Ultimate Guide to Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah, is the perfect basecamp for some of the Southwest’s most epic adventures. We stayed here for two days while trying our luck at The Wave lottery and packed in some incredible hikes and scenic spots along the way.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or making it a hub for your Southwest road trip, here’s everything you need to know about where to camp, what to see, and how to find some of the area’s hidden gems.
Kanab Caves
Where to Stay in Kanab
Kanab has plenty of options for camping and lodging, but we opted for RV camping in town to be close to the Wave Lottery office and all the nearby attractions. We also needed to catch up on some laundry and wanted a secure place to keep the trailer during some longer days in Zion and surrounding areas.
Camping Options in Kanab
Kanab RV Corral – Full hookups, great location in town.
Dark Sky RV Campground – A little outside of town, but perfect for stargazing!
BLM Camping – Free dispersed camping spots just outside Kanab (check iOverlander for locations).
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with a trailer or RV, be mindful of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel restrictions when heading toward Zion.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Things to Do in and Around Kanab
The Great Chamber
Watch the Sunrise at The Great Chamber (Cutler Point) 🌄
How to Get to The Great Chamber at Cutler Point
Before you set off, do not rely on Google Maps to navigate directly to The Great Chamber at Cutler Point (Coordinates: 37°11’09.8″N 112°27’18.2″W). Instead, download offline terrain maps for the area and follow these directions from Johnson Canyon Road.
Driving Directions:
From Johnson Canyon Road, take Trail 100 (37°08’37.5″N 112°23’41.9″W).
Follow Trail 100 until it intersects with Trail 103 (37°07’50.4″N 112°27’16.6″W).
Both routes lead to Cutler Point, but you will encounter cattle gates along the way, so have a passenger ready to hop out and open/close them.
For the most up-to-date trail maps, visit the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website. Look for the Kanab South section and download the PDF map. It’s also a good idea to call the BLM field office before heading out to check for road closures or updated conditions.
Vehicle Requirements & Trail Conditions
🚨 A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is REQUIRED.
The road to Cutler Point is deep sand, and wind constantly shifts the terrain, making it unpredictable.
If you don’t have 4WD and high clearance, do not attempt this drive—getting stuck here means no cell service and few visitors to help.
We drove in with Matt’s GMC 2500 AT4X, but if you don’t have a capable vehicle, consider renting one on Turo (a peer-to-peer car rental service where you can choose 4WD high-clearance vehicles).
🚙 Driving Tips:
Make sure you know how to recover your vehicle if you get stuck. Bring traction boards, a shovel, and an air compressor.
If you’re heading in before sunrise, be extra cautious—this is not a well-trafficked area.
Winter: Roads may become icy or impassable, and the deep sand + ice combo is not worth the risk.
I personally wouldn’t attempt this drive in anything less than ideal conditions.
Hiking to The Great Chamber
Once you reach Cutler Point, the hike itself is short but challenging due to deep sugar sand.
Trail Directions:
From the parking area, look toward Cutler Point.
Walk to the right (east) and climb over a fence.
Follow the trail at the same elevation until you find a way to ascend.
The final stretch is through deep sand, so expect slow progress—a slight jogging motion can help!
Trail Stats:
Distance: ~1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (due to deep sand)
📌 Pro Tip: Check recent comments on AllTrails for up-to-date conditions (ice, washed-out roads, etc.).
The Great Chamber at Cutler Point is 100% worth the effort, especially at sunrise. Watching the first light pour into the massive sand cave, with no one else around, was an unforgettable experience.
If you’re prepared with the right vehicle, maps, and timing, this hidden gem near Kanab is a must-see!
Sunrise from inside the Great Chamber
Kanab Sand Caves
Explore the Kanab Sand Caves
These hidden caves are right off the highway but were cooler than expected! You can hear road noise, but the smooth sandstone formations make this a fun, quick stop.
How to Find the Kanab Sand Caves:
Location: Right across from the Moqui Cave Museum on Hwy 89.
Look for a pullout just south of Moqui Cave.
The trail follows a rocky ledge to the caves (~0.5 miles round trip). Check AllTrails for details.
Trail Stats:
Distance: ~0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~150 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (short scramble up sandstone)
Kanab Sand Caves
Visit Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ)
We made the drive out to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, and it was definitely worth it!
Horseshoe Bend Trail Stats & Fees:
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
Difficulty: Easy (sandy but short)
Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle (self-pay at the parking lot)
📌 Pro Tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds!
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
The Sand Cave Near Page, AZ (Not The Great Chamber!)
One spot we missed on this trip but plan to check out next time is the “hidden” sand cave outside the Shell gas station in Page, AZ. It’s been compared to The Great Chamber, but it’s easier to access.
How to Find It:
Located just off Hwy 89 near the Shell gas station in Page, AZ.
It requires a short but steep hike up deep sand (~0.3 miles).
Next Stop: Zion
After two incredible days in Kanab, we packed up and drove to Zion National Park (read more about our Zion trip here).
Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park
From epic slot canyons to hidden sand caves, Kanab blew us away with its landscapes. Whether you’re camping under the stars or chasing sunrises in The Great Chamber, this little town is so much more than just a stopover!
Interested in the Ultimate Utah Road Trip?
Check out our complete Utah Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
