There are plenty of motivational posters and Insta quotes reminding you to be present, to be all there, wherever you are. Good ideas, but is it possible to let the past and future go? It is if you go to Kanab, Utah! The landscape is so unbelievably magical and adventures so wild that time pauses, and you’re right there, so present that only you and Kanab exist at that moment.
How can a tiny, picturesque town nestled in the centre of three national parks capture the imagination that much? Visualise this: ancient craggy red rock cliffs, rolling hills of sand, and lush winding canyons. Kanab is a landscape full of infinite adventure, a spectacle to behold.
“Wherever you are, be all there”
You know those days when you’re actually seeking cheesy motivational quotes to get through the day? The ones where you’re using your imagination in traffic, when you drop the kids off, and as you go through the mundane routines of life. In Kanab, you can let your imagination go; you don’t need it!
Why? Because in this little town, population 5,000, the sights worth imagining are right before your eyes. Here you will also find friendly people, rich history, vibrant restaurants, restful hotels, and curious shops. Naturally, a place with such otherworldly beauty draws plenty of visitors, yet it never feels crowded, even though it’s within day-tripping distance from Las Vegas!
“The present moment is all you ever have”
Perpetually charming, Kanab has plenty to hold your interest, and its expansive, ever-vast desert provides countless ways to be present. We’ve selected our top four ways to forget that tax bill, the Christmas pressies that need to be bought, and the fact that you really should get to the dentist for a clean and check. Thanks to Kanab, everything fades except the beauty of this Southern Utah region.
1. The Wave
Perhaps the most well-known landmark in Kanab, the Wave reveals incredible rock formations within Coyote Buttes North. You’ve probably seen the pics before, even if you didn’t know where it was exactly.
You either need to be happy to take what the present moment gives you, or you need a moment in the future to get into the Wave, however. To protect the area’s integrity, only 64 permits are issued daily, 48 in 3-months in advance, and the rest by lottery the day before entry. Worth it, either way!
2. Buckskin Gulch slot canyon
To adventure into an extremely narrow canyon (known as slot canyons) is to live. Formed over millions of years, slot canyons create rare formations that leave you breathless in awe (and from the efforts to get into them).
Some slot canyons are as narrow as 30cm wide and as deep as 90m deep. Buckskin Gulch slot canyon in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is a popular option as it’s the longest and deepest canyon in the world!
3. Cottonwood Canyon scenic drive
Taking a scenic drive says “yes, I have time to be present right now”. This is why we rate a road trip along Cottonwood Canyon Road.
For 75km from Kanab to the Kodachrome Basin, you’ll soak in the red-rock landscape far into the distance to the desert oasis of Paria River Valley (great for hikes, btw).
4. Selfie sand caves
Can you be both present and planning an Instagram post for the future? Hmmm, this quote says no: “the future is purchased by the present”, but we say you’ve got to take your ‘gram chances where you can! The Sand Caves north of Kanab offer a seize-the-day kinda moment.
While the caves were man-made during a short mining foray, now, they present picturesque caves to take a short hike around, stopping to use the idyllically framed caves to snap some selfies.
Discover more
Go to VisitSouthernUtah.com and book your next adventure.
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