St. George to Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
I-15 South → US-89 East
80 miles
Distance
1 hr 20 min
Drive Time
east
Direction
March-November
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Kanab
Route: I-15 South → US-89 East
Head south on I-15, exit at Hurricane, follow UT-59 (later becoming AZ-389) to Fredonia, then take US-89A North into Kanab. Alternatively, take UT-9 through Zion and connect to US-89 via Mt. Carmel Junction for a more scenic route.
About Kanab
Kanab is one of Southern Utah's most charming and underrated destinations. This small town of about 5,000 people sits at the crossroads of some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest. From Kanab, you can access The Wave at Coyote Buttes (the holy grail for landscape photographers), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the world-famous Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
The town earned its "Little Hollywood" nickname from its starring role as a filming location for over 100 movies and TV shows, including classic Westerns like The Outlaw Josey Wales, Planet of the Apes, and more recently, TV's Westworld. The Kanab Heritage Museum and the Little Hollywood Museum celebrate this film history with props, costumes, and memorabilia.
Kanab has also developed a surprisingly vibrant food scene for a small town. Local restaurants like Sego, Peekaboo Kitchen, and Rocking V Cafe serve creative, locally-sourced cuisine that would fit right in at a trendy urban neighborhood. The town makes an excellent base camp for multi-day exploration of the surrounding monuments and parks.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane — 30 miles / 25 min (multiple stations)
- Fill up in Kanab before heading to remote destinations — limited services beyond town
Weather & Climate
Kanab sits at 4,950 feet with a semi-arid climate. Summer highs reach 95-105°F, winter lows drop to 15-25°F. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. Flash flood danger exists in slot canyons during monsoon season (July-September).
Best Time to Visit
March-November
Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and comfortable hiking temperatures. Fall (September-November) brings beautiful light for photography. Summer is hot (95-105°F) but slot canyons and high-elevation destinations provide relief. Winter is cool and quiet with the fewest visitors.
Things to Do in Kanab
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Kanab, Utah.
Must-See Attractions
The Wave (Coyote Buttes North)
$9 permit fee (lottery required)The most sought-after hiking permit in America. Swirling sandstone formations in bands of red, orange, yellow, and white create an otherworldly landscape. Only 64 people per day are allowed.
Apply for the online lottery 4 months in advance at recreation.gov, or try the daily walk-in lottery
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Free toursThe largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, caring for nearly 1,600 animals. Free guided tours let you meet dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and more. Volunteer opportunities available.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
$15 per vehicleStunning coral-colored sand dunes created from eroding Navajo sandstone. Popular for ATV riding, sandboarding, photography, and camping. Just 20 minutes from Kanab.
Grand Staircase-Escalante
FreeNearly 1.9 million acres of remote desert wilderness with slot canyons, arches, hoodoos, and petroglyphs. Kanab is the southern gateway with a BLM visitor center for maps and conditions.
Little Hollywood Museum
FreeOutdoor museum with Western movie sets, original props, and exhibits about Kanab's Hollywood film history. A fun, quick stop in the heart of town.
Moqui Cave
$8A natural sandstone cave converted into a unique museum and gift shop featuring dinosaur tracks, Native American artifacts, fluorescent minerals, and local history exhibits.
Dining & Coffee
Sego Restaurant
$$$Upscale Southwestern cuisine in a beautifully restored building. Creative cocktails, locally-sourced ingredients, and a menu that changes seasonally. The best fine dining in Kanab.
Peekaboo Kitchen
$$Wood-fired pizza, creative salads, and craft cocktails in a cozy setting. The Margherita pizza is outstanding. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
Rocking V Cafe
$$-$$$Art gallery meets restaurant with eclectic American cuisine. Rotating art exhibits, live music nights, and a diverse menu featuring steaks, pasta, and vegetarian options.
Kanab Creek Bakery
$Beloved bakery and coffee shop with artisan breads, pastries, breakfast burritos, and excellent espresso. A must-stop for morning fuel.
Get there early — their cinnamon rolls sell out fast
Escobars Mexican Restaurant
$Authentic Mexican food with generous portions. The enchiladas and chile rellenos are local favorites. Family-run with a warm atmosphere.
Outdoor Adventures
White Pocket
Free (guided tours $200+)Stunning swirling rock formations similar to The Wave but without the lottery permit. Requires high-clearance 4WD and navigation skills, or a guided tour. One of the best-kept secrets in the Southwest.
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
$6 day-use permitOne of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. The 1.7-mile Wire Pass trail leads to the dramatic narrows of Buckskin Gulch. Flash flood danger requires careful planning.
Peek-a-Boo Canyon
FreeA fun, family-friendly slot canyon on BLM land near Kanab. Short walk through narrow, colorful sandstone walls. No permit needed.
Kanab Point Trail
FreeA moderate hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Kanab Creek drainage and the Arizona Strip. Great sunset spot with panoramic desert views.
Family Activities
Best Friends Tours with Kids
FreeBest Friends Animal Sanctuary offers family-friendly tours where kids can interact with animals. Bunny House and Cat World are particularly popular with children.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sandboarding
$15 park entryBring a sled or sandboard and ride the dunes. Kids of all ages love sliding down the coral-colored sand. Wear shoes — sand gets HOT in summer.
Jackson Flat Reservoir
FreeNew reservoir just south of Kanab with fishing, kayaking, and a walking trail. Peaceful spot for a family afternoon.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Kanab Drive
The Wave requires a lottery permit — apply online 4 months in advance at recreation.gov (64 permits per day)
Kanab has a surprisingly excellent restaurant scene for a small town — do not skip Sego or Peekaboo Kitchen
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers free tours but reservations are recommended — book at bestfriends.org
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is HOT in summer — visit mornings or evenings and wear shoes on the sand
Fill up gas in Kanab before heading to remote destinations like Grand Staircase-Escalante or White Pocket
The alternate route through Zion and Mt. Carmel Junction is more scenic but adds 15-20 minutes
Kanab makes an excellent base camp for a multi-day trip — it is central to the North Rim, Bryce, and Lake Powell
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Kanab
How far is St. George from Kanab?
Kanab is approximately 80 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) from St. George via I-15 South and US-89 East through the Arizona Strip.
How do I get a permit for The Wave?
Apply online at recreation.gov for the advance lottery (4 months ahead) or the day-before lottery. Only 64 permits are issued per day. The online lottery has better odds than the former in-person system.
Is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary free?
Yes, tours of Best Friends are completely free. Reservations are recommended and can be made at bestfriends.org. Volunteer opportunities are also available for visitors wanting a more hands-on experience.
What is the best restaurant in Kanab?
Sego is considered the best fine dining option with creative Southwestern cuisine. Peekaboo Kitchen serves excellent wood-fired pizza. Kanab Creek Bakery is the best breakfast/coffee spot. For a small town, the food scene is remarkably good.
Can I visit The Wave without a permit?
No, a permit is required for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave). However, similar formations at White Pocket do not require a permit, though you need high-clearance 4WD or a guided tour to access them.
Nearby Destinations from Kanab
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Stunning coral-pink sand dunes created from eroding Navajo sandstone. Perfect for ATV riding, sandboarding, photography, stargazing, and family camping in one of Southern Utah's most unique landscapes.
Grand Canyon (North Rim)
The quieter, cooler, and closer rim of the Grand Canyon is just under three hours from St. George. With one-tenth the visitors of the South Rim, the North Rim offers a more intimate and serene Grand Canyon experience.
Lake Powell / Page
Nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, deep red canyons, and crystal-clear water make Lake Powell one of the most stunning reservoirs in the world. The nearby town of Page offers Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Kanab
St. George to Kanab — 80 miles, 1 hr 20 min Drive
Kanab is one of Southern Utah's most charming and underrated destinations. This small town of about 5,000 people sits at the crossroads of some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest. From Kanab, you can access The Wave at Coyote Buttes (the holy grail for landscape photographers), Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the world-famous Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
The route from St. George, Utah to Kanab, Utah covers 80 miles and takes approximately 1 hr 20 min via I-15 South → US-89 East. Head south on I-15, exit at Hurricane, follow UT-59 (later becoming AZ-389) to Fredonia, then take US-89A North into Kanab. Alternatively, take UT-9 through Zion and connect to US-89 via Mt. Carmel Junction for a more scenic route.
Things to Do in Kanab
Must-See Attractions: The Wave (Coyote Buttes North), Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Dining & Coffee: Sego Restaurant, Peekaboo Kitchen, Rocking V Cafe. Outdoor Adventures: White Pocket, Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, Peek-a-Boo Canyon. Family Activities: Best Friends Tours with Kids, Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sandboarding, Jackson Flat Reservoir.
Best Time to Visit Kanab
Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and comfortable hiking temperatures. Fall (September-November) brings beautiful light for photography. Summer is hot (95-105°F) but slot canyons and high-elevation destinations provide relief. Winter is cool and quiet with the fewest visitors.
Travel Tips
The Wave requires a lottery permit — apply online 4 months in advance at recreation.gov (64 permits per day). Kanab has a surprisingly excellent restaurant scene for a small town — do not skip Sego or Peekaboo Kitchen. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers free tours but reservations are recommended — book at bestfriends.org. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is HOT in summer — visit mornings or evenings and wear shoes on the sand.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Canyon (North Rim), Lake Powell / Page.