An Advanced Desert Adventurer’s Top 10 Bucket List: The Kanab Edition
So you’ve done Zion and Bryce, and maybe even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ve driven through Kanab, maybe spent a night, or sampled one of the town’s excellent restaurants. Think that means that you know the east side of Zion? Think again — because here is the local’s bucket list for an advanced desert adventure in and around Kanab.
- Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Antelope Canyon’s little brother is located just north of Kanab. Caution: extremely deep sand! Do not attempt this drive on your own unless you are a pro at airing down your 4WD rig; hire a guide. - The Great Chamber
Going from obscurity to a sought-after destination in just a few short years, the Great Chamber may be the Kanab area’s most unique ‘Wow’ location. 4WD needed. - White Pocket
Boring name, mind-blowing landscape. You haven’t seen Kanab until you’ve seen White Pocket; many think it’s better than the Wave. No permits are required, but it’s remote and requires full-on sand driving skills or a guide. - South Coyote Buttes
If you like hiking, spectacular geology, photography, and solitude — South Coyote Buttes is a well-kept secret. Permits ARE required and tightly limited; Dreamland Safari Tours can help apply for last-minute permits & with 4WD access. - Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass
The granddaddy of all slot canyons; called one of America’s most dangerous hikes due to flash flood danger. The access road is usually good enough for 2WD cars when it’s not raining. Day-use permits are available on recreation.gov. - The Toadstools & Paria Townsite
45 minutes east of Kanab on Highway 89. While the Toadstools have gained popularity, Paria Townsite’s incredible scenery is still often overlooked. Pro tip: combine the Toadstools hike and sunset (best light!) at Paria Townsite for a great half-day adventure; no guide or permits are required. - The Mansard Trail
Under-appreciated cliffside trail with amazing views and more than 1,000ft climb for 5 miles, topped by an extensive and unusual rock art panel – all just a few minutes outside of Kanab proper. A favorite hike for many locals. - Huntress Slot Canyon
This slot canyon will have you suited up with a harness and ropes! Beginner- and family-friendly, this red rock slot is a great spot to learn canyoneering — if you’re not an experienced canyoneer, hire a guide. - Toroweap
Want to peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon’s most photogenic 3,000ft cliff, away from the crowds of the North Rim? 62 miles of dirt road or a guide will get you there. Warning – there are no railings; this viewpoint is Horseshoe Bend on steroids. Pro tip: to get the famous Toroweap sunrise shot, you have to camp there (advance permits required). - The Wave
We’d be amiss not to mention it. Try the last-minute geo-fenced lottery on recreation.gov, and hope you are luckier than the hundreds of other applicants!
Not to say “we told you so,”… but yes: Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon are just the beginning. How many gems from this Advanced desert adventurer’s bucket list do you yet have to visit?
Visit Dreamland Safari Tours for more information on the best backcountry experiences in southern Utah.
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