Kanab and the Surrounding Hotspots
Wet and dreary weather locally this week has me dreaming about quick getaways to warmer climates in the coming weekends. May is one of my favorite times to get outdoors, especially in Southern Utah where temperatures are mild all day. When you think about Southern Utah getaways, the more popular national parks tend to come to mind. Arches, Canyonlands near Moab, Zions and Bryce Canyon a little further west all see an increase in visitors from around the world at this time of year. If you’re itching for an escape from the cold as well as the crowds, I have a place for you. Head towards the town of Kanab down in Kane County, Utah.
Kanab is an old western town on the Utah-Arizona border and offers access to some of Utah’s most scenic landscapes. If you’ve ever visited Lake Powell, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, chances are you passed through this little picturesque town.
One of the great things is how many hot spots are right around Kanab. While all of the hotspots nearby are worth the trip, The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are a favorite of mine.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink is a toy-hauler’s dream playground. It has nearly 4000 acres of salmon pink sand dunes to entertain any kind of ATV. Not only that, but you can also explore the slot canyons, ponderosa forests and nearby caves. The park itself has a 22 unit campground with hot showers, clean restrooms and a sewage disposal system. It’s a great spot for RVers. Whether you love mountain biking, hiking, jumping the dune buggy or rolling down sand hills with your eyes and mouth squeezed shut, there is something at the Coral Pinks for you and your whole family.
While you’re down there, you might as well stop at Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon. Peek-A-Boo is part of Red Canyon and is easily accessible off of Highway 89 as well. You can access it by riding along a very sandy 4 wheel-drive track. If you would rather hike it over the dune hills and open landscape that’s also an option. The hike itself is on a relatively flat and firm surface and easy for the whole family, at just under 3 miles. If you decide to take the ATV, you can ride along the streambed all the way to the narrows. The narrows here are a dark red sandstone with varying degrees of slot depths. The floor is sandy and easily traversed by visitors of all ages and is sure to wow even your littlest campers.
Buried Treasure
Ever heard the story of Montezuma’s lost treasure? It is said that the ancient Aztec emperor Montezuma II was killed and his treasures were stolen by Spanish conquistadors. However, the Aztecs rose up against the conquistadors and the conquistadors were forced to flee. Folklore states that Montezuma’s treasure eventually made it up to Utah and is buried in an underwater cave. That underwater cave happens to be just outside of Kanab along Highway 89 as well.
The tale of treasure is so well known, the History Channel actually did a segment on it back in 2014. They said there is good reason to believe the treasure is hidden there, though they’ve been unable to prove it. There have been a series of misfortunes and odd experiences that thwarted investigation at every turn. It’s almost like something is making sure the treasure is never found.
Volunteering Anybody?
Want a chance to volunteer while you’re exploring the area? Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a world famous sanctuary that houses nearly 1700 homeless pets. They are always looking for volunteers and will put you and your family to work in Dogtown, Cat World, Horse Haven, Piggy Paradise or any of the other animal “kingdoms” they run. There are opportunities and activities for people of all ages and will no doubt put a smile on any animal lovers face. Be sure to visit http://volunteers.bestfriends.org and register as a volunteer before heading down to make sure you get the most out of your experience.
Moqui Cave
Need another place to stop along Highway 89? Don’t forget Moqui Cave. Now a museum and gift shop, this cave has a large collection of dinosaur tracks and fossil minerals, as well as over 1000 arrowheads and pottery pieces from ancient Native American tribes. The cave offers lots of fun souvenirs and knickknacks to remember your trip by.
Kanab
Kanab itself offers a couple of attractions for the old western fans too. Little Hollywood Land allows you to explore movie sets from old western films and TV shows. Entrance is free, but you can also reserve a spot at one of their Chuck Wagon Cookouts where a dutch-oven dinner and western entertainment is provided. Remember Gunsmoke? The TV series ran from 1955-1975 and had many of the outdoor scenes shot in Johnson Canyon, just outside of Kanab.
Regardless of what you’re after, there is no doubt you will find a little something for everyone if you decide to make a weekend out of the Kanab area, especially in your RV. This is the perfect time of year to head south and you’ll love the quiet getaway this little area offers.
This beautiful world awaits, get out there and see it!
If you truly want to explore this vast world, the best way is to take a home with you, or in other words, a camper.
Check out one of the exclusive off road camper dealers: ROA OFF-ROAD
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