VISIT UTAH - BASE CAMP KANAB
6 days exploring the iconic landscapes of Utah's southern wilderness.
Kanab, Utah, claims to be centrally located in the middle of only 10 of America’s greatest scenic wonders — but they’re just being modest. From the vermilion, white and pink cliffs and wide expanses of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, to the twisting sandstone bottlenecks of Buckskin Gulch, even the vertigo-inducing views of Zion National Park if you've never been, this six-day itinerary will show you why Kanab is the perfect base camp for adventure.
Even better? This remote outpost of adventure has one of Southern Utah's best culinary scenes.
This whole itinerary is about extreme perspectives. You’ll climb to the top of the world where you’ll see 360-degree panoramas of vast expanses of multi-hued cliffs, plateaus and unspoiled frontier. You’ll scramble through the depths of narrow slot canyons where you can’t even see the top of the massive cliffs that surround you.
Original: https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/Recommended-Itineraries/Base-Camp-Kanab
Days
Day 1: Coral Pink Sand Dunes + Johnson Canyon Road
75 miles
While Coral Pink Sand Dunes is open for hiking and kid-friendly playing, about 90 percent of the dunes are open for ATV riders. That’s 2,000 acres of adrenaline-pumping riding across the ever-shifting sands of time. Continue to the paved Johnson Canyon Road which is great by car and excellent by motorcycle. You’ll see remnants of the Old West and peer into the colorful cliffs of the Grand Staircase. Save time for a visit to Southern Utah’s beloved no-kill animal shelter in the stunning sanctuary of Angel Canyon. As your base camp, you can overnight in Kanab throughout this itinerary.
Visit
-
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
An off-the-radar expanse of photographic and OHV bliss, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is where weekend warriors can leave footprints in soft sand or adventure on the vast off-road playground. You can also walk among old juniper, and pinion and ponderosa pines. The dunes were formed by the continual erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs and estimated to be 10,000 to 15,000 years old. The state park was first opened to the public in 1963. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Coral-Pink-Sand-Dunes-State-Park -
Coral Pink ATV Tours
"Couldn't recommend these folks more. Corbin was an excellent guide, and we all had a blast. The equipment and ATVs are in great shape, the scenery is gorgeous, and the owners are great. I would come back and do this again and again!" -
Johnson Canyon Road
Johnson Canyon Road is great by car and excellent by motorcycle. You’ll see remnants of the Old West and peer into the colorful cliffs of the Grand Staircase. -
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located just five miles north of Kanab, is the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals and provides adoption, spaying/neutering, and educational programs. The organization has also been the world’s leader in the no-kill movement for 30 years. It was established in 1984 and found its current home in 1991. This incredible Utah animal sanctuary is located in Angel Canyon, which is an ideal place for people who love nature as much as they love animals. The nonprofit owns nearly 3,700 acres of property, and leases another 17,000 acres from the Bureau of Land Management — it’s sprawling, to say the least. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/Best-Friends-Animal-Sanctuary
Eat
-
Angel Village Cafe
"Love grabbing lunch here. Amazing views and Animal people are my people. The staff is wonderful, they make you feel like family. All vegan options. I'd like to see more gluten free options but I always get something I can enjoy!" -
Iron Horse Restaurant
"Best spot for ribs in Kanab! When we drive to St George from Arizona, always go out of our way to hit Iron Horse! Very fun atmosphere and can’t go wrong with the Cattle Drive platter! The black pepper ribs are a 10! And love the bacon chicken breast! Highly recommend!" -
Wild Thyme Cafe
"Gorgeous! Dogs can be on patio. Presentation was astounding! Taste as as well. We ate the shrimp tacos and pistachio chicken. " -
Asava Juice & Smoothies
"Stopped here after a day full of hiking and a previous night of lots of meat. We were looking for something more fruit and veggie oriented and this place was perfect. "
Stay
-
Historical 1906 Pugh House
"This Airbnb host was phenomenal. The house is perfectly located in Kanab. We used it as a base for our multi visits to the National Parks since it is situated so close to Zion, Bryce, Vermillion Cliffs and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus Kanab itself has beautiful scenery. " -
Comfort Suites Kanab National Park Area
"Very pleasant property. Well kept, clean and comfortable.. I travel with my dog and find nice grass is often a chore. I must say the grounds are very nicely kept. " -
Savage Point Bed and Breakfast
"My Husband and I spent 4 nights at the Savage Point Bed and Breakfast and it was delightful. Russell and Laurel welcomed us warmly to their home. "
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
Photos
Day 2: Mollie's Nipple + Buckskin Gulch
120 miles
Today is a good day of desert contrasts. Scramble up to summit the landmark Mollie’s Nipple for a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Staircase section of the vast national monument, then watch the sky reduce to a sliver as you scramble into Buckskin Gulch, the poster child for slot canyons and this geologically fascinating region of Utah. There’s an excellent short option from Wire Pass and a multi-day option, should you come equipped with the right gear or hire a local guide (watch: A Guided Hike Through Nature's Masterworks) and wish to forsake other adventures on this itinerary to further explore Buckskin. Return to Kanab for a trip down movie-memory lane.
Visit
-
Mollie’s Nipple Trailhead
Punctuating this uniform landscape, the landmark cone of Mollies Nipple is an anomaly, a mountain-like peak standing alone in a land of mesas, cliffs, and canyons. Composed of very resistant beds of Navajo Sandstone, Mollies Nipple has been eroded into a great cone that is one of the Colorado Plateau’s most distinctive landmarks. This cone stands out in views from overlooks in Bryce Canyon National Park, and from US 89 between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Grand-Staircase-Escalante/Grand-Staircase-Section/Adventure/Mollies-Nipple -
Buckskin Gulch
One of the truly classic hiking trails in the United States, let alone the world, Buckskin Gulch swerves through a subterranean paradise for the senses. Attempt this visually-arresting walk as a day trip, or walk the entire 20 miles over the course of four days. Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (near Kanab, Utah) and Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness (Arizona), Buckskin Gulch trails takes hikers through the veritable layer cake of the Colorado Plateau's geographical wonderment. It is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and offers obstacles like rock jams, pools, quicksand, and the potential for flash floods. Yet a day hike option via Wire Pass Trail is moderately easy, and should be a must-do tour on any hiker's list. https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/Slot-Canyons/Buckskin-Gulch -
Little Hollywood Land: Museum, Trading Post & Chuckwagon Cookout
t's the 1920s and economic prosperity is building the Hollywood brand and driving a flurry of major film productions. One genre that captures the imagination of audiences: Westerns. Quickly running out of suitable locations, studios set out in search of new and visually stimulating backdrops, heading east out from Hollywood in a reverse trajectory from the classic "Go West" narrative. Before long, "Deadwood Coach" (1924) hit the big screen and laid the foundation of what was to become "Little Hollywood" at a rugged and welcoming outpost on the edge of red rock adventures: Kanab, Utah. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/Little-Hollywood-Museum
Eat
-
Sunny Creek Coffee
"Absolutely great coffee. I had been travelling for a week and was seeking out a decent cup of coffee. Found it! The best cup of coffee in Utah! Service was also great. The girl working was so nice. On my way through a week later, I actually made a point of stopping here again." -
Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen
"This place is worth the wait. We were there on a busy Wednesday and waited 30 mins for a table. So glad we did! We had the Caprese with perfect tomatoes and the Mushroom Madness pizza, which we dug in to so fast I didn’t get a photo. The service was great, and the views were even better." -
Kanab Creek Bakery
"Kanab Creek Bakery was a real gem that we stumbled upon during our road trip to Arizona and Utah. "
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
Photos
Day 3: Cottonwood Canyon + Big Water Visitor Center
170 miles
Today, you have a choice. Option 1: See the southern hikes of Cottonwood Canyon Road, check out the paleontology of the monument at the Big Water Visitor Center, and then grab a boat tour of Lake Powell from Wahweap Marina. Return to Kanab or overnight in Page, Arizona. Option 2: If you're planning ahead for next year, learn how to finish the itinerary by booking a five or seven-day volunteer stay on the Trash Tracker Boat on Lake Powell. You’ll bring your own gear and explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area while helping to keep it clean on a trip that will earn you a place in the National Park Service Volunteer-in-Parks Program.
Visit
-
Cottonwood Canyon Narrows
From UT 12 in the Bryce Valley town of Cannonville, Utah, 33 miles east of Panguitch, Utah, and US 89 and 36 miles west of Escalante, Utah, turn south onto Cottonwood Canyon Road (the Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway), signed Kodachrome Basin–9. Follow this paved road south through Cannonville, then through the broad valley of the upper Paria River. You pass the junction with southwest-bound Skutumpah Road after 2.9 miles, and after 7.4 miles you reach the end of pavement on Cottonwood Canyon Road and the entrance to Kodachrome Basin State Park is on the left. Continue straight ahead on the graded dirt surface of Cottonwood Canyon Road. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Grand-Staircase-Escalante/Grand-Staircase-Section/Family/Cottonwood-Narrows -
Big Water Visitor Center
The Big Water Visitor Center and dinosaur museum is a great stop on your way to visit Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam, or to hike one of the numerous trails located within the Grand Staircase region. The center has knowledgeable staff, a lot of great dinosaur fossil displays, and a 30-foot mural depicting the Cretaceous Period. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Grand-Staircase-Escalante/Grand-Staircase-Section/Big-Water-Visitor-Center
Eat
-
Escobar's Mexican Restaurant
"Mouthwatering delicious! A highlight of our day hiking in Kanab. This place was packed on a Sunday afternoon, filled with locals that the staff knew by name as they hustled and bustled through lunch service. " -
Big Al's Burgers at The Junction
"We were ready for a nice cheeseburger after a day of hiking. We stopped by this place since it was super busy. Now I know why! We ordered a Rustler cheeseburger, a Big Red cheeseburger, fries and sweet potato fries. This did not disappoint" -
Taro Coffee Bar
"If you enjoy good latte, this is the coffee truck to hit up! My husband and I got delicious lattes there three mornings in a row while staying in Kanab. The coffee was rich and the foam was smooth.. The couple running the coffee truck was so friendly and helpful."
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
Photos
Day 4: Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend
150 mils
Get an early start. If waking up in Kanab, grab your permit and head to Coyote Buttes South for some free-form wandering through a colorful splash of pristine nature. You can spend your whole day between Cottonwood Cove and Paw Hole, and many recommend lingering at Paw Hole for sunset. A morning start in Page better enables stops at the Instagram-friendly Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two awe-inspiring and extremely popular destinations in northern Arizona. You’d still have time to catch that sunset at Paw Hole then head back late to Kanab.
Visit
-
Coyote Buttes
Coyote Buttes South was made for experiencing nature in its most pristine form. As compared to the North Coyote Buttes, home of the world-famous Wave, the South has much fewer hikers seeking a permit. Yet the land in the South, with its rock piles (also known as teepees), arches, and fins, is visually stunning and completely enthralling. The chance of receiving a permit is drastically increased here, potentially ensuring a brilliant visit to the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness from your base camp in Kanab. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/Coyote-Buttes-South -
Antelope Canyon
The most photographed slot canyon in Northern Arizona, Upper Antelope Canyon, has been capturing the attention of visitors’ and photographers’ cameras since tours were first permitted. The reason will become immediately clear: The shafts of light beaming in through the canyon are simply stunning. You’ll most likely take a zillion photos, and you’ll remember trying to decide which you think is best. https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/Slot-Canyons/Antelope-Canyon -
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the Southwest, and a great day trip from your base camp in Kanab, Utah. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/Horseshoe-Bend
Eat
-
Big John's Texas BBQ
"I’m from Texas and this place is legit! They’ve got smokers cooking up some great meats! We went with a sampler plate and a half rack of ribs. Ribs were super flavorful and fall off the bone tender. " -
Grand Canyon Brewing +Distillery
"This is a great place. The pizzas are truly wonderful, with a perfectly cooked cracker like crust and generous amounts of cheese and toppings It was on of the best pizzas we have had in a long time. On top of this they serve a large variety of craft beers as well as mixed drinks at reasonable prices. -
Hot n Sweet Coffee and Donut Shop
"4 donuts and 2 large (refillable) coffees for only $11.50! THAT is how much coffee and donuts should be. Donuts were delicious. So smooth. They melted in my mouth"
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
Photos
Day 5: Pipe Springs + Grand Canyon
195 miles
Now you are perfectly poised to catch the lesser-visited, higher-elevation North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Thanks to the remarkable geology of the Grand Staircase, there’s no shortage of stunning panoramas in this part of the country. The Grand Canyon is the oldest sedimentary layer in the staircase, and from your vantage you can pick out dozens of rock layers. A stop at Pipe Springs folds Native and pioneer history into this fascinating day. If time permits, Moqui Cave brings a bit of folklore to the table. Or head toward Zion for an overnight in the park or Springdale.
Visit
-
Pipe Spring National Monument
The rich history of Pipe Spring and its flowing water comes alive as you explore the traditions of the Kaibab Paiute and the Mormon settlers through the museum, historic fort, cabins, and garden. Hike the Ridge Trail to enjoy geologic wonders, plants, and wildlife. Attend living history demonstrations and talks and be sure to visit with our amazing ranch animals! https://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm -
North Rim Visitor Center
When visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona, the first thing you’ll notice is how peaceful it is, especially compared to the busier South Rim. With most of the North Rim sitting above 8,000 feet in elevation, some say that the views are better here, too. The cooler climate of this region is reflected in its diverse ecology, with evergreen forests made up of blue spruce, douglas fir, pinions, and towering ponderosa pines blanketing the Kaibab Plateau. The North Rim is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and elk, and was designated a wildlife preserve before gaining its national park status. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/North-Rim-Grand-Canyon-National-Park -
Moqui Cave
Moqui Cave is a landmark tourist destination and museum just north of Kanab 5.5 miles on scenic Highway 89. Appealing to spelunkers and beyond, Moqui Cave offers a quirky look at one family’s eccentric art collection and fascinating history, while also showcasing geological rarities found throughout Southern Utah. The word “Moqui” is now commonly used to refer to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the region centuries ago. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Cities-and-Towns/Kanab/Moqui-Cave
Eat
-
Deli in the Pines
"I loved the saloon. Guy was great, so many good tips and a good beer. Prices are a little high but not bad really. " -
Nomad Cafe
"Coffee and Kolaches! Love em! You have to stop at this spot, the owners are super friendly and the food is amazing." -
Sego Restaurant
"Coffee and Kolaches! Love em! You have to stop at this spot, the owners are super friendly and the food is amazing."
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
Photos
Day 6: Zion + Orderville
45 miles
As the sun rises in the east, it pulls back the curtain of night on Zion Canyon. See the sunrise from the short but scenic Canyon Overlook, which offers commanding vistas of the lower reaches of Zion Canyon. Or meet the rising sun at the top of Observation Point, also excellent at sunset. Often called The Narrow’s little sister, Orderville Canyon is just as (if not more) beautiful, but with an additional technical aspect. It’s one of the easiest technical canyons in the Zion National Park area, but still demands respect. Sunrise to sunset makes for a long day, but you'll love every minute of it.
Visit
-
Zion Canyon Overlook
As the sun rises in the east, it pulls back the curtain of night on Zion Canyon. See the sunrise from the short but scenic Canyon Overlook, which offers commanding vistas of the lower reaches of Zion Canyon. -
Orderville Canyon Trailhead
Often called The Narrow’s little sister, Orderville Canyon is just as (if not more) beautiful, but with an additional technical aspect. It’s one of the easiest technical canyons in the Zion National Park area, but still demands respect. For most visitors, it will require a local guide or experienced climbing partner with the correct gear to complete it safely. This 12.3-mile slot canyon hike is a good adventure for both beginning and experienced canyoneers, just be sure to bring a short rope (50 feet should be good), a harness and rappel equipment, a helmet and enough water on hot days to get you to the lower, wetter section of the canyon, where you can filter additional water. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Zion/Outdoor-Experiences/Orderville-Canyon
Eat
-
King's Landing Bistro
"Was looking for something a bit more upscale in the area and this place did not disappoint. Steak was cooked medium rare. Good wine selection. No complaints!" -
FeelLove Coffee & Cafe Zion
"Highly recommend stopping by here! Amazing coffee and cute spot to chill." -
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co
"Great indoor/outdoor pizza place with beers. Crust is woven and not too thick. We ordered the Cholesterol Hiker and Caesar Salad. Good local beer selections available. Stop here for a carb boost after your long hike!"
Transit
-
Kanab - Home Base
-
Zion – Mount Carmel Highway
Zion National Park is a mind-blowing place to play, but the National Scenic Byway (S.R. 9) between Zion's main canyon and Mount Carmel is an extra stunning way to cover a lot of amazing ground. Highlights include swirling, otherworldly rock formations, mounds, towers, hoodoos, and hilltops. Layered strata of rusty red, orange, cream, yellow and brown color the landscape that is dotted with desert pines, sagebrush, and wildflowers. Over millions of years, water, wind and ice have shaped this landscape into the fantastical scene it is today. https://www.visitutah.com/Places-To-Go/Parks-Outdoors/Zion/Zion-Mt-Carmel-Road
Photos
More from Charles Chen
Maker of Turas.app! I'm a startup software engineer who enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures.
Charles Chen's Turas.app profile