Kanab, Utah: Ultimate Dog-Friendly Adventure Guide
If you’re looking for a perfect desert getaway for you and your dog, Kanab, Utah is a perfect choice! This quirky little desert town is a dream for adventurous pups and their people, with red rock trails to explore, creeks to splash in, and wide-open skies perfect for tail-wagging sunsets. Filled with dog-friendly hikes and cafes, and museums, Kanab is the kind of place where dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re adored.
We’ve adopted a tradition in our family, to plan trips for our birthdays instead of giving each other physical gifts, and in May of 2025, we headed to Kanab, Utah to celebrate mine. It’s a place that has been on my bucket list for a while, and my list of hikes was a mile long. Kanab is kind of a mid-point between the Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, but also adjacent to the Vermillion Cliffs National Recreation Area, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. (Not to mention the many incredible hikes that are on city, county, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management land.) Where does one even begin?!
On this trip, we decided to forgo visiting the major National Parks, partly because the 2025 budget/staffing cuts have left parks strained, and partly just because it helped us narrow down the choices. Instead, we explored multiple hikes closer to Kanab itself, and I’m spilling all the tea about where we loved during our trip.
Whether Kanab, Utah is your primary destination, or you are stopping in Kanab as part of a longer Southern Utah road trip, I’ve got you covered. In this post, you’ll find a whole bunch of great dog-friendly hikes, both long and short, filled with natural and man-made wonders, plus our recommendations for Kanab attractions, where to stay, and our favorite places to eat.
🌟Introduction to Kanab, Utah
Tucked between towering red cliffs and wind-carved canyons, Kanab, Utah is a whimsical desert outpost perfect for travelers with a dog in tow. With its friendly, small-town vibe and cinematic scenery, Kanab offers easy access to jaw-dropping landscapes. The geology here is a vibrant canvas of ancient sandstone layers, swirling formations, and sun-baked plateaus, a playground for curious paws and hiking boots alike. The high desert climate means sunny days, cool evenings, and ideal shoulder seasons for outdoor adventures. In town, expect a mix of artful charm, Wild West nostalgia, and welcoming patios where dogs are just as valued as their humans.
This town feels to me like what Moab probably felt like 40 years ago. (No shade towards Moab! It’s just that Kanab is a little bit sleepier.) Whether you’re chasing slot canyons, red rock adventures, scenic drives, or quiet stargazing moments, Kanab makes an unforgettable basecamp for two- and four-legged wanderers.
📌Fun Facts about Kanab, Utah
Hollywood of the Desert – Kanab earned the nickname “Little Hollywood” thanks to its starring role in over 100 Western films and TV shows — from Gunsmoke to The Lone Ranger.
Home of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – Just north of town sits the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the U.S., where over 1,500 animals are cared for and visitors can volunteer, hike, or even stay overnight with a pet pal.
Slot Canyon Central – Kanab is a gateway to some of the Southwest’s most famous slot canyons, including Peekaboo, Buckskin Gulch, and the ultra-exclusive The Wave (lottery entry required!).
A Town with Two Time Zones (Sort Of) – Kanab is in Utah (Mountain Time), but many locals and businesses operate on Arizona Time during Daylight Saving because it’s just minutes from the Arizona border – confusing but charming.
The Rocks are Older Than Dinosaurs – The sandstone layers around Kanab date back over 180 million years, to when this region was covered in massive deserts, rivers, and shallow seas.
A Long History of Hospitality – The Parry Lodge, one of Kanab’s historic hotels, has hosted movie stars like John Wayne and Frank Sinatra, and their autographed photos still line the dining room.
Stargazer’s Paradise – With clear skies and minimal light pollution, Kanab is a fantastic spot for stargazing. You can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Kanab Was Once the Site of a Giant All-Women Government – In 1912, Kanab made headlines when it elected an all-female town council — one of the first in U.S. history!
🏩Where to Stay in Kanab with your Dog
Before you start planning your dog-friendly adventures in Kanab, you’ve got to make sure you have a fantastic basecamp to relax and unwind between excursions. There’s a variety of lodging options, but we think there’s only one best choice: The Quail Park Lodge. We were fortunate enough to be hosted by this property in May of 2025, and it’s everything I look for in a perfect stay and more. (And full disclosure – I had my eye on this spot for months, and I initiated the communication around a hosted stay because it was so cute and dog-friendly – Needless to say, it did NOT disappoint!)
Quail Park Lodge blends retro-charm meets desert-daydream. This 13‑room boutique motel, originally opened in the ’60s and freshly renovated, offers bold mid-century pops of color, tulip-style patio chairs, and surprisingly modern comforts—think plush pillow‑top beds, Keurig espresso, microwave and mini‑fridge in‑room. Step outside and find a shimmering seasonal pool framed by red-rock backdrops, and a small, charming garden with available doggie bags that is perfect for your furry family members to take care of “business”. Pet-friendly and perched a stroll away from local eateries, bookshops, and tour pick‑ups, it’s the perfect whimsical basecamp: cozy, colorful, and full of character.
🥾Where to Hike in Kanab with your Dog
While this area has a lot of great attractions, adventures, and places to explore, Kanab tourism HAS to be defined by one thing – HIKING (Our favorite!) There are SO many wonderful areas to explore by foot and paw, and creating an exhaustive list of the options would be a silly undertaking. Thus, I’m sharing the hikes that we’ve done, which I consider to be the most interesting, accessible, and dog-friendly.
🚶Want to Hike with a Dog-Friendly Guide?
Hiking in the desert can be intimidating! So if you’re interested in hiring a guide, we recommend the following tours, which welcome dogs. When booking, let them know you’ll be bringing a dog, and they’ll reach out to you with more information.
– Hiking in Kanab: Walk and photograph scenic Yellow Rock in the Grand Staircase
– Hiking in Kanab: Walk and Photograph the incredible Wire Pass Slot Canyon!
– Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Small Group Tour from Kanab, Utah!
– Hiking in Kanab: Famous Teepees of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument near Wave
🐕Short Hikes that Pack a Punch
Each of the following excursions are short and sweet, doable in an hour or two, and can easily be combined into all-day adventures. We love short hikes because they allow us to stack activities to see the incredible natural sights, get the pupper gals some exercise, while also leaving plenty of time to explore other attractions.
Ok technically this can be a very long hike if you want it to be! But you really don’t HAVE to hike far to experience the magic. This is one of those incredible places where there’s not really a designated trail so much as a sprawling park full of wonder that you and your dog can explore at will!
Start your hike at the observation deck (adjacent to the day use parking area), then set out into the dunefield for a choose-your-own adventure!
Also known as the Detroit Rip Rap, is a bizarre and fascinating slice of roadside history tucked into Catstair Canyon near Highway 89. Built in the 1960s as an erosion control measure, this unique landmark features stripped-down vintage cars — including old Impalas and Bel-Airs — stacked into the hillside to stabilize the sandy slope. Once a practical solution to flash flood erosion, it’s now a surreal fusion of mid-century auto nostalgia and desert engineering. Weathered by time and rust, these sunken relics draw curious travelers and photographers looking for a glimpse into a strange chapter of canyon-country history.
➡️To find it, follow the Catstair Canyon Trail about ⅓ mile, and you can’t miss the cars! You can go further into the canyon, but it becomes a technical canyoneering route which will not be possible for your dog.
A short but steep climb leads to the Kanab Dinosaur Tracks — a rugged, under-a-mile hike that rewards the effort with a ridge full of well-preserved prehistoric footprints. Scattered across the sandstone are over a dozen clear tracks left by small, carnivorous theropod dinosaurs nearly 190 million years ago, including the three-toed prints of Grallator and Eubrontes. Though the trail up the butte is a bit of a scramble and not always well-marked, the path is easy to follow, and the chance to walk alongside ancient dino steps carved into red and white rock makes it a truly Jurassic adventure.
➡️To find this spot, simply follow the AllTrails route as-listed.
Just five miles north of Kanab along Highway 89, the Sand Caves — also known as Moqui Caverns — offer a quick, scenic adventure with a touch of history. Carved into the soft sandstone cliffs during sand mining efforts in the 1930s, these shallow, man-made caves now serve as a playground for hikers, photographers, and curious explorers. The half-mile round-trip hike is short but includes a bit of scrambling, and the reward is a series of glowing, honey-colored chambers with swirling rock patterns and sweeping views of the red rock desert. What began as an industrial project has transformed into one of Kanab’s most accessible and photogenic hidden gems.
➡️To find this spot, simply follow the AllTrails route as-listed.
Nestled in Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Toadstool Hoodoos are whimsical, mushroom-shaped rock formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. These natural wonders—tall pillars of soft rock topped with harder stone “caps”—dot a scenic, otherworldly landscape of badlands and canyons. Accessible via a gentle 1.5-mile hike off the U.S. Route 89 near the Paria River, the trail offers colorful, photogenic views and a relatively easy trek. Visitors should come prepared for sun and sand, and tread lightly to preserve these delicate geological marvels.
➡️To find this spot, simply follow the AllTrails route as-listed.
Red Hollow Slot Canyon, just outside Zion near Orderville, Utah, offers a short and easy adventure perfect for families and beginner hikers. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail follows a sandy wash that gently leads into a narrow slot canyon, where striking red and white walls rise dramatically on either side. The slot section, about 100 yards long, ends at a dry fall that marks the turnaround point for most visitors. While the hike is simple and scenic, sturdy footwear and awareness of flash flood risks are recommended—especially during rainy weather.
➡️To find this spot, simply follow the AllTrails route as-listed.
🐕Longer Hikes that are Straight Out of a Dream
Yellow Rock – Yellow Rock in Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vibrant, multicolored slickrock formation famous for its swirling patterns and unique geology. The moderately challenging hike to its summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, involving some steep, uneven terrain and requiring good route-finding skills. From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of iconic nearby landmarks. Best visited in spring or fall, the trail demands preparation for sun exposure, limited shade, and a 4WD vehicle if the access road is wet.
➡️To hike this trail, simply follow the alltrails route as-listed. Note that the beginning of the trail is extremely steep, but once you get past the initial ¼ mile, it flattens out to a more manageable elevation gain. The access road to the hike is long, winding, and dirt. If it rains when you are hiking, the road can become muddy and impassable. Thus, you should always check the weather before heading into this area, and carry backup supplies in case you get stuck. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching the trailhead in your vehicle, hire a dog-friendly guide!
Wire Pass – The Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike is an easy, scenic adventure through one of the Southwest’s most stunning slot canyon systems. Starting from the Wire Pass Trailhead, this 3.7-mile round-trip trail leads through a sandy wash into narrow, towering slots that open up dramatically where Wire Pass meets Buckskin Gulch. Along the way, hikers are treated to sculpted red rock walls, shifting light, and even ancient petroglyphs. Though the hike is mostly flat, a short ladder descent and a boulder jam may require assistance for dogs or small children. Permits are required (can be purchased in advance at recreation.gov or digitally at the trailhead), water is not available, and flash flood awareness is essential – but for those prepared, this is a magical hike into the heart of the desert.
➡️To find this spot, simply follow the AlllTrails route as-listed. Note that the trailhead requires 4×4 and high clearance to reach. If you don’t feed comfortable driving there in your own vehicle, hire a dog-friendly guide!
Peek-a-Boo Canyon – Peek-a-Boo Canyon is a strikingly beautiful slot canyon famous for its vibrant red and orange sandstone walls. This relatively short hike offers adventurous explorers a chance to navigate narrow, sculpted passages and climb ancient Moqui steps carved into the rock. While the trail is accessible to many, deep sand, scattered boulders, and uneven terrain add a moderate challenge, making a reasonable fitness level advisable. Visitors should also be mindful of flash flood risks and the sandy roads, which often require a 4×4 vehicle for access.
➡️You have two options when it comes to hiking this spot:
1 – You can park at the trailhead listed on AllTrails, which will result in an 8.2 mile hike, with a majority of the beginning through deep sand. If you are in really good shape, you can do it!
2 – You can alternatively drive the sandy wash up to the mouth of the canyon, which will result in a much shorter hike. However, your vehicle needs to be 4×4, and you should be experienced driving in deep sand.
If you want to do the short hike, but don’t have a capable vehicle, hire a dog-friendly guide!
🐕The Wave
Of course I have to mention the Wave as a hiking option – a completely surreal and beautiful place is dog-friendly. It also requires a permit – One of the most difficult permits to secure in the US! Coyote Buttes North—home to the famous Wave—and Coyote Buttes South are part of the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, a remote and rugged area known for some of the world’s most stunning sandstone formations. These backcountry areas are undeveloped, with no established trails or facilities, and access is strictly limited through a competitive permit system managed by the Bureau of Land Management to protect the delicate environment.
So if you visit Kanab, you can absolutely enter the daily permit lottery, but you have to be prepared to not get selected. OR, maybe you entered the advance lottery and are planning your trip to Kanab solely for this purpose.
Hiking to The Wave requires a challenging 6.4-mile round trip across unmarked terrain, demanding strong navigation skills, physical fitness, and preparation—especially in the extreme heat of summer. Only 64 people are allowed into Coyote Buttes North each day, with permits split between an advanced online lottery (held four months ahead) and a geofenced daily lottery for those already in the region. The Wave is a top destination for photographers, best captured mid-morning to early afternoon, while surrounding features like the Second Wave, Fatali’s Boneyard, and Top Rock Arch shine later in the day. Each season offers unique conditions, from snowy winter solitude to scorching summer heat, and while spring and fall are ideal for weather, they’re also the most competitive times to secure a permit.
We were fortunate to get to hike the Wave in 2024, and it was indeed strenuous, required a whole lot of advanced planning, but was totally worth it! The experience necessitates an entire dedicated blog post I haven’t written yet, and you’ll get a ton of information from the Bureau of Land Management in advance of your hike, but here are a few important things we learned about hiking it in warmer months:
- Start before sunrise to beat the crowds and keep the intense desert sun at bay. (People underestimate the hike, and have to get airlifted out each year. People have also died here – Don’t underestimate it!)
- Pack at least double the water you think you need, and freeze it before starting your hike if you can to keep it cool.
- Pack electrolyte tabs you can drop into your human water.
- Pack cooling vests (to keep your dog’s body temperature cool) and booties (to protect against hot surfaces) for your dog.
- It is highly recommended that you hire a guide to hike the Wave, and you have to have a permit in-hand to do the hike – Hiring a guide does not supercede the individual permitting process.
Dog-Friendly Guide Service for the Wave
👣Things to do with Your Dog around Kanab (Other than hiking)
Little Hollywood Movie Museum – A big fenced outdoor space filled with sets and props from various old west movies, many of which were filmed right in/around Kanab. This stop is perfect for taking fun photos with your dog, and learning about the history of filmmaking in the area.
Moqui Cave Natural History Museum – A little bit roadside attraction, a little bit serious collection of natural history specimens and old west memorabilia, this dog-friendly stop is seriously fun.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this incredible organization! Your dog is allowed to join you on certain tours and in common areas of the sanctuary, and adoptable dogs can join you on hikes or overnight sleepovers in town. Contact them via their website to find out what activities your dog can join.
Stroll the downtown shops – Many allow your dog to shop with you!
🍽️Where to eat in Kanab with your Dog
There are a ton of restaurants in and around Kanab, but these are our favorites!
🍽️Best places for breakfast in Kanab
🍽️Grab & Go Breakfast
Jakey Leigh’s Cafe Bakery – They serve coffee, pastries, and a whole menu of breakfast sandwiches. The breakfast burritos are to die for! Completely freshly made, and SO good! ✔Vegetarian & gluten free dishes available. ✔Dogs are allowed inside and on the patio.
Nomad Cafe – A full coffee bar that serves pastries and a small menu of breakfast items like breakfast tacos and empanadas. ✔Vegetarian & gluten free dishes available. ✔Dogs are allowed on the patio.
🍽️Sit-Down Breakfast
Adria’s Restaurant – They serve a full menu of breakfast classics, home cooked to perfection, from steak & eggs to fluffy waffles. ✔Vegetarian & gluten free dishes available. ✔Dogs are allowed on the patio.
🍽️Best places for Lunch & Dinner in Kanab
Rockin’ V Cafe – Think down home cooking with a southwestern flair, in a vibrant, yet cozy environment. Try the Jalapeno Lime Chicken or the Kanab-a-Dabba-Doo Burger. ✔Vegetarian & gluten free dishes available. ✔Dogs are allowed on the patio, and in fact, the patio seating is reserved for folks with dogs!
Giff’s Barbecue – A classic BBQ joint with all the fixings. We tried the brisket and pulled pork, and loved everything! ✘No vegetarian main dishes, but some sides are meat-free ✔Gluten free options available ✔Dogs are allowed inside
Wild Thyme Cafe – A more upscale option featuring steaks and chops. We loved the bacon wrapped meatloaf and fire grilled trout, and the death by chocolate dessert is incredible! ✔Vegetarian & gluten free dishes available. ✘No dogs allowed
☀️Staying Safe in the Desert
The desert can be a wonderful place to adventure with your precious fur baby, as sandy surfaces, dry weather, and sunny skies provide a sensational landscape for pupper paws and human feet alike. However, there are some special precautions we recommend to help ensure everyone’s safety.
- Visit in the fall, winter, and spring for the most comfortable hiking temperatures.
- If the weather is warm, plan your hikes for early morning or an hour before sunset for the most diffused light and the most gorgeous photo opportunities.
- Pack more water than you think you need for yourself and your dog on every hike.
- Consider applying paw wax before and after hikes to protect against wear and tear from rough surfaces.
- Follow leash rules and stay on designated trails to protect your dog from stepping on pokey plant life, and to protect delicate cryptobiotic soils that can be irreparably harmed by even one footstep.
- Pack out all waste to help preserve the sensitive landscapes for future visitors.
- Never leave your dog in the car alone, even for a short time. If you’re interested in exploring pet-restricted areas of Kanab, check out Happy Horse & Dog Pet Resort or Auntie Pat’s Pet Sitting for day-boarding services.
🎒Gear recommendations: Always be pup-pared
🏜️Land Acknowledgement
Kanab, Utah is located on the ancestral homelands of the Pueblos & Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) peoples.
To show respect to the native peoples who cared for these lands long before white settlers, we do several things:
- Research and speak the names of the traditional guardians of the land. We use Native-land.ca
- Ask permission from the land itself before we enter. It might seem silly, but the more this becomes a habit, the more you become attuned to the ways in which the land speaks.
- Make donations to native-led organizations that support the communities whose ancestral lands were stolen.
