10 Reasons Kanab UT Should Be Your Next Family Vacation

We've got Arika from Zion Adventure Photog once again, showing us these gorgeous photos of Kanab! Read on to find out more.

Living in Hurricane, UT it may seem a little odd that for spring break this year we chose to do part of our vacation in Kanab, a small Southern Utah town located just 1-hour east of Hurricane. I had to laugh when we checked into our hotel room, and the front desk clerk saw where we were from. She was thoroughly confused. I imagine she doesn't realize just how amazing her little town is.

Surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush, Kanab serves as the perfect base camp for so many major outdoor attractions. Adventure junkies and outdoorsy families alike could spend days, even weeks exploring in and around Kanab without running out of things to do. Here is my list of the top ten reasons that Kanab, UT should be your next family vacation.

1 - East entrance to Zion National Park is 35 minutes away
Filled with tons of great family-friendly hikes, the Virgin River to swim and play in, and plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting, a day trip to Zion is the perfect adventure stop for the whole family. My favorite kid-friendly hikes include Riverside Walk Trail, Canyon Overlook, Emerald Pools, and Sand Bench Loop.

2 - Bryce Canyon National Park is one hour 20 minutes away
A day trip to the land of hoodoos is a must when visiting Southern Utah and when staying in Kanab it is all too easy to make it happen. Don't miss my favorite family-friendly hike in Bryce, Navajo Loop trail.

3- Great family-friendly hiking close by
Along with all the great hiking that you can do in the surrounding National Parks, there are a ton of great trails in and around Kanab that are beautiful and family-friendly. Some of my top pics are Wire Pass trail, Moqui Caverns, Dinosaur Tracks Trail, and Water Canyon.

4 - The info-packed Kanab Visitor Center
If you don't have time to plan your trip ahead of time, no worries. One stop at the Kanab Visitor Center and you will be good to go. This visitor center has detailed brochures for all the hikes, activities and attractions in and around Kanab. These one-page brochures make it so easy to find where you are going and plan your activities accordingly. The staff at the visitor center is also invaluable at helping visitors figure out what to do and where to go.

5 - North Rim of Grand Canyon is one hour 45 minutes away
When visiting Kanab a day trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a must. With cooler temps, epic views, and great hiking there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained for the day. On your drive, you have to make a stop at Jacob Lake Inn Gift Shop for their world famous cookies. Seriously you guys, the best cookies I have ever had!

6 - Sego Restaurant for foodies
If you are a lover of fine food then you don't want to miss this world-class restaurant. Sego Restaurant serves diners a selection of regional new American cuisine with all the ingredients locally sourced and grown. It may not be the most kid-friendly option so grab them a fast food hamburger and then head over to enjoy one of the best meals of your life. I will never stop craving the Artichoke and Foraged Mushroom toast!!!

7 - Great museums and kid-friendly activities
Heritage House Museum, Little Hollywood land, and Jacob Hamblin Park are just a few of the attractions in Kanab that will entertain your littles and get their imaginations going.

8 - Lake Powell is one hour away
Lake Powell is the largest man-made lake in North America and is widely known as one of the premier water-based destinations in the world. The activity options at Lake Powell are endless. Rent a boat for the day, go kayaking through breathtaking canyons, keep it simple and play along the shore, or go hiking and exploring the endless rugged water-and wind-carved canyons around the lake.

9 - Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for animal lovers
This lifesaving haven for hundreds of adoptable animals on 3,700 stunning acres is located just five miles north of Kanab. Sign up to take a free tour of the sanctuary and your kiddos will be in animal-loving heaven. It is the perfect morning or afternoon activity for the whole family.

10 - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 30 minutes away
If your kiddos like playing in the sand, and what kid doesn't, you need to check out this amazing giant sandbox. With sand so fine that it feels like butter going through your toes, running up and down sand hills is the perfect way to get out some serious energy! If you are going in the summer I recommend going first thing in the morning or the sand will most likely be too hot to play in.

Thanks Arika! Be sure to sign up for her newsletter if you are heading down to Southern Utah!

My name is Arika and I am a local girl with 3 kiddos a camera and a major love for all things outdoors. I am so excited to offer families and couples visiting Zion National Park and Southern Utah a unique way to remember their adventures. I am passionate about capturing those beautiful moments that occur when families explore and enjoy the outdoors. I can't wait to share the beauty and wonder of one of the most stunning parks on the planet with you and your loved ones!

-Arika