Willow Canyon’s Next Adventure: New Owners, Same Beloved Spirit
For nearly 30 years, Willow Canyon Outdoor in Kanab has been more than just a bookstore, coffee shop, and gear shop—it’s been a gathering place, a launchpad for adventure, and a cornerstone of the local community. Now, as longtime owners Charlie Neumann and Susan Hand pass the torch, Willow Canyon enters a new chapter with fresh but familiar faces: Kieran Corrigan and Melanie Rader.
Originally founded in 1994, Willow Canyon Outdoor became an institution in Kanab, offering “Killer Coffee,” an eclectic book selection, and high-quality outdoor gear. Charlie and Susan, who stumbled into Kanab and never left, cultivated a space that reflected the spirit of the high desert. Now, Kieran and Melanie—longtime outdoor guides—are taking on the responsibility of continuing that legacy.
New Owners, Same Passion for Adventure – Kieran and Melanie met while guiding in the Grand Staircase and formed a bond over coffee on Willow Canyon’s back porch. “We wanted a deeper connection to the people and community we live in,” Kieran shares. “Willow has always been our favorite place, and when the opportunity came up, we jumped at the chance to keep it going.”
Melanie, an ultra-endurance runner and Grand Canyon aficionado, has completed and blazed numerous trails in the region. Her real-world experience makes her the perfect fit for curating the store’s outdoor gear and apparel selection. “We’re not just selling products,” she says. “We’re helping people prepare for real adventure.”
Kieran, a former geology student at Fort Lewis College and an experienced climbing, canyoneering, and rafting guide, brings his deep appreciation for the land to the mix. Having explored the Southwest extensively, he understands what outdoor enthusiasts need.
Keeping the Willow Spirit Alive – Though ownership has changed, the heart of Willow Canyon remains the same. The store will continue to offer top-tier outdoor gear, thoughtfully selected books, and expertly crafted coffee while prioritizing sustainability and locally sourced products.
“Our goal is to maintain what Charlie and Susan built while bringing in fresh energy,” Kieran says. “At Willow Canyon, coffee brings people together, books inspire exploration, and our gear helps people take their story onto the trail.”
Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Willow Canyon remains the perfect spot to fuel up, stock up, and connect with the outdoors.
Find Willow Canyon at 263 S 100 E, Kanab, Utah, and visit willowcanyon.com for more details.
