Kanab, Utah? Must see things?

Post trip report....

We had a lot of wind due to a storm hitting Utah. It was sunny, just really windy and cold in the evenings/night. Sand + wind = less things we wanted to do. :)

Things we did:
- Pipe Spring National Monument
- Anasazi Museum in Fredonia
- Drove out to Paria where there used to be a movie set. A dumb arsonist burned it down about 10 years ago so not much to see.
- Glen Canyon Dam tour
- Horseshoe Bend hike
- Toadstool hike
- Kids played at the Coral Pink sand dunes (state park)
- Drove through Johnson Canyon (Gunsmoke set is visible from the road)
- Visited rock shops in Orderville

Things we didn't do but would have under different circumstances:
- Animal sanctuary
- Museums in town weren't open yet for the season (2nd time I've been to Kanab without them being open)
- ATV rental
- Drive out to North rim of the grand canyon (Tooweep)
- Go up to Kodachrome canyon and stay in that area for a couple of days
- See Bryce since we passed it on the way

We're from Utah, so we'll make it to the other places on other trips. We tend to do odd stuff and we've done the big parks before, so we're working through the less traveled sites.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a natural to consider if you're not going over to Bryce.

If you come over by St George, Snow Canyon State Park is majestic enough to be considered for National Park status (but unlikely since we already have 5 NP's in UT)

If coming West through Hildale/Colorado City be aware these are the former property of Warren Jeffs and is still primarily populated by polygamists. So some of them may be at Walmart or other places you shop in the St George area.

For mountain bikers, Gooseberry Mesa is famous. And there are lots of dirt roads that lead to pretty places hardly anyone visits. You can see petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and pioneer routes. A visit to the BLM office in Kanab can be helpful if you want to explore.

As mentioned do the tour but be prepared for a life changing experience. It happened to us. We knew the place was special but had no idea to that extent.

Well said to be sure.

Will be thru Kanab this fall again and need to get a new Best Friends T shirt - and leave a donation.

We volunteer at an animal rescue here but there is nothing to compare with Best Friends.

Best Friends a.k.a. DogTown of Nat'l Geo. and Mike Vick fame is just north of towm.

As mentioned do the tour but be prepared for a life changing experience. It happened to us. We knew the place was special but had no idea to that extent.

Been to Kanab. Best Friends and Pipe Springs for sure.

My vote is for Best Friends. Take the tour and see the great work they do. My wife spent a week as a volunteer there.
The trip from there into Zion ( down the hill through the tunnels) is really great for the passengers. Down hill you are on the right side of the road and you can see DOWN. Wife also enjoyed North Rim. Took a tour ride.. she was the only rider nice day , nice person driving.

tragusa3 wrote:
Not really a must see, but we were there for only a day and took a BLM road back to see the original set of "Gunsmoke". Also went into "Little Hollywood". It was kind of junky, but worth a 20 minute visit if you want to see movie props from the westerns filmed in the region.

We stopped there on a trip about 12 years ago. We still talk about that place because it was so hokey it was really enjoyable. Got some great blackmail pictures of my daughter, who is now 26.

Colo Native wrote:

lbrjet wrote:
Go over to Zion, up to Bryce, down to the north rim of the Grand Canyon and over to Page ((Lake Powell). Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park was OK.

X2, The dunes can be seen from the road so you don't have to pay the fee

I drove into the Dunes park from the South and at that time wasn't any fee, or at least I didn't pay one. that is where I saw my first toy hauler, a Kit IIRC. lots of short pull off/drive thru camp sites.

bumpy

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a must do! You'll be amazed at the beautiful surroundings, the care of the animals and their huge facility.

If you're a strong hiker, get in line daily for the lottery to do the Wave hike. Only 10/day in person get to do it. We did!

Even though Grand Canyon North Rim might not be open for business (the lodge or campground) you can still drive to it for a peaceful day.

Pipe Springs Nat'l Monument is nearby.

For the other national parks (Zion/Bryce) it's best to stay closer to them for the best experience. They're a long drive.

Have fun!

Not really a must see, but we were there for only a day and took a BLM road back to see the original set of "Gunsmoke". Also went into "Little Hollywood". It was kind of junky, but worth a 20 minute visit if you want to see movie props from the westerns filmed in the region.