Major city · United States
Kanab
Base here 2–3 nights for slot canyons and Vermilion Cliffs, not for Zion or the Grand Canyon: both are 1.5–2 h each way by car.
Kanab is a small Utah town of about 3,500 people on US-89, halfway between Zion and the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and the practical base for the Wave lottery, Buckskin Gulch and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Almost everything sits on one main road you can walk. You need a car for everything outside town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (over 35 °C (95 °F), monsoon flash-flood risk in slot canyons), Jan–Feb (many businesses closed)avoid Jul–Aug (over 95 °F (35 °C), monsoon flash-flood risk in slot canyons), Jan–Feb (many businesses closed)
- Airports
- LAS · SLC · SGU · KNB
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kanab911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kanab, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyKanab itself is quiet and safe; the real risks are heat, flash floods in slot canyons and long empty drives with no cell signal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAS Las Vegas Harry Reid International (About 4–5 h drive via I-15 and UT-9/US-89; the usual arrival for rental cars.).
- Getting aroundWalk the Center Street and Main Street strip — shops, the movie theatre and most restaurants are on it.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry$5–9
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, main course$18–32
- BeerDraft beer at a bar$6–9
- Budget bedFamily room or cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$160
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$280
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAS Las Vegas Harry Reid International (About 4–5 h drive via I-15 and UT-9/US-89; the usual arrival for rental cars.) · SLC Salt Lake City International (Over 5 h drive; only worth it if you are already doing a northern Utah loop.) · SGU St. George Regional (About 2 h drive; small commuter flights only.) · KNB Kanab Municipal Airport (2378 S Hwy 89A; no scheduled airline service — check before planning around it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Aug (7 rain days), driest Jun (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kanab: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
5 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
5 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
4 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
4 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
4 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
4 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the Center Street and Main Street strip — shops, the movie theatre and most restaurants are on it. Everything else (trailheads, the dunes, the Wave lottery trailheads) needs a car; there is no bus or shuttle. Fill the tank in town before heading down US-89A or into the monument.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive US-89 north, then Sand Dunes Road; about 30 min
Small entry fee per vehicle; go early or late for cooler sand and better light.
Buckskin Gulch (Wire Pass trailhead)
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive US-89 east to House Rock Valley Road, then gravel to the trailhead
Gravel road turns to mud after rain; check the forecast and carry water.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument / White Pocket
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Drive east on US-89 then south on House Rock Valley Road
White Pocket needs high-clearance 4WD and deep sand; the Wave needs a permit.
Zion National Park (Springdale entrance)
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
US-89 north to Mount Carmel Junction, then UT-9 west
A full day; parking fills by mid-morning, so leave Kanab by 7am.
Grand Canyon North Rim
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
US-89A south to Jacob Lake, then AZ-67 south
AZ-67 closes with snow, usually mid-October to mid-May — check dates before you commit.
Page and Lake Powell
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
US-89 east
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend; both need timed tickets or an early start.
Bryce Canyon National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US-89 north then UT-12 east
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Bryce or Panguitch.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Center Street and Main Street (US-89)
Most motels, restaurants and the historic district within a 10-minute walk; best if you want to park once.
East US-89 strip
Chain motels (Holiday Inn Express and similar) with parking and easy exit toward Page and Lake Powell.
Angel Canyon Road (Best Friends)
On-site lodging at the animal sanctuary, about 20 min north; book well ahead.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–230 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 2 nights × US$150 | US$300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Rental car, one day (midsize, picked up in Las Vegas)1 × US$70 | US$70 |
| Fuel, Kanab–Zion–Kanab day1 × US$25 | US$25 |
| Coral Pink Sand Dunes day-use fee, per vehicle1 × US$10 | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$108 |
| Trip total≈ US$296 per person per day, bed included | US$1,183 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; rental car and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | $5–9 |
| Burger or diner plate | $14–22 |
| Sit-down dinner, main course | $18–32 |
| Draft beer at a bar | $6–9 |
| Gallon of fuel | $3.50–4.50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Slot canyons (Buckskin Gulch, the Wave area) flood fast in July–September monsoon rain: never enter if rain is forecast anywhere upstream.
- The Wave needs a permit — 10 online months ahead plus 10 by daily lottery; no permit, no entry, and rangers check.
- Cell signal drops within minutes of town; download offline maps before you drive.
- Summer afternoons hit 35 °C (95 °F)+; carry 3–4 L of water per person on any hike.Summer afternoons hit 95 °F (35 °C)+; carry 3–4 L of water per person on any hike.
- Many restaurants and motels close or cut hours in winter — check before a January trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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KanabKanab
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates in Kanab; nearest are in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. US embassies and consulates handle foreign visitors' emergencies.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kanab → Zion (Springdale) drive: about 1.5 h, 65 km (40 mi)about 1.5 h, 40 mi (65 km)
- Kanab → Grand Canyon North Rim drive: about 2 h, 130 km (81 mi)about 2 h, 81 mi (130 km)
- Kanab → Las Vegas drive: 4–5 h, about 500 km (311 mi)4–5 h, about 311 mi (500 km)
Say or show
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is there a fee? — Is there a fee?
- I have a permit. — I have a permit.
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is it? — How far is it?
- I need help. — I need help.
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kanab. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (over 35 °C, monsoon flash-flood risk in slot canyons), Jan–Feb (many businesses closed) · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LAS and SGU: rental-car pickup times, last sensible departure, overnight rung in St. George.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Center Street historic district, the US-89 motel strip, the visitor centers, Angel Canyon.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Little Hollywood Museum, Heritage House, Best Friends tours, the Wave lottery desk) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and heat fixtures so slot-canyon days can go red.
Sources
- officialKanab City (official)
- officialKane County Office of Tourism
- officialBLM — Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- officialBest Friends Animal Society
- officialLittle Hollywood Movie Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kanab, revision 5237221 (CC BY-SA 4.0)