Visit 7 National Parks, Forests & Monuments From Pet Friendly Kanab


 

In many ways pet friendly Kanab, Utah feels much as you’d expect any city with less than 5,000 residents to feel. It has a friendly, small-town vibe where serenity and relaxation come easily.

But Kanab’s serendipitous location provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in America. Visitors here are spoiled with options. And at the end of each day, the unique accommodations and brilliant restaurants restore your body for the next day’s adventure.

Kanab’s Top Attractions

If you’re on a mission to visit America’s most amazing places, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better vacation destination than Kanab, Utah! Three national parks within easy driving distance. Two breathtaking national monuments. A stunning national forest. A national recreation area visited by more than two million people a year. And that’s just the beginning!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Just a 90 minute drive from pet friendly Kanab, Bryce Canyon is known for its incredible rock formations. Like a forest of spires and fins clinging to the canyon walls, the fantastically colored hoodoos are constantly changing.

Wind, rain, snow, freezing, and thawing sculpt the stone, forming new hoodoos while turning others to piles of clay. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to see.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park With Pets

Man walking a dog on the paved Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

 

Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim

More than five million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. But only a fraction of them come to the North Rim. From Kanab, you can be there in 90 minutes!

Unfortunately, people traveling with pets will find the North Rim less pet friendly than the South Rim. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing!

At the North Rim dogs are allowed on the Bridal Path and the portion of the Arizona Trail that runs between North Kaibab Trailhead and the north entrance of the park. Both trails are pretty, but neither have views of the canyon.

Pets are also allowed at the picnic areas and in the parking areas of the overlooks. So, pack a lunch and plan to drive the 30 miles of scenic roads at the North Rim, stopping along the way to take in the views.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Visiting The South Rim Of Grand Canyon National Park With Pets

View of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim
Picnic area at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Brindle dog on the patio at the Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim

 

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, Utah’s oldest and most popular park, is a 40-minute drive from pet friendly Kanab. With the red and white walls of Navajo sandstone towering 2,000 feet above you, hiking with your pet in Zion is an experience you’ll never forget.

Leashed pets can join you on all paved surfaces at Zion. This includes along public roads and parking areas, in the developed campgrounds, at all turnouts, and on the Pa’rus Trail. In addition, pets are welcome in the picnic areas and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Visiting Zion National Park With Pets

Happy brindle dog in green harness sitting on a rock wall with red and white rock faces in the background
Man walking dog on the pet friendly Pa'rus Trail in Zion National Park, UT

 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Over 250 million years of the Earth’s geologic history can be seen in the colorful cliffs at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the monument covers nearly 1.9 million acres. And the Grand Staircase unit is just a few minutes from pet friendly Kanab.

Choose to explore on your own, or hire one Kanab’s excellent outdoor guides and outfitters to show you the hard-to-reach places.

Willis Creek Canyon in Kanab, Utah
Willis Creek Canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

People come from all over the world to see the colorful sandstone swirls in Vermilion Cliffs. But if you’re driving from Kanab, you can be there in about 45 minutes.

The Marble Canyon Area is easily accessed from Hwy 89A where it crosses the Colorado River. Here you can take in the views from your car or enjoy a short hike. And as you cross the Navajo Bridge keep your eyes peeled for the California condors that make the bridge home.

If you’re looking for a more remote adventure, you’ll need to plan ahead. Dogs can hike with you in Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and for overnight trips in Paria Canyon, but both you and your pup must obtain a permit in advance.

Coyote Buttes of the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area, Utah and Arizona
Coyote Buttes – Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

 

Dixie National Forest

If you’re looking to do some hiking with your furry travel buddy, don’t miss the Dixie National Forest. Just 30 minutes from Kanab, Dixie covers almost 2 million acres and is criss-crossed by hundreds of miles of trails.

The best part is … every square inch of the national forest is pet friendly! From mountain tops to pastoral valleys, you and your pet could spend a lifetime in Dixie and not see it all.

READ MORE ⇒ Discovering Utah’s Pet Friendly Dixie National Forest

Brindle dog on a pet friendly trail in Dixie National Forest - Utah

 

Lake Powell / Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

The deep blue waters of Lake Powell are framed by soaring red peaks. And from pet friendly Kanab, you can be there in about 75 minutes. Though it’s a popular destination, the shoreline here is longer than the entire West Coast of the United States. So you can always find a secluded cove or canyon.

Of course, being on the water is the main attraction here. And you’ll find pet friendly powerboats, houseboats, and kayak rentals available. So you and your pet can have a ball exploring Lake Powell in the watercraft of your choice. Or, when water levels allow, take the ferry between Bullfrog Marina and Halls Crossing for a leisurely cruise.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Canoeing or Kayaking with Dogs

Dog in the water at a pet-friendly beach in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona

 

Basecamp: Pet Friendly Kanab, Utah

Named for a Paiute word meaning “place of the willows,” Kanab, Utah is the perfect basecamp for exploring all the pet friendly wonders of Southern Utah. Offering world-class hiking and hidden slot canyons, it’s also home to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. And having the largest animal sanctuary in the United States in your backyard makes Kanab an extremely pet friendly city! There are few places where pets aren’t welcome in Kanab. So you and your furry travel companion will find plenty to do together!

Brindle dog and a man reading a plaque in Kanab, UT

Best Time To Visit With Pets

Spring and fall are the most obvious times to visit the American Southwest with pets. However, with 256 days of sunshine each year, chances are good that you will see several days of blue skies and sunshine anytime you visit pet friendly Kanab, Utah.

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds at the national parks, plan your trip in winter when highs in Kanab are in the mid-40s to low 50s. In fact, the only way to experience Zion Canyon — the most popular attraction at Zion National Park — with your pets is to visit when the park’s shuttles aren’t operating. And they only shut down for certain periods between December and February.

River running in Zion Canyon at Zion National Park, UTRiver running in Zion Canyon at Zion National Park, UT

 

An Entertaining History

Before it became travel destination, Kanab was honing its skills as a gracious host to actors and film crews drawn by its scenery. Nicknamed “Little Hollywood,” hundreds of films have been produced in the area since the 1920s when the local landscape became a favorite for cowboy movies.

Celebrating that heritage, more than 90 plaques now make up Kanab’s Walk of Fame. For old movie buffs, strolling around downtown checking out the photos, actor bios, and film credits for the movies and TV shows shot in Kanab and Kane County is endlessly entertaining!

Brindle dog looking at a plaque on the Walk of Fame in Kanab, Utah
Myles reading Dale Evans’ plaque on the Walk of Fame in Kanab

Kanab’s Pet Friendly Trails System

The selection of pet friendly trails in and around Kanab offers something for everyone. From dino tracks to waterfalls, remote lakes to slot canyons, easy jaunts to all-day treks, you’ll find the perfect option for you and your pet on the Visit Southern Utah website.

Brindle dog in a green harness on a pet friendly trail in Kanab, UT

 

Spend A Day At Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Brindle dog in a green harness with a sign for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT

Located on 6,000 acres just five miles north of downtown Kanab, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is much more than its name implies. Started in 1984, Best Friends has gone from caring for animals in search of homes to leading a nationwide movement to bring an end to the killing of homeless dogs and cats. No animal lover would consider a trip to Kanab complete without visiting this inspiring place.

On any given day, the sanctuary is home to as many as 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs and other animals. And you’re invited to take a free, guided tour, volunteer to spend time with the animals, or simply enjoy the trails and extraordinary surroundings with your pet.

Welcome Center at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UTWelcome Center at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT

 

The sanctuary is open seven days a week, but tours and volunteer opportunities fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up early! During our visit we took the Grand Sanctuary Tour, following the tour shuttle in our car with Myles and listening to the tour guide on our radio. Then we did the Pig & Goat Walking Tour with Myles, keeping him outside the enclosures.

Our next stop was for a wonderful, vegan lunch at Angel Village Café. The view from their patio overlooking Angel Canyon will take your breath away!

View from the patio at Angel Village Café at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah

Finally, we hit the trails with Myles! Hiking the 1.3-mile Angels Overlook Trail took us to the Gratitude Garden and fantastic views of the canyon below.

Brindle dog at Angels Overlook Trailhead in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah

 

There are several trails to choose from, so pick up a trail map at the Welcome Center. And, if you’re not traveling with a pet of your own, sign up to take one of Best Friends’ resident dogs along for company!

Man and brindle dog on Angels Overlook Trail in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah
Sign at Gratitude Garden in Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT
Bench overlooking the view from Angels Overlook at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah

 

Visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Just 22 miles west of Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park protects 1,200 acres of shifting sand dunes! Created by wind funneling through a notch between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains, it’s a completely unique landscape to see in this part of the country.

Pets on leash are welcome throughout the park, though walking on the sand can be difficult for dogs and humans alike. Also be aware that much of the dunes are open to OHV use, so watch for vehicles as you explore. If traversing the dunes isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other pet friendly hiking opportunities in Kanab and the surrounding area.

The park also has two campgrounds and a nice picnic area if you are looking for a place to eat lunch.

Brindle dog at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, Utah
Brindle dog at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, Utah

 

Where To Stay In Pet Friendly Kanab

Disclosure: We were provided with free accommodations at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in exchange for sharing our experience with you.

Hopefully, you’re intrigued enough about pet friendly Kanab to plan a trip of your own. If so, you’ll find a nice selection of pet friendly hotels and several campgrounds to choose from! But if you’re an animal lover, there’s really only one place to stay … Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile.

Located on the north side of downtown Kanab, the Roadhouse is the most pet-centric hotel we’ve ever seen. And staying there helps support the lifesaving mission of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, just five miles up the road.

Brindle dog sitting in front of the Best Friendly Roadhouse and Mercantile sign in Kanab, UT

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

In a world where some “pet friendly” hotels barely tolerate pets, we’d give Best Friends Roadhouse a 16 out of 10 on the pet friendliness scale. They offer a truly unique experience — the opportunity to stay in a hotel designed for pets!

Dog sculpture at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Early morning view at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Early morning sunshine hitting the red rocks at Best Friendly Roadhouse

 

Our room was lovely, with a small kitchen equipped to prepare and serve simple meals and a dining area to share them. The bed was incredibly comfortable. And the bathroom was gorgeous!

Kitchen in a room at Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab, Utah
Dining area in a room at Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab, Utah
Bathroom in a room at Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab, Utah

 

But a lot of hotels have beautiful rooms and cozy beds. Where Best Friends Roadhouse really stands out is in the ways it caters to pets — starting with their pet policy. There is no pet fee, no weight restrictions, no breed restrictions, cats are welcome, and up to four pets are allowed per room.

But even their stellar pet policy isn’t what makes Best Friends Roadhouse so special. It’s the thoughtful amenities that makes your pet’s stay truly memorable.

After a long day in the car, Myles and I were both delighted to find that the Roadhouse has two dog parks! He got to run around and burn off some energy. And Rod and I were off the hook for a long evening walk.

READ MORE ⇒ Barking Dogs In Hotel Rooms: Tips For A Quiet Stay

Dog park area at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Brindle dog in the dog park at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UTBrindle dog in the dog park at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Brindle dog at the dog park at Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab, Utah

 

The hotel provided dog bowls for Myles in our room, but he much preferred slurping from the outdoor dog fountain.

Not being a bath-lover, he was less excited to see the pet spa beside the guest laundry. Fortunately, we didn’t have any incidents that required Myles to get a bath. But it would be super handy for anyone whose dog looks forward to a bit of pampering!

Brindle dog drinking from an outdoor dog fountain at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Pet Spa and Laundry at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Pet spa at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT

 

The next treat we discovered (other than the human cookies and dog treats we received at check-in) was that Myles had TWO dog beds to choose from … not including ours!

Brindle dog laying on a dog bed in a dog house shaped cubby at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Dog den at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, Utah
Brindle dog sleeping on a pull-out dog bed at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, Utah
Myles sleeping on a pull-out dog bed at the foot of the human bed

And the mercantile, in addition to serving a fantastic breakfast, is full of all kinds of goodies. They even have pet gear, in case there’s something you forget to pack.

Mercantile at Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab, UT
Man and dog getting coffee at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT

 

They’ve even thought of the people who love animals but aren’t traveling with their own pet. The folks at Best Friends Roadhouse will arrange for your choice of a dog, cat, or bunny from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to sleepover with you. Now, that’s taking pet-friendliness to a whole new level!!

Poster of a grey dog in pajamas hoping for a slumber party at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in Kanab, UT

Places To Eat In Pet Friendly Kanab

As I mentioned, Kanab is very pet friendly, and we had no trouble finding outdoor dining options with Myles. From simple takeaway fare, to a vegan taco truck, to outstanding fine dining, going hungry isn’t a concern.

Here is a list of pet friendly eateries in Kanab that offer pet friendly seating:

  • Angel Village Café – buffet lunch from 11:30am – 1pm daily on the pet friendly patio overlooking Angel Canyon
  • Best Friends Mercantile – snacks, coffee, and light fare which you can take to go or eat on the covered patio
  • Brown Box Bakeshop – bakery, soup, sandwiches, and ice cream with sidewalk seating
  • Fusion House – Pan-Asian cuisine with sidewalk seating
  • Iron Horse Restaurant – steaks, burgers, ribs and more with a pet friendly patio
  • Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen – artisanal pizza, sandwiches, and local beer with an outdoor patio
  • Rocking V Café – comfort food, from buffalo tenderloin to deep dish enchiladas, and the best bread pudding I’ve ever eaten. Pet friendly sidewalk seating.
  • Wild Thyme Café – fantastic American eatery serving chops, steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options on a quiet, shady deck

READ MORE ⇒ Taking Your Dog To Pet Friendly Restaurants

Outdoor seating at the Best Friends Mercantile in Kanab, UT
Pet friendly patio seating at the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile
Pet friendly sidewalk seating at the Rocking V Café in Kanab, UT
Dog friendly sidewalk seating at Rocking V Café in Kanab
Dog friendly patio at Wild Thyme Café in Kanab, UT
Shaded dog friendly deck at Wild Thyme Café in Kanab, Utah

 

We hope our stay in pet friendly Kanab, Utah inspires you to explore Southern Utah with your pets! If you’ve visited Kanab, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Waggin’ trails!

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