Kanab

Little Hollywood, with dunes, animals and the Grand Staircase

Photo: Ken Lund · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Hollywood westerns put Kanab on the map: from the 1920s through the 1970s, studios filmed in the canyons around town and stars stayed at the Parry Lodge. Its long-running Western Legends Roundup held its final festival in 2025, though the town’s cowboy and movie heritage lives on through local Heritage Days events.

Today Kanab is best known as home to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and as a quiet basecamp between the Vermilion Cliffs, the Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Arizona Strip.

See and do

Best Friends Animal SanctuaryOne of the largest no-kill sanctuaries in the country, in Angel Canyon north of town; book a free tour.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State ParkPink sand dunes for hiking, sandboarding and off-road driving.
Parry LodgeThe historic lodge where John Wayne and Frank Sinatra stayed.
The WaveCoyote Buttes North, reached only with a BLM lottery permit.
Belly of the DragonA short walk through a tunnel carved by water under US-89.

Eat and drink

Western cafésSteak, burgers and Navajo-influenced dishes reflect Kanab’s frontier roots.
Local bakeriesPick up breakfast before heading out to the parks.
Fry breadLook for Navajo tacos at local diners and fairs.

Through the year

Balloons and Tunes RoundupThird weekend in February: hot-air balloons and live music.
Amazing EarthfestMay: arts, science and dark-sky events.

Day trips from Kanab

Zion National ParkAbout 40 minutes west to the east entrance.
Bryce CanyonAbout 75 minutes north.
Pipe Spring National MonumentAbout 20 minutes southwest in Arizona: a pioneer fort and Kaibab Paiute history.
Vermilion CliffsThe cliffs and canyons along US-89A east of town, including the Coyote Buttes permit areas.

Good to know

The Wave requires a permit; apply through Recreation.gov.
Best Friends tours should be booked ahead.
Arizona does not observe daylight saving time; check clocks when crossing the border in summer.