Kanab

Kanab is a small town in the Canyon Country region of Utah, famous for its past use as a backdrop for many famous western movies as well as a good base for exploring the surrounding area. It is also well known as the home of Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for companion animals. Destinations within driving distance include Zion National Park, the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas.

Kanab sits at an elevation of about 4,970 feet in a red rock desert setting. The town's main street, Center Street (US-89), features historic buildings from the town's movie-making heyday. During the 1940s and 1950s, Kanab was known as "Little Hollywood" because more than 100 movies and television shows were filmed in the surrounding area, including Stagecoach, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Planet of the Apes.

The climate is arid with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures are generally mild with occasional snow. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

By Plane

Kanab has a small airport (Kanab Airport, KNB) with limited service. The nearest major airports are Las Vegas (LAS), about 4-5 hours drive, and Salt Lake City (SLC), over 5 hours drive. Some commuter airlines serve St. George, Utah (SGU), an over 2-hour drive.

By Car / Road

Kanab is located on US-89, about 80 miles east of St. George and 300 miles south of Salt Lake City. From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to UT-9 through Zion, then US-89 to Kanab. From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to US-89 through Panguitch.

Walking to the shops and movie theatre on Main Street is a popular pastime for tourists. Most things tourists want are right on the main road within walking distance. A car is essential for exploring the surrounding national parks and monuments.

• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument — The famous "Wave" is here. Only twenty people per day are permitted to visit: ten by online application and ten by lottery at the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center. White Pocket is less popular but doesn't require a permit and some say it's even more spectacular.

• Kanab Historic District — Features several historic buildings including the Sixtus Johnson House (1891), Heritage House, and the Bowman & Co. Building (1892), now home to The Rocking V Cafe.

• Little Hollywood Movie Museum — 297 W. Center St. Exhibits actual movie sets and explores Kanab's movie-making history. Open March-November daily 9AM-9PM. Free.

• Best Friends Animal Society — 5001 Angel Canyon Rd. The nation's largest sanctuary for companion animals, with over 1,500-2,000 animals. Open daily 8AM-5PM.

• Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center — 8AM-5PM. The lottery for permits to visit "the Wave" takes place here at 9AM every weekday morning.

• Western Legends Round-up — Be a cowboy for a weekend at this annual event.

• Jeep tours — Several companies offer jeep adventures to slot canyons, underground lakes, hidden arches, Indian ruins, and petroglyphs.

• Hiking — Kanab Creek and Buckskin Gulch offer excellent hiking opportunities.

• Photography tours — Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Staircase Escalante.

Kanab offers a surprising variety of dining options for a small town.

• Escobars — 373 East 300. Mexican restaurant. Best food in town at a great price. Family owned local favorite.
• The Rocking V Cafe — 97 W. Center St (HWY 89). Top-class cuisine in small-town Kanab. Buffalo and seafood to eclectic vegetarian dishes. Open 7 days during the season.
• Houston's — 32 East Center. Comfortable, family friendly restaurant with good American food and famous chicken fried steak.
• Wild Thyme Cafe — 198 South 100 East. Daily noon-8:30PM. Casual American eatery serving chops, steaks & seafood.
• Jakey Leigh's Cafe Bakery — 4 East Center. Espresso cafe serving baked goods made in house from scratch.

For nightlife, head across the border on 89 to the Buckskin Tavern in Fredonia, Arizona, "the longest bar in Arizona," and the only bar for miles. The Rocking V also has cocktails. There is a state liquor store in town, located next to the police station.

Kanab has a variety of accommodations from ranches and western-motif B&Bs to major hotel chains. Most hotels are located on the main road, Highway 89.

• Budget: Aikens Lodge, 79 W Center. Basic but clean rooms in a convenient location.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, 815 East Hwy 89. Modern rooms with standard amenities.
• Upscale / heritage: Canyons Boutique Hotel, 190 N 300 W. Unique boutique accommodations.

Kanab is a good place to stock up on supplies for camping. There are two small grocery stores, several c-stores, and a sporting goods store just off the main road.

• Willow Creek Books - Coffee - Outdoor Gear — 263 South 100 East. The best coffee in town.
• Nature's Showcase — 288 West Center. A fun rock shop with local raw materials for cutting, polishing, or tumbling.

• Zion National Park — 29 miles northwest via Mount Carmel Junction. Utah's most popular National Park with incredible scenery.
• Bryce Canyon National Park — Northeast on US-89 and UT-12. Beautiful redrock and strange hoodoo formations.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — Northeast. A huge wilderness area accessible from US-89.
• Grand Canyon North Rim — South on US-89A then AZ-67. The less-visited rim of the Grand Canyon.
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area — East on US-89, near Page, Arizona. Lake Powell and boat recreation.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park — Near Kanab. A fun state park with pink sand dunes.