East Side
Skip the crowds and head to the East Side of Zion. From Kanab, you’re less than 30 minutes from the entrance. All Ways Adventure offers guided hikes through Zion’s front-country trails where you can learn about the park’s unique geology, wildlife, and terrain in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Want to learn more about what makes Kanab the perfect base camp for Zion and beyond?
Check out our full blog post.
9. Experience Kanab’s Backroads with a Local Guide
Some of the most beautiful parts of this region are only accessible by dirt road, hidden trail, or technical canyon. That’s where a guide makes all the difference. At All Ways Adventure, we take you beyond the usual stops and into the wild heart of Southern Utah.
Bonus Adventures for the Wild at Heart
Already checked off the top 9? Here are a few more ways to make your time in Kanab even more adventurous.
10. Go Off-Roading Through Kanab’s Backcountry
The rugged terrain around Kanab is full of sandy tracks and remote viewpoints. Whether you’re in your own 4x4 or booking a UTV tour, off-roading gets you into places most visitors never see.
11. Try a Night Hike or Stargazing Tour
Kanab is located in one of the darkest regions of the U.S., making it perfect for stargazing. Consider a guided night hike or join a stargazing tour to learn about constellations, local astronomy, and nocturnal wildlife.
12. Book a Multi-Sport Day
Mix up your adventure by combining two or more activities in one day. Start with a morning canyoneering route, then paddle a remote section of Glen Canyon, or hike to a quiet overlook in East Zion. We help you plan the perfect day, from start to finish.
13. Capture the Desert on an Adventure Photography Tour
Sunrise, sunset, stars, or canyons. There’s no shortage of photo-worthy spots. A photography-focused tour gives you access to the best light and views while also giving you time to slow down and really take in the landscape.
Kanab: Where the Adventure Begins
There’s a reason Kanab is known as Base Camp for Southern Utah. You’re close to everything, but it still feels relaxed and local. You can grab breakfast in town, spend the day out in the wild, and be back for dinner without missing a beat.

Whether you want to go big or take it slow, Kanab makes it easy to build the adventure that fits you best.
Ready to Visit Kanab, Utah?
Check out our adventures in Kanab now:
👉 https://www.allwaysadventure.com/destinations/kanab-east-zion
Let us help you make the most of your trip. This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a chance to get out there, go deeper, and experience something real.
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
All Ways Adventure
4955 Boulder Bluff Blvd, Kanab, UT 84741, United States
+14358999745



