This Quiet Utah Town Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

It should come as no surprise that Utah has plenty of idylic small towns that are perfect for outdoorsy people, whether you are looking for a new home or just somewhere nice to visit. This is in large part because this Southwestern state houses a number of the nation's most beloved national parks, including Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands, as well as countless other natural landmarks. Here, we focus on the lesser-known community of Kanab, a town near the Arizona border. Sitting within close proximity to both sweeping desert and mountain landscapes, discover this wonderful destination's past, along with the best sights and sounds you can experience while exploring it today.

A Longstanding Oasis Turned Epic Filming Location

As mentioned, Kanab sits in southern Utah almost directly on the Arizona border and is surrounded by a landscape of sandstone cliffs, mesas, canyons, and high desert terrain. This town lies more specifically along Kanab Creek at an elevation of just under 5,000 feet, placing it between the forests of the Kaibab Plateau and the dramatic red rock country that extends across the Colorado Plateau beyond. This location has made Kanab a natural gateway to some of the Southwest's most recognizable scenery while also providing reliable access to water in an otherwise arid environment.

Long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to Ancestral Puebloan peoples and was later inhabited by Paiute communities. Mormon pioneers then officially established Kanab in 1870 as part of efforts to expand settlements across Utah. Although early residents faced floods, droughts, and isolation, the community slowly but surely developed through ranching, farming, and trade.

Kanab gained wider recognition during the mid-20th century when its striking backdrops attracted Hollywood filmmakers and sightseers alike. Numerous westerns like Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales, were filmed in and around the town, earning it the enduring nickname "Little Hollywood" and helping shape its identity as both a historic frontier community and a destination for outdoor recreation.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

This highly accessible park, a short drive west of Kanab, is a great way to get a feel for the land. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park protects more than 3,730 acres of wind-shaped dunes created from eroded Navajo Sandstone, with distinctive pink-orange sand that is continually reshaped by prevailing winds, creating an ever-changing landscape unlike anywhere else in Utah.

Here, you can hike across the dunes, photograph the colorful sights, or try sandboarding and sledding on designated slopes. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular times to experience the park, when the dunes glow in shades of coral, orange, and gold. It is also home to several specialized plant and animal species, including the endemic Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle.

Moqui Cave

Moqui Cave is a roadside attraction a few miles north of Kanab that combines natural history with unique regional geology. The cave itself was formed within a massive chunk of sandstone and was later enlarged for commercial use before becoming a museum. Today, you can explore its various exhibits featuring Native American artifacts, fluorescent minerals, fossils, dinosaur tracks, and an extensive rock collection from the surrounding region. Informational displays explain how the area's sandstone formations developed over eons, providing a wealth of knowledge about the interesting topography found throughout much of Utah's south.

A convenient location along U.S. Highway 89 also makes Moqui Cave an easy stop for travelers heading toward Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or other nearby destinations.

The Wave

Although we did say that Kanab is quite the underrated gem, "The Wave" is one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the American Southwest. Located in the Coyote Buttes North area about 47 miles east of town, this incredible natural wonder is remarkable for its flowing sandstone ridges and striking bands of red, orange, and cream, appearing to be a frozen wave made of rock.

Reaching The Wave requires a strenuous 6.4-mile round-trip hike across unmarked desert terrain, making navigation skills and preparation essential. You should also note that to protect this fragile landscape, daily visitor numbers are strictly limited through a permit lottery (and winning is truly difficult at times). Although securing a permit can be challenging, those who make the journey are rewarded with one of the most extraordinary geological landmarks in all of the United States, in fact. One that is definitely worth the hour-long drive from Kanab.

Bunting Trail

On the other hand, this locale is located only a stone's throw from the downtwon core. Bunting Trail offers a quieter alternative to some of the better-known hikes near Kanab, leading you through some classic southwestern scenery with sweeping views of pinyon-juniper woodlands, mountains, and open desert.

At about 4 miles in length, the path gradually climbs across rocky terrain, rewarding hikers with elevated overlooks of the surrounding lands. Seasonal wildflowers add color during spring, while the route provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as mule deer, lizards, and a variety of desert birds throughout the year. A portion even includes a couple of well-preserved dinosaur tracks, showcasing the area's ancient fauna as well.

Although it is not really considered remote or difficult to traverse at all, carrying plenty of water is still essential, particularly during the summer months when temperatures here rise quickly.

Make Kanab The Base For Your Next Utah Adventure

Kanab clearly stands out as a gateway to some of Utah’s most distinctive landscapes, where cliffs, dunes, hidden canyons, and more all sit within a short driving distance of town. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it especially appealing for visitors who want quality time outdoors without heavy crowds.

After a day outside, you also have plenty of options for overnight accommodations, as the area features several local motels, small inns, vacation rentals, or campgrounds (the Desert Bloom Campground being a highlight) located both within Kanab and in the nearby desert. This range of options supports everything from simple overnight stops to longer stays and more luxurious resort experiences (like those at the Canyons Boutique Hotel).

While winter temperatures can get a little chilly, and summers a little warm, heavy precipitation is never much of a worry either (except for the occasional extreme weather events), making this a truly year-round spot to explore.