Off-Road Destinations Near Kanab, Utah

Nestled in the heart of southern Utah’s stunning red rock country, Kanab is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Circle,” this charming town is perfectly positioned for exploring some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you’re looking to hike through narrow slot canyons, marvel at the wave-like formations of sandstone, or traverse scenic trails in national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or the Grand Canyon, Kanab offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. With its mild climate, breathtaking vistas, and unique geological wonders, Kanab is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking adventure and connection with nature. The rugged, sandstone cliffs were often used in movie sets, so Kanab is perhaps even better known by its nickname, “Little Hollywood.” Kanab’s proximity to Zion National Park also makes it a popular tourist stop

Off-roading near Kanab, Utah

Off-roading near Kanab, Utah, is an exhilarating experience that showcases the region’s rugged beauty and diverse terrain. From sandy dunes and slickrock trails to rocky canyons and open desert expanses, the area offers something for off-road enthusiasts of all skill levels. Popular destinations include Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where riders can tackle rolling dunes framed by vibrant red rock landscapes, and Hog Canyon, known for its challenging trails and panoramic views. For those seeking iconic scenery, the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs area offers winding tracks through breathtaking desert backdrops. Whether you’re exploring in a UTV, ATV, or 4×4, Kanab’s off-road trails promise adventure and unforgettable vistas.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is an Utah state park in southwestern Utah, located between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab, south and west of U.S. Highway 89 in Kane County.

The park features uniquely pink-hued sand dunes located beside red sandstone cliffs.

Trail Riding East of Coral Pink Sand Dunes

If you have a chance to go to Coral Pink Sand Dunes, I highly recommend it. But if you have a few days, you can use Coral Pink as a base to explore so much more in the area, and some of those are right above the cliffs to the east of the dunes.

South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs – This stop is the easiest to access, the most popular and for us, it was the highlight of this day trip.

Hell Dive Canyon Pictographs – Previously known as the Water Canyon Trail, Hell Dive Canyon will have you driving over sand and some bumpy roads to get to some amazing pictographs.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes Overlook – The dunes are formed from the erosion of pink-colored Navajo Sandstone surrounding the park. High winds passing through the notch between the Moquith and Moccasin Mountains pick up loose sand particles and then drop them onto the dunes as a result of the Venturi effect.

Ride Spot: Trail Riding East of Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Hog Canyon

Hog Canyon Trail System can be accessed from the east and west. Most people come in from the west side because the trailhead is right off of Highway 89 just a few miles north of Kanab.

The Hog Canyon Trail System consists of a network of about 30 miles of trails that range from easy sand to some light rock crawling with some steep climbs. The Pinnacles Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Hog Canyon trail system.

From Hog Canyon, you can also go further outside the OHV area to see Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, Cutler Point and the Grand Chamber.

Ride Spot: Hog Canyon Utah

Barracks Trail

The Barracks Trail lies just outside of Zion National Park near Mt. Carmel Junction and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

This trail is typically run from south to north because of the significant sand hill which drops down to the Virgin River. But it can be run in either direction. The most popular trailhead for south to north is Elephant Cove Trailhead.

Ride Spot: Barracks Trail

Shunsburg Mail Drop and Warrior Walk

There are lots of trails to explore near Kanab Utah and one of our favorite access points is Elephant Cove Staging Area.

This is a popular spot to stage for the day or camp for several days of exploring. One of the most popular trails in the area is the Barracks Trail, but today we are focusing on two other destinations: Warrior Walkway and Shunesburg Mail Drop.

Ride Spot: Warrior Walkway and Shunesburg Mail Drop

Poverty Wash

The “trailhead” for Poverty Wash Road is located roughly 2.8 miles east of the Zion National Park border (turnoff GPS 37.24233, -112.81344). Follow this road in a bit and you will find dispersed camping and areas to park a trailer.

The road is an old cattle trail that heads south from Route 9 into Utah State Trust and BLM land to reach the East Fork of the Virgin River (via Poverty Gulch Trail).

Ride Spot: Poverty Wash Road, Utah

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is magnificent, but in my opinion part of what makes a place special is experiencing it without hoards of people that unload off a bus and spoil the views with their social media selfies. To me, Toroweap on the north rim of the Grand Canyon has been that go to spot.

The views are spectacular, but over the last decade, it has become quite popular as well. It will never be like the south rim, but you do need a permit now (limiting the amount of people per day). If you haven’t gone to Toroweap, put it on your to-do list. A few other choices are Whitmore Canyon (near Bar 10 Ranch) and Kanab Point.

Ride Spot: North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Coyote Butte South

Skirting the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Wilderness Area. Coyote Butte South is a great alternative for those who weren’t able to get a permit for The Wave. Getting to Coyote Buttes South is a challenge in a normal car, but in a UTV it is a breeze! If your UTV isn’t registered in Arizona, you’ll need to get a permit. To hike (which is why you’d come here), you’ll also need a permit (book in advance on recreation.gov).

There are two distinct areas in Coyote Buttes South: Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove. Paw Hole covers the southern area, while Cottonwood Cove stretches into the northern part of Coyote Buttes South. The two areas each feature unique types of rock formations.

Where to Stay Near Kanab

• Hotels and Motels are plentiful: Chains like Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Hampton Inn
• Bed and Breakfasts: Several charming B&Bs cater to visitors looking for a personal touch.
• Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO often list homes, cabins, or apartments in Kanab.
• Camping and RV Parks: Many visitors enjoy outdoor stays, with several RV parks and campgrounds available in the area. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a great choice with two locations – improved and dispersed at the Meadow.

Tours and Rentals

If you don’t have your own side-by-side, don’t fret, there are several places in Kanab where you can rent a side-by-side (UTV) or ATV and/or join a guided tour including: