The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kanab, Utah

Planning a visit to Utah? While destinations like Salt Lake City, Springdale, and Moab tend to get all of the attention, you’ll find incredible landscapes, unique towns, and endless natural beauty around every corner! One hidden gem that’s too often overlooked is Kanab Utah.

Located just 7 miles from the Arizona border, Kanab, Utah is perfectly situated between many of the region’s largest cities, including Las Vegas, Nevada, Denver, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. While the town itself is home to just over 5,000 year-round residents, the stunning natural beauty of the area attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the world each year. The region features a wide variety of unique geologic formations, including stunning pink sand dunes and cliffs, ancient volcanic craters and lava flows, deep slot canyons, and even towering mountains covered in pine trees.

And right in the heart of it all, you’ll find Canyons Boutique Hotel! Thinking about planning a visit to Southern Utah? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Kanab Utah.

A Brief History of Kanab, Utah

The town of Kanab was established in 1864 when Fort Kanab was built along Kanab Creek. This fort was used as a defense against Native American tribes, as well as acting as a home base for expeditions to chart and explore the region. The fort was abandoned after an attack by Native American tribes in 1866. Mormon pioneers later settled in the fort and the surrounding area. 

The town of Kanab was once one of the most isolated towns in all of the United States because it could only be reached by traveling rough dirt roads along the Arizona Strip from Las Vegas. But today, it’s a scenic town that draws tourists looking to enjoy the outdoors or experience a taste of the Wild West for themselves.

Visiting Kanab Utah

Kanab, Utah is perhaps best known as the place where a number of classic movies were filmed. Nicknamed “Utah’s Little Hollywood,” dozens of films, including mainly classic westerns, were filmed in and around Kanab, starting in the 1920s, and continuing into modern-day times with the 2009 release of the documentary, “Return to Little Hollywood.” Today, you can spot some of the natural landmarks highlighted in your favorite film, and even visit a former film set.

Kanab is also a great base camp for visiting Southern Utah’s endless natural attractions. A handful of incredible national parks are located just a short drive away. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is just over an hour and a half by car from Kanab, while Zion National Park is just 30 minutes away. Bryce Canyon is under an hour and a half away. Even Capitol Reef National Park is close enough for a day trip, at just over 3 hours away.

Many of Utah’s incredible state parks, including Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, are just a short drive away as well.

Where to Stay

Despite its small size, the town of Kanab Utah has a number of lodging options to choose from.

Canyons Boutique Hotel is situated right in the heart of Kanab, along North 300 West. As the only boutique-style hotel in Kanab, we offer luxurious rooms and unique decor, as well as all of the amenities you need for a fun, comfortable stay. Plush beds and spa-quality bath products are perfect for helping you relax and unwind after a long day of exploring, while special extras like a jetted spa tub or in-room fireplace can add a cozy touch to your visit. 

Just a short drive away, you’ll find Kanab’s many attractions, including former Western movie sets and a variety of national parks. 

What to Eat

There’s no shortage of dining options to choose from in Kanab as well. The Rocking V Cafe is a colorful, art-filled restaurant in a building that dates back to 1892. The menu features a wide variety of slow food, including plenty of vegan options. Visitors can sample authentic Native American cuisine at Sego Restaurant, and sip craft cocktails in the warm, modern dining room. For that classic Old Wild West aesthetic, head to Iron Horse Restaurant, where you can dig into juicy steaks, ribs, and burgers with heart sides.

Planning Your Stay Canyons Hotel

Kanab Utah is one of the Southwest’s best-kept secrets. With a wide range of natural landscapes to explore, a rich history, and an amazing location in the heart of Southern Utah’s most popular attractions, it's a destination for outdoor lovers, film buffs, and everyone in between.