Recently, my husband Eddie and I decided to take a spontaneous road trip to Kanab, Utah, to use some Hilton reward points that were about to expire. Since it’s only about two hours from our home in Mesquite, Nevada, it felt like the perfect quick getaway—and Kanab totally delivered.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park was one of our favorite stops—a true gem. The sand, a striking bright salmon color, popped against the brilliant blue sky, making for a surreal landscape. We wandered around the dunes for a bit, admired the beautiful landscape and scrubs, and learned that this is actually a four-season park—perfect to visit any time of year!
For those looking for a little extra fun, you can also try sandboarding down the dunes. Rentals for sand boards (stand-up) and sand sleds (sit-down) are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $25 for the day.
Admission to the Utah state park is $15 per vehicle.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Animal lovers, listen up: visiting Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is an absolute must. This incredible place is one of the country’s largest and most impactful animal sanctuaries. At any given time, it has around 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and other animals on property.
My husband and I took a few of Best Friend’s complimentary tours (posted in the visitor center, where you can also reserve your spot), wandered through Cat World and Dogtown, admired the pigs (Marshall’s Piggy Paradise) and horses (Horse Haven), and nearly adopted cute little Archie below.
While you can see for yourself the amazing work being done here, keep in mind that the tour will give you the behind-the-scenes info that truly makes this place magical. You’ll also learn that they have other off-site properties around the country, helping aid animal rescues and convert shelters to no-kill through their skilled programs.
We did not get to visit the Bunny House, Parrot Garden, and Wild Friends rehab center due to time constraints.
Fun fact: Nearly 2000 animals are adopted from this property annually, and thousands are saved. When the California wildfires struck, Best Friends cleaned out the local shelters (they are kill shelters) to free up room for the local animals that needed to be saved. That really touched my heart.
Angel’s Rest
We even spent some emotional moments at the beautiful pet cemetery (Angel’s Rest), which sprawls two levels and has hundreds of wind chimes. Each gravesite has a marker and some memorandums left on them. Hundreds of animals are buried here and from pet owners around the country.
It’s a truly moving experience that left us both in awe (and maybe wiping away a few tears).
If you can visit Best Friends between 11:30 AM and 1 PM, don’t miss a fantastic $5 lunch from Angel Village Cafe. The cafe serves vegan dishes, and the fee includes a visit to the salad bar and assorted desserts. It’s the best deal in town, and the views and mission are worth every bit of your time and money.
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Johnson Canyon Road
Our fun road trip to Kanab included some excellent self-guided tour options from brochures and reading materials we picked up at the Kanab Visitor Center in the heart of downtown. This particular scenic drive, Johnson Canyon Road, offers a captivating journey through the heart of the American Southwest via an 18-mile paved route. (11 miles east of Highway 89).
Early in the drive, you’ll be mesmerized by verdant pastures with grazing horses and cattle, set against the striking White Cliffs. Juniper and sagebrush dot the landscape.
A highlight along the route is the old “Gunsmoke” film set (stop #5), five miles from the Highway 89 turnoff. The weathered buildings of this iconic Western town are visible from the road (which is on private property, so be mindful), offering a nostalgic glimpse into Hollywood’s portrayal of the Old West.
We also spent time at stop #11 (“Indian writings” and “cowboy glyphs”), stop #9 (Crocodile/Hog Canyon trailhead), and stop #14 (the Grand Staircase Escalante, the canyon to Montezuma’s Cave).
At the end of the road, where the pavement ends, dirt paths lead to Skutumpah Road, unveiling further adventures such as Willis Creek and Bull Valley Gorge, renowned for their slot canyons and rugged backcountry terrain.
Downtown Kanab
We also explored downtown Kanab, which is full of western charm and a must on any road trip through southern Utah. Known as “Little Hollywood” for its deep roots in classic Western cinema, Kanab’s historic downtown is brimming with character, storytelling, and a relaxed, friendly vibe that draws you in.
One of the most delightful surprises was the Little Hollywood storyboards placed throughout the town. These informative displays offer a walk-through time and showcase the dozens of Westerns and TV shows filmed in Kanab—from Gunsmoke to The Lone Ranger. Each storyboard is a tribute to the town’s movie-making legacy, often placed near the locations where scenes were filmed.
Beyond its cinematic history, Kanab is also home to a fun variety of locally-owned shops and galleries that are perfect for browsing. At Raven’s Heart Gallery, we admired stunning regional art and photography, while Gifts of the West had everything from cowboy hats to quirky souvenirs.
Nature’s Showcase is filled with unique rocks, fossils, and handmade gifts, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Station 89 offered a stylish mix of clothing and local goods, and The Lily Pad was a whimsical boutique with everything from handcrafted jewelry to charming home decor (it’s on a side street, so don’t miss it).
Whether you’re shopping, museum-hopping, or simply enjoying the walkable downtown, Kanab’s small-town magic and Western flair are impossible to resist. We had hoped to visit the Little Hollywood Museum, which features original movie sets used in classic Western films, but it was closed.
Peek-A-Boo Canyon was also on our to-do list (thanks to my friend Angie for recommending it), but due to timing issues, we had to skip it this trip—definitely a reason to come back! It’s a half-day adventure, so plan ahead if you want to fit it in.
Where We Stayed
For a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of downtown, the Hampton Inn Kanab was the perfect home base for our Southern Utah adventures. Within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and Kanab’s charming attractions, this modern hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay—including complimentary hot breakfast, parking, and WiFi.
We especially appreciated the indoor pool, a great way to unwind after a day of hiking and sightseeing. The hotel also offers pet-friendly rooms, making traveling with your furry companions easy.
The Hampton Inn is ideally situated for exploring the region—just 30 minutes from Zion National Park and about an hour from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Southwest or basing your stay in Kanab, this hotel is a convenient and comfortable choice.
Where We Ate in Kanab
Kanab may be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to dining—and we discovered several local gems that made our road trip even more memorable.
Houston’s Trails End
One of our favorites was Houston’s Trails End Restaurant, a well-known local eatery that captures the spirit of the Wild West with hearty food and a casual vibe. I couldn’t resist their famous and best-selling country fried steak, and it absolutely lived up to the hype—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in Bob’s country gravy.
For a lighter but still satisfying option, the Chicken Apple Pecan salad is fresh and flavorful, and I highly recommend adding one, two, or ten of their billowy dinner rolls to your meal. Houston’s Trails is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Rocking V
For a more eclectic and artsy atmosphere, head to Rocking V Café. This vibrant downtown spot blends casual and fine dining in a creative way, with local artwork lining the walls (and yes, it’s for sale!).
I ordered the house favorite, Dan’s Chicken—an almond-crusted chicken breast topped with a sweet pepper cream queso sauce paired with creamy potatoes, fresh vegetables, pico de gallo, and queso fresco. Every bite was packed with flavor and deliciousness. Their lasagna is also a hit, with layers of spicy Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella baked to perfection.
Rocking V’s menu has something for everyone—vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, you name it. If the weather’s nice, bring your pup and grab a seat on the pet-friendly patio. And whatever you do, save room for dessert—you’ll thank yourself after a bite of the almond amaretto bread pudding or very blueberry cheesecake.
Escobar’s
Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant delivered in a big way when we were in the mood for something a little spicier. Known for its friendly atmosphere and bold flavors, this local favorite was bustling during our visit, and yes—we had to wait for a table. But it was 100% worth it.
We started with their creamy, addictive queso dip, then devoured a sizzling plate of chicken fajitas—perfectly seasoned and generously portioned. If you’re craving authentic Mexican food in Kanab, Escobar’s is your go-to.
Brown Box Cafe
For a sweet treat or a mid-day snack, swing by Brown Box Cafe, known for its homemade ice cream crafted by Nate and Bobbie. The flavors are truly one-of-a-kind. I tried the Andes Mint, which was refreshing, creamy, and indulgent.
Whether you’re cooling off after a hike or just needing a quick pick-me-up, this cozy spot is a delightful stop.
Helpful Info
If you’re planning a visit to Kanab, stop by the Kane County Office of Tourism and the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center. They have everything you need to maximize your time in the area.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re road-tripping on a whim or planning a longer adventure, Kanab is a welcoming little town packed with outdoor beauty, heartwarming experiences, and delicious food. We can’t wait to go back and cross Peek-A-Boo Canyon off our list!
For more great fun in the Beehive State: