Adventurer

For those who seek spectacular outdoor beauty and wild geological wonders, Kanab makes the perfect basecamp for as long as you can stay. But if you’re on a tighter schedule, here’s a suggested itinerary for an adventure-filled 3-day trip that includes tips on getting your hands on a permit to visit the world famous wave.

Day 1

Apply for The Wave lottery

To visit the Wave, a permit is required for Coyote Buttes North, and permit information and online permits can be obtained through recreation.gov. Apply today for the chance to win a permit for your third day here.

Permit process is a 3 day process.

  • Day 1 apply for the permit
  • Day 2 pick up the permit and attend the orientation
  • Day 3 hike the Wave

Nomad Café

Start your adventure with the Nomad Café and Retro RV Resort. They offer a cozy space for both guests and the public to enjoy. Breakfast tacos are served every morning along with fresh pastries and a full espresso menu.

Toadstools

The Toadstools provide an excellent opportunity for exploration, showcasing balanced rock formations resembling mushrooms that offer breathtaking and enchanting views. Accessible through an easy to moderate 1.5 mile round-trip hike, the toadstools are a must visit destination.

Coyote Sky Tacos

Check out Coyote Sky Tacos for dinner. The vegan food truck celebrates food as a way to connect with others, blending traditional recipes from Mexico, Columbia, the American south and Canada. All dishes are 100% plant based and free of animal products.

Afternoon Bike Ride

Explore Kanab’s many great mountain biking trails by renting a bike at Kanab E-Bikes Sales and Rentals and grab a map from the Kane County Office of Tourism.

Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen

End your evening and unwind in the cozy atmosphere of this charming spot. Take a seat on the patio while savoring delicious artisanal pizza, local beer and expertly crafted cocktails. And with vegan options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Kanab Suites

Boutique style hotel that provides clean and cozy accommodations for guests. Featuring a patio are with fire pits and views of the red mountains. Each room is a suite with a kitchen and dining area fully equipped with basic cooking amenities. Free laundry is also available to the guests.

Day 2

Asava
Asava Juice and Smoothies is a great place to start your day. With their selection of cold pressed juice, organic smoothies, granola bowls, hot drinks and other specials, you are sure to be nourished and ready for adventure.

Did you win The Wave lottery?
If you applied for the Wave lottery and were successful, today is the day to pick up your permit by 8:30am at the Kane County Office of Tourism and attend the orientation.

Buckskin Gulch
This hike is definitely considered an adventure. You can either hike the entire route or just hike in for a peek, you can go it alone or hire a guide, the choice is yours. Buckskin Gulch is a very long and impressive slot canyon however, depending on the season and precipitation levels, wading or even swimming in cold water may be required. A permit is required and can be obtained online at recreation.gov. Flash flooding is a very real and serious risk in this canyon, check local weather conditions before you hike.

Cave Café

Cool off and feed your body at the Cave Cafe with one of their delicious acai bowls or smoothies. Grab one of their themed paninis and relax while you take in the beautiful views.

Catstair Rip Rap
Still up for more adventure? Take a short drive to the Catstair Rip Rap. This short 1 mile round trip offers changing scenery around every corner. A quarter-mile down the slot canyon, visitors can see a neat stack of old crushed cars wired together to prevent erosion during heavy storms.

Fusion House

Simple eatery serving Pan-Asian cuisine, including vegan options, with beer and wine available.

Aiken’s Lodge
Stay overnight. Aikens Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in a convenient location. The lodge features and outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a BBQ area for guests to enjoy. Rooms are simple and clean with basic amenities.

Day 3

Hike the Wave
If the permit was won yesterday, CONGRATULATIONS!, we recommend hiring a local guide. A guided tour can remove uncertainty and enhance your experience of this rare and unique opportunity. The guide can also show you other formations Coyote Buttes North has to offer that you may not otherwise get a chance to see. Remember to bring your camera to capture the numerous stunning sights around you.

Shop Coffee Co

Worth the short drive north of Kanab is Shop Coffee Co. A former mechanic shop transformed into a food and adventure hub offering local coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches and a charming gift shop. Shop Coffee Co serves delicious food and provides a great atmosphere.

If you didn’t win, you haven’t lost

White Pocket is a fantastic option that requires no permit and has fewer crowds, making it feel like you’ve won. Explore the unique formations and breathtaking scenery of the area with ease. It is advisable to hire a guide due to the deep sand, but the stunning multi-colored rock formations make the trip well worth it.

Angel Village Café

Angel Village Café, located in a serene setting overlooking the lower canyon, offers a $5 vegan lunch daily from 11:30AM to 1PM, with a changing menu that includes a main dish, two sides, fruit, salad and dessert. The café also features indoor and outdoor seating, a coffee bar with hot teas and a soda machine.

Greenhalgh Trail

The Greenhalgh brothers, local homesteaders in the early 1900’s, inspired the name of this trail which leads to a stunning view from the top of the Vermillion Cliffs in Trail Canyon. This historic trail was once part of the original mail route between Kanab and Springdale, where mailbags were lowered down a cliff for the mailman to collect.

Iron Horse Restaurant

Indulge in delicious steaks, burgers and ribs with hearty sides alongside beer and wine at our casual, timber-clad outpost. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating at Kanab’s premier smokehouse BBQ and steakhouse restaurant.

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

This laid-back hotel is perfect for animal lovers and features a complimentary shuttle to the animal sanctuary, a vegan breakfast and a pet park. You can also take advantage of the on-site pet grooming facility, complimentary guest laundry and a seasonal splash pad in the dog park.

Events For The Outdoor Enthusiast

Balloons and Tunes Roundup
3rd weekend in February

Zion Ragnar
Mother’s Day Weekend

Amazing Earthfest
Begins on Mother’s Day and continues throughout the following week

Grand to Grand Ultra Marathon
4th Sunday in September and continues for the following 7 days

Grand Circle Trailfest
1st weekend in October

Kanab Treasure Quest
1st weekend in November

Kanab and the surrounding area host over 40 annual events. There’s a good possibility that you’ll find yourself at a street fair, watching a parade or enjoying live music. Be sure to check our events calendar.

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