Kanab is an undiscovered gem of a town except to all of us who come to Sighthound Shivoo/Greyhound Gathering – Kanab. I was traveling through 28 years ago, and never left. You can read about that journey here. Below is an article, and links to Kanab web sites for more information.
Welcome to Kanab and the Wild West
By Dixie Brunner
Editor of the Southern Utah News
Reprinted with permission
“The red dirt just kind of gets in your soul,” commented one old-time Kanab resident, as he gazed thoughtfully on the surrounding vermilion cliffs.
Most people passing through Kanab are taken back by the sheer beauty of its setting. The red mountains surrounding the high desert community cut a stark contrast to the seemingly eternal blue skies.
With President Clinton’s Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument designation, much of the world was exposed to the area we in Kanab call home.
One LA journalist described Kanab as a “picturesque community where clear azure skies provide a stunning canvas for snow white, billowy clouds. It’s here that the clear southwest air is filled with the exhilarating scent of sage and cedar. Overhead, an incredible golden light bathes the distant mesas and the Pinion forest nestled between the massive red rock cliffs. As often as I can, I’ll head to Kanab knowing that its gentle folk, spectacular mesas and slower lifestyle are awaiting my arrival.”
While Kanab is just now gaining national recognition as a unique travel destination, you’ve probably already visited the small town on the Utah/Arizona border.
Did you ever see the movies, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “How the West Was Won”, “Mackenna’s Gold” or the “Outlaw Josey Wales”? Then you’ve been to Kanab after all! The small community of 4500 has been a location for over 92 feature length films, as well as several hundred TV shows. Visitors can still see sites such as the Lone Ranger’s perch in Kanab Canyon, and the Gunsmoke set.
Kanab offers visitors a quintessential vacation destination. Visitors can use Kanab as a hub to enjoy a myriad of recreational opportunities in the area. Base yourself in Kanab, and get ready to enjoy the best vacation of your life!
Incredible destinations such as Lake Powell, Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon North Rim National Parks and the new Grand Canyon Staircase Escalante Monument are all within 80 miles. And don’t forget about lesser known area destinations such as Kanab (Angel) Canyon, Pipe Springs National Monument, Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Kodachrome State Parks.
Kanab will offer you a laid back, relaxing atmosphere, awe-inspiring scenery and some of the friendliest people in the entire world. Your vacation here will truly be a monumental experience!
Kanab Area Informational Links:
- Visit Utah Adventure Online Magazine!
- Kanab Guide – Southern Utah News
- Travel West — Kanab, Utah
- Kane County, Southern Utah’s Park Central