Nestled in the heart of Southern Utah’s canyon country, Kanab is a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the American Southwest. Grand Plateau Lodge and RV Resort is the perfect basecamp to explore this amazing area. Framed by vermillion cliffs and windswept mesas, this small town offers easy access to national parks, hidden slot canyons, and surreal desert landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker seeking a challenge or a casual adventurer looking for an afternoon stroll, Kanab’s surroundings will reward you with breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.
Below, we will share the best hiking trails around Kanab, each offering a unique glimpse into the wild beauty of this region.
The Wave (Coyote Buttes North)
Arguably the most iconic hike near Kanab, The Wave is a sandstone rock formation renowned for its dramatic, undulating patterns and vibrant colors. Located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, this hike is both a visual and physical masterpiece.
- Distance: ~6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Highlights: Striking wave-like rock formations, vibrant colors, surreal landscapes
- Permit required: Yes, via a highly competitive lottery system
Pro tip: Due to the limited number of daily permits, plan well ahead and enter both the online and in-person lotteries.
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
Wire Pass serves as a popular gateway to the legendary Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest and most beautiful slot canyons in the world. The hike combines narrow passageways, towering walls, and opportunities for adventure.
- Distance: ~3.5 miles round trip to the confluence; up to 20+ miles if continuing through Buckskin Gulch
- Difficulty: Easy to strenuous depending on the route
- Highlights: Slot canyon narrows, desert wildlife, ancient petroglyphs
- Permit required: Yes, permits available at the trailhead or online
Pro tip: Check weather forecasts—flash floods can occur rapidly in slot canyons.
Kanarra Falls
Though about an hour from Kanab, Kanarra Falls is well worth the detour. This trail features slot canyons, ladders, and cool waterfalls—perfect for summer hikes.
- Distance: ~4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfalls, slot canyons, scenic ladders
- Permit required: Yes, limited daily permits
Pro tip: Prepare to get your feet wet! Water shoes are recommended.
Peekaboo Slot Canyon (Red Canyon)
A hidden gem just north of Kanab, Peekaboo Slot Canyon boasts smooth, sculpted sandstone walls and a quiet, mystical atmosphere. It’s less crowded than its famous cousin, Antelope Canyon.
- Distance: ~3.5 miles round trip (if hiking from the parking area)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Narrow passageways, photogenic red rock walls, tranquil setting
- Permit required: No, but high-clearance 4WD or a guided tour is recommended to reach the trailhead
Pro tip: Consider booking a guided tour to avoid getting stuck in deep sand on the access road.
East Rim Trail (Zion National Park)
Zion National Park is just a short drive from Kanab and offers world-class hiking. The East Rim Trail provides panoramic views of canyons and plateaus, with options for shorter or longer hikes.
- Distance: 10 miles one way (can be done as a section hike)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Sweeping views, diverse terrain, wildflowers
- Permit required: For overnight trips only
Pro tip: Arrange a shuttle or car drop-off if not doing an out-and-back hike.
South Fork Indian Canyon Trail
A less-traveled route, the South Fork Indian Canyon Trail leads hikers through a remote section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Expect solitude and spellbinding scenery.
- Distance: Varies depending on route
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Colorful sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art, peaceful canyons
- Permit required: No
Pro tip: Bring a map and plenty of water—the trail is primitive and can be hard to follow.
Cottonwood Canyon Narrows
This family-friendly hike follows a scenic stretch of Cottonwood Wash, with narrow canyon walls and easy walking.
- Distance: ~3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Vibrant rock striations, narrows, accessible terrain
- Permit required: No
Pro tip: Cottonwood Canyon Road can become impassable after rain—check conditions before heading out.
Catstair Canyon
Catstair Canyon is a short, off-the-beaten-path hike with fascinating rock formations, petroglyphs, and a unique abandoned car wedged in a slot—a quirky photo opportunity.
- Distance: ~1-2 miles, depending on exploration
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Slot canyon, petroglyphs, historical oddities
- Permit required: No
Pro tip: The canyon is best explored in the cooler hours of the morning.
White Pocket
Located on the Paria Plateau, White Pocket is a remote destination famed for its swirling, multi-colored rock formations and otherworldly textures. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- Distance: ~2 miles round trip (exploration varies)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Alien-like rock formations, solitude, unique geology
- Permit required: No, but high-clearance 4WD is required to reach the trailhead
Pro tip: The remote road is treacherous when wet—consider joining a guided tour for safety.
Belly of the Dragon
An easy, family-friendly walk through a manmade tunnel carved beneath Highway 89, the Belly of the Dragon is great for kids and anyone seeking a quick adventure.
- Distance: ~0.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Tunnel walk, unique photo ops, quick excursion
- Permit required: No
Pro tip: Bring a flashlight—the tunnel can be dark inside.
Kanab, Utah, is a hiker’s paradise on the doorstep of some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. From the legendary Wave to hidden slot canyons and scenic national parks, trails around Kanab offer something for every skill level. Whether you’re seeking solitude, challenge, or awe-inspiring vistas, you’ll find it here—along with the quiet thrill of discovering nature’s artistry in stone and sand. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, Kanab’s red rock country will reveal its secrets, one hike at a time. We look forward to seeing you in Kanab this fall at Grand Plateau Lodge and RV Resort.
