Kanab has a new hybrid Skate Board Park/Pump Track.
Such a beautiful setting! We love to just go watch the kids, and with some luck you just might see Bamboo the dog when he visits Kanab.
Check out this video from our local Facebook page. You’re gonna love this dog – and the red rocks – and the song – and the rainbows!
A morning skate session at the City of Kanab Skatepark.#skateboard #skateboardingdog #skate #skateboarding #dog #rescuedog #kanab #kanabutah #utah #vanlife #roadtrip Music: “Desert Wind” byPerry L. JacksonThe Fremont TroubadorGuide, Hunter, Fisherman, and Philosopher
The community really came together to create this awesome park, the FLOW of a pump track with the challenging terrain of a skatepark. From young kids on scooters, to those on longboards, and even bike riders all enjoy the terrain. And we enjoy the spectacle!
Travel Tip created by Sherene and John in association with Vacation Soup
You have spent the day at one of the nearby National Parks. (Zion, Bryce or Grand) You had an amazing time, and now you want to top it off with an amazing meal. Where to eat??
I often recommend my guests to try out one of my favorite places – Wild Thyme Cafe
I love their tag line – “Like it should be. Small batches cooked in a scratch kitchen.”
And they use ingredients from their own organic gardens, including one on-site!
Wild Thyme has options for all. High-quality beef, fish and chicken dishes, including gluten-free entrees. Plus ample selections for vegans and vegetarians.
My sister and I had the Pistachio Chicken and Tropical Piggy on our last visit. Nom Nom
Every day they pick greens for the salads. Either on-site or their off-site greenhouse. Now that is super fresh!
Entrees focus on local Southwestern flavors, with an occasional nod to the Cajun.
But let’s not forget dessert. Viki the owner is our renowened “Dessert Queen”. The cheesecake Sis and I had was “melt-in-your-mouth” wonderful!
Wild Thyme Cafe has a great location right downtown
On Highway 89, just across from the Holiday Inn and a block South of the visitors center.
Open for lunch and dinner every day
12 pm to 9:00 pm
Phone: (435) 644-2848
You can check out their website and full Menu Here
They believe in making your next meal your best meal.
Here is a sample of how the current menu looks (9/2019) –
Menu –
Wild Thyme EntreesServed after 5 pm
Pistachio Chicken $18 We grind pistachios and rub them into a chicken breast with Southwest spices, then grill and serve with sage-buttered smashed potatoes, fire-grilled broccolini and a light poblano cream
Ribs $19 Half rack dry-rubbed with spices, slow braised and char-grilled. Glazed with house BBQ sauce and agave mustard. Served with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and fire- grilled broccolini
Salmon $23 Fresh, house-cut salmon dusted with lime pepper, then grilled and served with coconut rice, baby tomatoes, sweet peppers and fire-grilled broccolini, over sweet pepper cream
Pork Chop $27 Garlic, rosemary and fennel-rubbed 12 ounce bone-in pork chop, served with sage- buttered smashed potatoes and fire grilled broccolini
Lasagna $15 Asiago, parmesan and ricotta layered with pasta, tomato fennel ragout, garlic and fresh herbs. Topped with a parmesan crisp. It’s Chef Dan’s 4’8” tall Sicilian granny’s recipe.
Baked Penne $14 Sauteed broccolini, baby tomatoes and spinach baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with asiago and parmesan. Pure comfort!
Filet Mignon $29 Garlic-rubbed 7 ounce house-cut beef tenderloin topped with blue cheese-bacon-chive butter. Served with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and char-grilled broccolini
Ribeye $31 Chargrilled to order, 14-ounce marbled ribeye, seasoned with our own garlic-herb blendServed with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and char-grilled broccolini. are cooked with love!
Wild Thyme Bowls All-Day Menu
Sicilian $14 Garlic-herb shrimp sautéed with Italian sausage, served with pesto risotto cake, fennel ragout, sweet peppers, pepperoncini relish, fresh basil, spinach, ricotta salata and parmesan crisp
Beef filet $16 Seared beef tenderloin medallions, sage-buttered smashed potatoes, sweet peppers, fire roasted corn and black-eyed pea salad
Tropical Piggy $13 Slow-braised Jamaican-spiced pork, house jerk sauce, coconut rice, mango salsa, fresh spinach, pickled carrot and scallion served over rice. Keto? Substitute cauliflower rice
Sesame Tofu $11 Sesame-crusted tofu drizzled with miso glaze, coconut rice, sprouts, sweet peppers, toasted almonds, pickled carrots, scallions, a ginger-soy-lime sauce and a crispy wonton
Caesar $9 Romaine lettuce, tangy caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, garlic crouton topped with parmesan crisp. Add chicken $4
House Salad $6 Wild Thyme greens, heirloom tomatoes, red pepper, cucumber, garlic croutons Choice of White Balsamic vinaigrette, Blue Cheese or Ranch dressing.
I’m sure Police Chief Cram had no idea when he “hired” Officer Larry, That he would become a popular tourist celebrity! Watch for him as you drive through town on Hwy 89 (He will certainly be watching you). Chances are, there will be a few folks gathered around his car snapping pictured on their phone.
Already a bit of a local celebrity, Latex Larry started his career as “Polymer Pete” as there was already a “Latex Larry” working in a Fredonia, just over the border in AZ. But I understand Larry the 1st retired and Polymer Pete decided he liked the reputation of “Latex Larry” better. Not sure if it had anything to do with his relationship with “Silicone Sally” working up in Orderville, but one never knows…!
Latex Larry has been on the force in Kanab for about 10 yrs now. The Chief says Larry is his best Officer. Always willing to work holidays and overtime. Never asks for a raise and is never late. And he is a survivor, literally! Cheif Cram rescued him from the shooting range years ago and yes, he still has multiple bullet holes.
He is kind of a handsome guy, big mustache and all. I have heard stories of his double date with two girls in the convertible who were here for The Greyhound Gathering a while back. They were out carousing all over town. Came back with big lipstick kisses on his cheek. Those must have been some pretty heated kisses as you can still see the remnants today. I tried asking him about that, but you know those strong, silent types. Wouldn’t say a word.
I tried to find a photo Of Latex Larry and Chief Cram in the 4th of July Parade, Larry is driving. Sign on the car says –
Good times. 😁
I would also like to track down the photos of the multiple tourists mooning Officer Larry, which seems to be a favorite photo op. But it’s probably better that I don’t, come to think of it.
We hope you make it Kanab soon and get to interact with the locals. Live or latex, they are a pretty hospitable crowd.
Sand dunes, slot canyons, hoodoo’s, a hidden lake, and ancient Indian ruins all in three short hours!
A short time ago John and I were lucky enough to go on the Peekaboo Slot Canyon day tour with one of our local, family-owned tour companies.
Here is a short video of our afternoon with Kanab Tour Company –
Cory and Tiffany Unsworth moved to Kanab and began their tour business in 2014 . These are some of the nicest folks we have met in Kanab!
ATV tours are just a part of what Kanab Tour Company has to offer.
-They will help you get the very most out of your day at one of our three nearby National parks.
-They will take you boating on majestic lake Powell and then take you to see the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
-They will take you canyoneering into places only a handful of people ever see.
I just need to make a plug for Nick Smith the Canyoneering guide here – This guy is amazing and I TOTALLY recommend you check/follow his Instagram page – intotheseldom – beautiful and stunning photos of places you are going to be dying to see!
We had such a great time with our Guide and the other folks on the tour. We have been to Peekaboo Canyon a number of times, but never quite as fun as this. We even got to try some sledding sandboarding at the dunes.
“We share a great passion and joy for showcasing the best of this place we call home to the visitors we receive from all over the world.”
“Taking a day tour with Kanab Tour Company means spending a day or an afternoon with your friends or loved ones that’s jam-packed with fun, thrills and adventure. It means hiking through stunning National Parks, indulging in jaw-dropping views, making new friends and even pushing yourself to achieve things you didn’t think you could. Be that hiking to new heights, or navigating an ATV over rugged terrain!”
Kanab Tour Company has had a change of location in the past year or so. Now they are located just as you are headed out of town East on Hwy 89, across the street from the Bureau of Land Management Visitor Center and Wendy’s restaurant.
We just can’t recommend these kind folks enough when you are looking for adventure in our part of Southern Utah’s Red Rock Country!
3 National Parks, 4 National Monuments, 2 State Parks, and 1 huge National Recreation Area – That is why Kanab is the perfect basecamp for your Southern Utah adventure vacation. All of these and more within a 90 min radius.
When choosing a place to stay when traveling, the obvious question is “How far is it to….?” Here are 10 places probably already on your “must see list”.
I literally took all of these mileage sign photos right downtown Kanab.
➤ Salt lake city to Kanab -312 miles ➤ Las Vegas to Kanab -199 miles ➤ St. George to Kanab -80 miles ➤ Moab to Kanab -318 miles ➤ Flagstaff, AZ to Kanab -203 miles ➤ Page, AZ to Kanab -75 miles
Come and discover the Heart of the Parks.
Kanab is the largest of the towns along highway 89 from Richfield, Ut to the north (145 miles) and Page, Az to the East (75 miles). St George, Ut is 80 miles to the West.
There are 9 gas stations, 2 grocery stores, great city park with a pool, a few variety and gift stores, 3 museums, plus tons of lodging. The Kane County Visitors Center downtown is one of the best I have seen. Tons of info and lots of helpful folks to answer any of your questions. Their website is full of planning ideas.
Also, part of being a great basecamp is an abundance of local and diverse dining options. Kanab offers traditional fast-food options along with an array of sit-down dining experiences, including an artisanal bakery, vegetarian wood-fired pizza, authentic Mexican, New American cuisine with microbrews and craft cocktails.
So in short, these are just few of the reasons why Kanab is the perfect basecamp for your Southern Utah vacation!
We would love to help plan your time and host you in two of the most unique vacation rentals in Kanab.
Visit us at www.MyStarVR.com
The very first question that generally comes to our minds when planning our next vacation is – Weather!
“ What is the weather going to be like at Zion, Bryce or North Rim Grand Canyon?”
When visiting the national parks of Southern Utah it may be an even more important question to ask. Unlike the rest of the state, that has four seasons, Southern Utah has five.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Monsoons!
Our little town of Kanab Utah sits in the middle of a Grand Circle.
-Bryce Canyon National Park to the North
-Zion Canyon National Park to the West
-Lake Powell/GlenCanyon National Recreation Area to the East
-North Rim Grand Canyon National Park to our South.
We get ALOT of Park visitors. Most are only there for a few days, so our diverse weather can be hard to plan for, and have a big impact on their experience. But every season has its positives. So just be aware, and have a great time no matter what time of year!
SPRING and FALL
Spring and Fall are ideal times to visit Southern Utah and the national parks. Oftentimes, as early as March the weather turns lovely. May is a peak season for us in Kanab.
There will be Spring rains, but I always tell my guests to be sure and go in the rain! They will see waterfalls around the canyon that are never there any other time. Beautiful!
September starts cooling down nicely and we have enjoyed beautiful days well into November and often including Thanksgiving. Crowds are thinning out and Autumn colors show in October.
In a nutshell April – May and Sept.- Nov. are just pretty darn fine!
SUMMER
Summer is hot. Beautiful but hot. Makes for great water sports time at Lake Powell and on our own small Jackson Flat Reservoir.
Hiking is OK, just stick to the early morning hours or later in the evening.
The biggest secret to remember here is water! Drink a lot more water than you probably normally would. One gallon a day is recommended – and salty snacks! You need to replace the salt that you perspire out, keeping the sodium balance up in your blood. Take water everywhere with you. This is a very dry climate that will suck your body of moisture without you even knowing it. July is generally the hottest month.
Desert dwellers know there’s a very good reason for mid-day siestas, avoiding blasting sunlight and hot temperatures.
National Park visitors don’t always understand the need to avoid the heat of the day, which is why dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and hyponatremia (low sodium blood level) can put a damper on activities, or even send visitors to the hospital.
Perspiration is how your body regulates temperature, so if you don’t have enough water, your body will overheat. Minor dehydration triggers thirst, but as dehydration becomes more serious, the body starts to lose its ability to regulate temperature. Symptoms of heatstroke include disorientation, combativeness, and hot skin. The remedy is to find some cool shade, rest and re-hydrate.
Winter
Zion and Bryce Canyons are both open year-round but North Rim Grand Canyon amenities are only open until October 31. November 1 through December 1 the North Rim will be open for day use only (no overnight parking) unless snow closes Highway 67 prior to that date. Once the snow closes the road, North Rim does not open again until the middle of May.
Zion during winter (November- February) months the park is slow but it is still open and draws visitors. Rain and snow are common so bring plenty of layers and something windproof and waterproof. If you have been to Zion in the summer you know wait times on popular hikes can be long, Not in the winter! It may be chilly, but much more peaceful.
The Park shuttle will generally run thru November. December is the coldest month of the year.
I love Bryce in the winter!
White snow on the red rock formations and blue skies. It is a wonderful kind of beautiful!
Long winter nights show off Bryce’s beautiful dark skies to perfection. Winter Astronomy is growing in Utahs SouthWest. Kanab has recently made lighting changes that have made the city eligible for International Dark Sky Community status!
Cross country Skiing – Snowshoeing- Ice skating and Hiking can all happen on the same trip.
Don’t have your own snowshoes? No worries, The Bryce Canyon Snowshoe Program is designed for all levels of experience, from beginner to expert. These Ranger-guided outings introduce visitors to the wonder of Bryce Canyon in the winter. Check out their Full Moon Snowshoe Hikes and other winter activities here: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/winter.htm
You can also rent all your equipment from Ruby’s Inn right at the entrance to the Park https://www.rubysinn.com/
My girlfriends and I have a long-standing tradition of spending several days at Bryce every winter.
Kanab does get snow at times but seldom lasts the day. It gets about 14.8 inches of precipitation thru the year, mostly rain.
MONSOONS
The most interesting season is monsoons. Late July thru August and the first part of Sept. the climate changes dramatically from the dry arid climate of May and June to one of humidity and seasonal rains. This is what we call The Monsoon Season.
This weather change is important to consider when planning a visit to the Southwest.
During these hottest months of the year, the desert bakes under intense solar radiation. Hot air rises as fast as 50 feet per second, creating an area of low pressure that draws warm, humid air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico.
As the hot, humid air rises it comes into contact with cooler, high-altitude air. This forms enormous heavy clouds that grow dark and ominous as they rise thousands of feet. Eventually, the clouds burst, producing torrential afternoon thunderstorms.
This is our rule of Thumb – If the weather report predicts 20% chance of rain – It is really 100% chance of rain, just a 20% chance that you will be standing under it!!
Monsoons are vital to the environment in the Southwest. They keep wildfires in check and provide an important water supply to the people and animals who live in the deserts. Visiting the desert during the Monsoon season is a great way to see another lesser-known side to the Southwest. It is the perfect time to adventure and explore with somewhat cooler temperatures and abundant flora and fauna that come to life.
The most common hazards of monsoon storms are lightning strikes and flash floods. Head inside during a lightning storm. Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. If no substantial shelter is nearby, get in your car and wait out the storm.
Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
Storms are most common in the afternoon but they can happen at any time. And they often blow over in an hour or so leaving the ground and the air refreshed, but hopefully not flooded!
Hiking in Grand Canyon, Zion or the many other Utah or Arizona hiking trails near us requires greater caution in monsoon season, but with proper preparation, monsoon weather is nothing to be scared of.
Floods
The intensity of the monsoon season varies from year to year. In the last couple of years, we have had several “Two hundred year storms”. Meaning – A storm like this only happens once every Two hundred years. I think we have had three of those in the last two years…..!
Flash Floods are for real, but are amazing to see! Just do it from somewhere safe! Just remember – Never, ever be in slot canyons when there is rain in the forecast anywhere in the area.
You can stay out of trouble by never crossing moving water either on foot or in your vehicle (like in this photo!) and always check the weather forecast before hiking into any canyon. It’s important to also check the weather in areas “upstream” or up the canyon from where you will be hiking. It is possible to have blue skies overhead but a canyon may still flood due to heavy rains upstream.
I love this blog post from “Wild Girl Writing” about Monsoon Season
Please check out the entire Blog. Really good advice. I really like #4, as a local guide WILL keep you safe and WILL make sure you see some amazing backcountry no matter the weather.
Here is a good overview of average temperatures in Kanab, Utah. Bryce and North Rim can be a little cooler. Zion, a little warmer.
Kanab, Utah gets around 15 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
Kanab averages 26 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year. Snow in town seldom last thru the day but generally much longer in the canyons.
On average, there are 256 sunny days per year in Kanab. The US average is 205 sunny days. That makes Kanab a great place to be, especially in the summer with the extra hours of adventuring daytime!
Things to keep in mind when planning your trip –
-Springtime the water levels May run very high and some hikes in Zion may be off-limits.
-Zion is the lowest altitude of the three parks, therefore will be the warmest in any season. Bryce and North Rim are both around 8000-9000ft. A jacket is always a good idea, especially in early mornings.
-The road to North Rim Grand Canyon traditionally does not open until May 15th. The past couple of years there has been some soft openings a little bit earlier than that, just depending on the weather conditions.
-Bryce Canyon is always eroding. And that includes hiking trails. It is not uncommon for popular trails to get washed out over a harsh winter. Some Trails may not be open in early spring.
-Zion Canyon shuttle buses run from April through Oct. and sometimes Nov. The busiest times of the year. But you still need to be there early to get parking.
-When hiking anywhere in Southern Utah in the summer months, plan your days around early morning or late evening hikes.
-Late Autumn will have lower water levels, better for hiking Slot Canyons. And lower visitor levels, better for hiking everywhere.
-Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon are considered high Mountain desert. The UV rays are much more intense and sunscreen is always a good idea. Summer, Winter and everything in between.
No matter when you come, you are going to have a great time. And if you don’t like the weather now, just wait 15 minutes!
A lush green park surrounded by beautiful red cliffs
Delightful live bluegrass music by a local family band
Families playing soccer on the grass
Friends and neighbors chatting in the shade
Kids playing in the splash pad water fountains
Vendor booths with:
Homemade jams and jelliesFresh cage-free chicken eggsHand processed essential oil and hydrosol from native desert plants (Sagebrush and Juniper Berry are my favorites!)Fresh garden greensHomemade muffins and baklavaUnique Hot sauces from local peppers and cactusFresh herb plants for the gardenLocal American Indian history books from local authors OK, these are just a few of things you might find…..
Welcome to Saturday evenings in Kanab. This literally was how we spent last Saturday, and hope to spend the rest of the Saturday evenings this summer.Kanab’s Outdoor Farmers Market has taken on several forms over the last few years but I think this new move to the park is a winner! With live music every Market night, the park is a magical place to be.Even though we are early in the growing season, there were unique and interesting booths to discover.We had a great visit with Kato who has worked at the Glen Canyon Dam for 20 years. As he looks forward to retirement he is building his own Hot Sauce Brand. One made from Prickly Pear cactus!Carol, the curator of the Maynard Dixon Museum has produced a beautiful photo book of Native Americans taken by the John Wesley Powell expedition in the 1870’s.Paul and Liz are on an organic journey to bring all the natural goodness mother earth has to offer, as they distill their own essential oil for soaps and hydrosols. All from local desert plants like Pinion Pine, Chaparral, Juniper berry, and Sagebrush.Marty does amazing photography of the local landscape. The Wave and White Pockets never looked so good.
Pam’s Jellies and Jams also makes homemade treats that cater to Keto and gluten-free.
Even though the market is the main event, We enjoyed just sitting down to enjoy the music and watch the kids play!The vendors will come and go, change and rotate throughout the season, but I’m sure there will always be something at Kanabs Outdoor Market to tickle your fancy, and your taste buds!
5-8pm – Jacob Hamblin Park, Kanab Utah
You can follow the Markets Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/kanaboutdoormarket/
The National Parks are Stunning, no doubt about it. But what do you do when you want to get off the beaten path? When hiking the Kanab area, you will find amazing trails in beautiful Red Rock Country, without all the crowds.
Kane County tourism now offers the amazing “Kanab Trails App”. This app can help you plan and navigate your outdoor adventures in Kanab and the surrounding area. It has an incredible array of red rock trails, slot canyons, and high mountain forest. You are sure to find just the right trail you have been looking for. Whether you are on foot, horse or Atv’s.
The Kanab area of Utah has some of the most unique terrains in the world and the Kanab Trails App makes it easy for you to enjoy it.
By using this mobile guide, even those who are unfamiliar with the area can feel confident to venture out in this beautiful environment! Whether you’re out on the road looking for adventure, or planning a trip from home, the Kanab Trails App invites you to discover and explore these hidden gems! Enjoy the picturesque scenery, breath-taking trails, spectacular slot canyons, and places you never knew existed.
The roads and trails displayed in the App are available for public access and can serve as guides for your Kane County Trail adventure.
You may view the roads in map or satellite view. Pinch and zoom the map to see all the roads in the county. If you enter an area with no cell coverage, essential elements of the road paths and points of interest are still available offline.
Offline capabilities:
The road and trail paths visible – if app downloaded to your device.
My location GPS tracking – if enable in device and app settings
The text descriptions and photos
Topographic map overlays if they are available for the area you are visiting.
App features: Benefits for you:
Selecting road from the navigation list or search result we’ll fly you to the map where that road is centered in the screen and highlighted so the path is wider.
The roads name will be displayed on the title bar at the bottom of the screen.
You may slide the title bar to get mileage information about that road if there is any available.
If you see signage on the road- or trail you can search for that number in the app. Or select from the list in the navigation list.
Touch a path and its name will display on the information drawer title bar at the bottom of the screen.
You should be able to view your location with or without cell service:
Topographic Map layer:
An example of the topographic maps is shown here. You may pinch and zoom into the area of your location. Touch the arrow pointing in the left-hand side of the map to show your location.
Notifications:
You may get alerts when you come within an established distance of a trailhead, point of interest or destination depending on you’re app settings.
The in-app information has a whole lot more! Great reminders like:
Using other sources of info
Be mindful of weather, especially when entering Slot Canyons
Map based apps use a lot of battery power. Have extra charging options with you
Check road conditions prior to travel
Bring extra water! It is hotter and drier than you think
Very limited Cell phone service in this area
Roads that need 4×4 for deep sand (Please believe this one!)
Talk about adventure! The app makes hiking Kanab area trails easy to find, simple to follow, and enjoyable to experience without the crowds at the Parks.
Be spontaneous! The geo-alerts let you know what outdoor adventures are nearby. Discovering this magically unspoiled area requires offline access – and we have you covered.
Roads, trails, GPS tracking, and trail information is all available without wi-fi or cellular service.
If you are digging this idea and this app, and want even more info about getting off the beaten path, here is a copy of the in-app Tips
Mobile App Tips for Adventure Hiking Trails
Adventure Hiking Trails may parallel roads in some cases. The Adventure Trail Paths are shown in ORANGE.
“This map and directions are intended for general reference use only. Always check local road and weather conditions. Stay on designated roads. Dirt roads are impassable when wet. Please respect Private Property. Be prepared for a wilderness experience: Always bring extra water, food, sunscreen, and supplies. Do not remove artifacts or deface the ‘rock art’. Leave no trace of your visit so others may enjoy.”
Cell phone service is non-existent in most areas, so be prepared when hiking the Kanab area. Essential information is available offline for the Adventure Trails and Outdoor Recreational Opportunities on this app. In areas without cellular service map tiles may not be displayed. You can go to “Settings” and toggle on topographic maps to assist with navigation.
Safety: Enjoy your trip –by being prepared. Due to cell phone battery limitations, we always advise visitors to bring charging cords or battery packs and have access to hard copy maps as a backup.
About Adventure Trail Featured Paths & Content: The Kane County Commission invites you to use the Kanab Trails App. You can plan your excursions and follow the route on your mobile device while on location whether driving ATV’s or hiking Kanab area.
These trails are meant to serve as guides for your Kane County Adventure with both map and satellite view options. Each Adventure Trail is its own category that lists the trail path(s) its trailhead and destination. Some Trails show highway access points. If you have downloaded the app to your device and then enter an area with no cell coverage, the essential paths, and points of interest are still available offline.
Adventure Hiking Trail Experience: Many of the Adventure Trails follow roads for a portion of the way. You will see which type of road is running alongside, and when the road ends the hiking routes begins.
Looking for hotels by Zion National Park? Need a hotel near Bryce Canyon National Park? Where is the best place to stay for North Rim Grand Canyon?
We have all been there – searching for accommodations. It is by far my LEAST favorite part of any vacation. Especially when taking the family. Our family of 6 is too big for one hotel room but too expensive to pay for two rooms…. sigh. Here are some ideas on what to do when looking for hotels or other accommodations near Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon.
Do yourself, your family or group a favor and book a Vacation Rental.
Kanab is the perfect hub for exploring these National Parks.
Bryce is 76 miles to the North
Zion is 30 miles to the West
North Rim Grand Canyon is 80 miles to the South
Lake Powell/Antelope Canyon is 80 miles to the East
Hotels near Zion can easily run $200 plus per night, Bryce is slightly less. Why settle for two beds and a bathroom when you can enjoy an entire house or apartment?
Short term Vacation Rentals have truly hit their stride in the last few years with folks learning they can affordably rent a home with kitchen and yard for comparable prices to a hotel room, sometimes even less.
Every so often a hotel is a perfect way to go. Like a quick one night stopover on your way to somewhere else. But when you are coming to the Grand Circle to do the Parks and explore the endless red rock trails and all that Southwestern Utah has to offer, you are gonna need a few days.
Where to stay can be an overwhelming task at times. Here are a few tips to smooth the way to booking your Vacation Rental:
Book direct with the owner to get the very best price and service. The large online booking sites have service fees of up to 15% of your total stay. This goes for local hotels too!
Look for homes that have their own web site or that list on commission-free sites such as www.VacationSoup.com or www.Houfy.com These new start-ups are not huge but they are growing.
Use Google Maps to zero in on the area you are interested in, savvy VR owners are getting on Google maps.
Look on the local Tourism Board websites for listings of accommodations that have direct links. (ie. ours is www.VisitSouthernUtah.com)
Search on Facebook for the name and location of your destination to see if some of your favorite properties have a Facebook page.
Read, Read, Read everything the owner has put in the listing. Make sure the home is a good fit for you BEFORE you spend lots of time and money and then find out you can’t bring your dog and 3 extra people you thought would be OK.
Google search the owner’s name, the property name, and any other information you may have gathered about the owner. This will help you to rent safely.
If the house you’re considering is dramatically discounted, it’s probably too good to be true. Be aware of scammers.
Have a phone conversation with the owner. It really helps you get a feel for what kind of person you are doing business with. Most owners are happy to do that – especially since they can also get an understanding of what type of guest you may be and how to offer you the best experience.
Don’t be intimidated by the large booking companies advertising that they will guarantee your stay and give you 24/7 support during your stay. They don’t. They can’t. They don’t own any homes. They can’t help you if the BBQ grill quits working or tell you where the best hiking trails are.
Be friendly with the local owner and you will have an open book to your destination.
When it’s time to find a hotel for your next vacation, whether it be Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon or any other great adventure spot – think Vacation Rental Homes instead.
For booking info and great ideas of things to do in the Kanab area, Please visit us at www.MyStarVR.com
Remember when your Mom used to say “Go out and Play!” Well, it’s still true, and more and more people are going out to play. What exactly are they playing? Disc Golf. And Kanab, Utah has a great course!
Disc Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with more than 8,000 courses (most are FREE) and even two professional-level tours.
If you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon it’s time to join the millions of people who are behind the expanding sport of Disc Golf.
Why Disc Golf?
Simple to learn. Easy as throwing a Frisbee
Inexpensive. Minimal equipment startup
Individual or League sport
Accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Great Community
Free to play
Play with your family & friends, or even go Pro.
Quicker than Ball Golf
Challenging to master
Most of all, it’s FUN!
In case you are asking “What is Disc Golf?” Here is a brief description
As the name implies, it is a cousin to the game of Golf, or Ball Golf (talking with Disc Golfers was the first time I heard the term Ball Golf!). It is played in rounds with “holes”. Generally, a course is made up of 9 or 18 holes, each with its own Par, or number of shots desired. Instead of using golf clubs and balls aiming for a hole, disc golf players use discs, (just like a Frisbee, but a little higher-tech) and aim for a disc golf basket instead of a hole. Discs come in slightly different sizes and weights. They have the same names and uses as Golf clubs – Drivers, Midrange and Putters. The object is, of course, to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, starting from a tee area and finishing with the disc coming to rest in the basket. So basically, the sport is played using the same general rules, terminology, and etiquette as traditional golf, just without the high cost of playing.
Disc Golf Course at Jackson Reservoir, Kanab, Utah
Google disc golf courses and you will see them springing up all over.
Disc Golf came to Kanab Utah just a couple of years ago. You are going to love this course at Jackson Reservoir!
We recently went out to Jackson to check out the Disc Golf campout and Tournament. What a fun day. We learned so much and had a great time visiting with, and learning from the participants. They all agreed it is easy to get hooked on this sport. It was so beautiful with the sun shining on the water, the ducks flying in and out and the red cliffs as a backdrop.
Play with locals
Our Local Kanab Club/League Meets out at Jackson reservoir every Thurs evening at 5:30. They are more than happy to have folks come out and join in.
New to the idea and just want to try it out?
Rent some discs! Call Steve Howell, at 435-689-0130 (He can meet you in Kanab) and rent a 3 disc set for just $5!! (plus $10 refundable deposit) What a great deal and what a beautiful place to play.
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