Kanab is a stunning destination that deserves a spot on any adventurer’s itinerary. Nestled between Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park, it’s the perfect place to explore if you’re visiting the area. Kanab offers incredible hiking and sightseeing opportunities, whether you have a few hours or a full day. I recently took a half-day trip from St. George—just an hour and a half away—and made the most of my time in the beautiful red rocks. In this post, I’ll share how I spent my visit, but with so many trails to explore, I know I’ll be returning for more!
Tips Beforehand
Here are a few things to keep in mind before heading to Kanab:
- Watch the Weather: It’s a desert, so summers can be unbelievably hot. I went in March, and while it was in the 60s, the sun made it feel much warmer while hiking. I brought a light jacket, which was nice for the shady spots where it got a little chilly.
- Bring Plenty of Water: None of the trails I did had water sources, and the only place to refill is in town—which isn’t super close to the trailheads. It’s always better to have extra water than to run out.
- Wear Good Shoes: The trails were pretty slippery, so having shoes with good traction made a big difference.
- Download Your Maps: Cell service is spotty, and getting lost is never fun. I always use AllTrails for hiking—it’s super easy to use and works offline.
A little prep goes a long way in making your trip more enjoyable!
Trail Access
Getting to the trailheads does involve some off-roading, but it’s nothing too intense. I saw plenty of sedans in the parking lots, so you don’t need a truck or high-clearance vehicle to make it. The roads may be a bit rugged, but they lead to some incredible, off-the-beaten-path views that make the drive more than worth it.
One of the best parts of this trip? Every hike I did was dog-friendly! I was able to bring both of my dogs along, and they absolutely crushed the trails—probably better than I did. They’d often stop and look back at me like, what’s taking you so long? 😂 It made the experience even more fun having them by my side for every adventure.
First Hike: Belly of the Dragon
The first hike of the day was the Belly of the Dragon, a super short trek that felt more like a walk over sand and rocks. What makes it so unique is the tunnel-like cave you walk through, with ridges lining the walls. It only takes about 2-3 minutes to pass through, but it’s strikingly similar to what you’d imagine the inside of a dragon’s stomach to look like—definitely a fitting name.
After emerging from the cave, the trail continues for another 0.2 miles along a flat path with cliffs on either side, which is pretty cool. At the end, there’s a cobblestone-like wall that’s definitely worth seeing. My watch tracked it as a 0.6-mile round trip, which was perfect for a quick adventure. Most hikers didn’t venture past the cave’s exit, so I had the final stretch all to myself. This trail is quite popular, but since it’s short, you can usually find a quiet moment if you time it right—just wait for a group to pass, and you’ll have it to yourself before the next one arrives.
Second Hike: Sand Caves
The next hike I did was to the Sand Caves, and it was such a cool experience! The trail is about a mile and a half, but the last stretch is the real challenge—you have to climb up sheer sandstone, which is incredibly slippery. There’s a rope to help climbers, and I definitely made good use of it. Even with the rope, though, I’d say shoes with solid grip are a must.
Not everyone was able to make it up; I saw quite a few hikers who had to stay at the bottom and never actually reached the caves. Meanwhile, both of my dogs climbed up with ease—I won’t lie, I was a little jealous!
One of the perks of the tricky climb is that it thins out the crowd. While the main trail was pretty busy, I ended up having the caves all to myself. And they were absolutely worth the effort—the views of the red cliffs were stunning, and the caves themselves had such a peaceful, almost magical feel. Sitting inside, surrounded by smooth sandstone and looking out at the vast desert landscape, I felt completely at peace. It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love exploring—there’s nothing quite like finding a hidden spot and having it all to yourself, even if just for a little while.
Last Hike: Bunting Trail
This was the longest hike of the day, and after the shorter ones I had already done, it felt great to take on a more challenging adventure. Bunting Trail is just over four miles, but let me tell you—it felt much longer because of the difficulty. I later found out AllTrails marks it as “hard,” which I didn’t know beforehand. I probably should’ve done a little more research, but sometimes the best hikes are the ones you dive into without expectations.
Getting to the trailhead was a bit trickier compared to the other hikes, likely because those were main attractions, while this one felt more like a local hidden gem for serious hikers. The trailhead is off the beaten path, requiring a short drive down a dirt road. My Crosstrek handled it just fine. The trail itself is well-marked, with plenty of signs guiding the way, especially at the beginning.
One of the best parts of this hike was how quiet it was. I only saw one other group the entire time, which meant I essentially had the whole trail to myself—just me and my dogs. The solitude made the experience even more special.
But let me warn you: this hike is steep. You’re climbing straight up the mountain, gaining 1,400 feet in elevation. I won’t lie—it was tough. I hiked slow, taking plenty of breaks, but reaching the top was absolutely worth it. The views were unreal. From the summit, you can see all of Kanab Valley, surrounding mountains, and even glimpses of Zion. The horizon stretches endlessly, and standing at such a high vantage point gave me that incredible feeling of being on top of the world.
The descent was much faster, but the first half-mile going down was a little nerve-wracking. The trail was slick, and since I visited in early March, there was still some mud. Luckily, there was snow on the side of the trail, so I just washed my hands off there. The weather was perfect—I hiked in a tank top, but as I gained elevation, I passed patches of lingering snow.
If you’re thinking about doing this hike, make sure to bring plenty of water. The uphill climb is no joke, but if you’re up for the challenge, I can’t recommend Bunting Trail enough. It’s a hidden gem with unbeatable views—one that I’ll definitely be hiking again.
Food
Kanab is the most charming town, and I’ve spent a good amount of time exploring it since my cousins live there. The people are incredibly friendly, and the hiking in the area is nothing short of stunning. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of small restaurants and cafes—eating local is always a great option.
For this trip, I packed my own food and snacks since I wasn’t sure exactly where my hikes would take me, and I didn’t want to rely on being in town. I’m glad I did because by the time I finished hiking Bunting Trail, the sun was setting, and I was more than ready to head home and curl up with a book. I definitely didn’t feel like making a trip back into town for food.
If you do plan on eating in Kanab, just keep that in mind when organizing your day, as some hikes can take longer than expected. That said, I absolutely loved my time exploring Kanab and would highly recommend it—it’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and outdoor adventure.