Tucked away in the heart of Southern Utah’s red rock country, Kanab is one of those rare places that feels both peaceful and full of adventure. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, you’ll quickly discover that Kanab offers far more than just stunning scenery—it delivers unforgettable experiences, small-town charm, and a deep connection to the land.
A Front-Row Seat to Iconic Landscapes
Kanab sits among some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. Within easy driving distance, you’ll find world-famous destinations like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell. Kanab is also technically the second step in the Grand Staircase, placing it right in the middle of a geological wonderland.
The views here never get old. As locals will tell you, those magnificent red rock cliffs have a way of capturing your heart—no matter how many times you see them.
February Fun: Balloons and Tunes
If you’re visiting in February, you’re in for a treat. Kanab hosts the Balloons and Tunes event, a lively celebration that fills the sky and streets with color and energy. Hot air balloons, live music, dancing, local vendors, and delicious street food come together to create an unforgettable winter weekend. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and small-town hospitality.
Events That Capture Kanab’s Spirit
Kanab is known for hosting events that bring people together and showcase its unique character.
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Legends Weekend celebrates Kanab’s rich history as a filming location for classic Old Western movies.
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Easter Egg Hunts at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes are a family favorite and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
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Around Thanksgiving, the town lights up with the beloved Light Parade, a heartwarming tradition that kicks off the holiday season.
These events offer visitors a genuine glimpse into the friendly, welcoming nature of the community.
Adventure Awaits: Trails, Sand, and Slot Canyons
For outdoor lovers, Kanab is a dream destination. Whether you’re hiking, riding, or exploring, there’s something for every level of adventurer.
Local favorites include:
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K-Hill Trail – perfect for a quick hike with rewarding views
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Tom’s Canyon – a scenic slot canyon adventure
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Cottonwood Trail – peaceful and picturesque
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Peekaboo Slot Canyon – a stunning, family-friendly slot canyon known for its swirling sandstone and glowing light
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The Sand Caves – unique man-made caves carved into the sandstone, offering incredible views and a fun, short hike
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Buckskin Gulch – one of the longest and most impressive slot canyons in the world
Add in nearby ATV trails and the rolling sands of Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and you’ll never run out of ways to explore.
A Place with Heart: Best Friends Animal Society
Just outside of town, Best Friends Animal Society is one of Kanab’s most meaningful and beloved destinations. As the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, it offers visitors a chance to tour the grounds, volunteer, or simply spend time with animals in a truly beautiful setting.
Set against red rock canyons and peaceful trails, Best Friends is more than an animal sanctuary—it’s a place that reflects the compassionate, welcoming spirit of Kanab itself.
Slow Down and Take It All In
Not every adventure in Kanab has to be adrenaline-filled. Take a quiet walk around Jackson Flat Reservoir and watch the geese glide in for a landing. It’s moments like these that remind you how calm and restorative this place can be.
A Town That Feels Like Home
Kanab isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s peaceful yet exciting, restful yet full of possibility. From its dramatic landscapes to its community events and friendly faces, Kanab welcomes visitors like old friends.
Whether you’re here for the adventure, the scenery, or the small-town charm, one thing is certain: Kanab is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; as is small town living!
Kanab is a place where you can literally spend your lifetime exploring, and yet, never see it all. A unique experience waits up every dirt road. The adventurous spirit has space and opportunity to truly roam, here.Personally, I spent ten years away from Kanab. Fueled by teenage angst, I thought cities had the lifestyle I wanted for myself. It didn’t take long for this small town girl to long for the quiet community, where every driver waves at one another, as compared to the distant attitude of those callused by city life. So, I did what any “sensible” teenager would do, and I moved to another city, in another state… and then another, and another… Somehow, moving to another new place didn’t satisfy the craving that Kanab left in my mouth. After ten years of no other place comparing to Kanab, I moved back to the home I always knew.
A home where sometimes a grocery store trip takes twice as long because you run into old friends, or are busy making new friends. A home where the local law enforcement will come remove a rattlesnake from your property, then drive by their own house to show off to their kids. A home where you may be taking a walk for exercise and three people will stop to offer you a ride. A home where you feel at home.
This is why I believe the answer to: “Is Kanab a Good Place to Live” is an emphatic YES that echoes off slot canyon walls, soars above the expansive land on the wings of hawks, golden eagles, bald eagles, and huge condors. Kanab is not only a “Good Place to Live” it is a place that fills your heart with gratitude every time you see a desert sunset.
The residents of this little red rock town enjoy rich and extensive outdoor lifestyles. Surrounded by public lands, you can literally drive in any direction away from the quaint downtown and find adventure, beauty, and awe-inspiring photo opportunities! There are two stop lights in Kanab; a reference point for giving directions around the area. The community enjoys the charms of small town life, and the residents of Kanab are happy to support locally owned businesses. It’s nice to leave the “Big City Amenities” to the nearby cities of Washington UT, St. George UT, Cedar City UT, and Page AZ.
Kanab locals enjoy the scenic drives to the nearest big-box stores. Kanab does not have a Wal-Mart; but what they do have is views for days that stretch in all directions and an enjoyment in commuting to the neighboring cities.
The year was 1995, Sally Quinn and Sue Weitzman huddled around a kitchen table, children and family present throwing around ideas for what to call their budding brokerage. A spouse suggested naming it something starting with an “A” so it would appear first in the phone book (remember those?). Sue and Sally adamantly wanted something that would reflect the local beauty. The kokopelli was chosen as the mascot and the name “Adobe Realty'' was settled on.
Weeks later, Sue and Sally were holding another informal business meeting at Nedra’s Too and Sally pointed across the street and said; “That is such a cute building!” A short time later, they signed a rental agreement with the owner of Sun-n-Sand Motel for half of the red rock building. Sally’s first sale was shortly after they opened, there was no furniture yet and the documents were signed while sitting on the floor. That first purchase was from one Mary Jensen, who would become Adobe’s loyal bookkeeper.
By August 1998, they had become successful enough to buy the building which so perfectly fit their name.
Adobe Realty was started in a time prior to cell phone use, when fax machines reigned as king. A time with their turquoise painted signs had name riders displaying the agent’s home phone numbers. Sally and Sue’s children unknowingly became trained on how to take phone messages for their mothers. Growing up, the children of Adobe Realty spent their summers swimming in the Sun-n-Sand Pool with a few open window calls from their mothers to “keep the screaming down!” During high school, the sons of Sally and Sue were kind enough to place signs on new listings, and that answering service from childhood laid the groundwork for their daughters Meghan and Sara, who both work in the industry now.
By the year 2000,The Adobe Gals kept up with the changing technology of the internet and were officially tethered to their cellular communication devices. They rejoiced when they no longer had to submit their listings to be printed like a magazine, and were able to have a more real time system, online.
“BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!” was the quote from Sally of the decade in response to “how’s business?” This phrase was repeated by The Adobe Gals and their families for many years. On family vacations, the children of The Adobe Gals would secretively pull the batteries out of their mother’s cell phones for a little extra quality time.
In 2005, Adobe Realty gained Carmen Bradley. Carmen began as an Arizona Realtor, and stepped into the role as Property Manager. Thanks to Carmen’s professionalism and hard work, Adobe Realty survived the trying times that came with 2008. While helping Adobe Realty succeed, Carmen also grew professionally. She is a licensed Realtor in Utah as well as Arizona, and she represents Adobe Realty as the Arizona Broker.
So much has changed over the last 24 years: while Adobe still has a fax machine, it’s rarely in use. And neither Sally nor Sue have had a landline in many years. The signs are now put up by someone on payroll (not on an allowance), and cell phone batteries can no longer be pulled out by sneaky children. Some things will never change though, like The Adobe Gal’s commitment to their clients, their love of this beautiful area, and their passion for this work. They’ve continued to grow their brokerage and have been adding new real estate agents with an array of experience. They remain committed to being Kanab’s Longest Standing, Locally Owned and Operated Real Estate Brokerage.
