My Perfect 3-Day Kanab Itinerary: The Wave, Slot Canyons and a Real Rest Day (2026)

Most itineraries pack every single day with highlights. At first, ours started out that way too. Then the hiking, the sand and the long drives caught up with us, and we learned the most useful lesson of the whole trip: plan a rest day.

In fact, this Kanab itinerary is based on our road trip from Salt Lake City via Bryce Canyon to Kanab. That way, it covers the highlights we did ourselves, from Peekaboo Slot Canyon by UTV to The Wave, plus honest notes on the trips we considered and skipped, like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Toroweap.

If you have not booked a hotel yet, start with my guide on where to stay in Kanab.

Let’s get into it.

Kanab Itinerary at a Glance

In short, this Kanab itinerary uses one hotel in Kanab as your base for three nights. As a result, there is no packing and unpacking every night, just day trips in every direction.

Tip: Your Wave permit date is fixed, so build the rest of the itinerary around it. Swap the days as needed.

Getting to Kanab: Our Route From Bryce Canyon

First, we started our road trip in Salt Lake City and spent two nights at Ruby’s Inn*, right at the entrance to Bryce Canyon. It was my fourth visit to Bryce, and I still recommend staying there at least one night before you continue south.

From there, the drive from Bryce Canyon to Kanab takes about an hour and a half. On the way, plan a stop at the Belly of the Dragon, a man-made tunnel under Highway 89 about 16 miles north of Kanab. The water has carved the sandstone into ribs, so it looks like you are walking down the throat of a giant creature. If it is on your way, it is a perfect 15 minute stop.

► Read our mini guide to the Belly of the Dragon Utah

Our Wave permit never arrived in the mail, so on arrival day we picked it up at the visitor center in Kanab during opening hours. If you are in the same situation, plan your drive from Bryce so you arrive in time.

Then, in the evening, head to Los Tapatios for dinner. It is a Mexican family restaurant with huge portions, always busy, so try to be there before 6 PM.

► Read our full guide on the best things to do in Kanab

Day 1: The Wave

For us, the first full day in Kanab was our Wave day, because that was the date we had won in the lottery. If you have a permit, everything else gets planned around it. Go to bed early the night before. We left Kanab in the dark and started hiking shortly after sunrise. House Rock Valley Road is bumpy, rocky and full of holes, so a high clearance vehicle is the better choice. At the Wire Pass Trailhead, put the pink parking tag on the dashboard and sign in to the trail register with your destination and an emergency contact.

All in all, the hike is about 6.4 miles round trip, with almost no shade and deep sand on the way back. Take at least four liters of water per person. And do not forget to sign out when you are back, or a search team is sent out in the evening.

► Read our full guide on The Wave permit

► Read our full guide on The Wave hike

Day 2: Rest Day in Kanab

Honestly, this is the day most itineraries skip, and the one I would never skip again. Originally, we had planned to drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But after Bryce, The Wave and so many hours in the car, we needed a day without stress, so we let it go.

Instead we drove out to Lick Wash, a slot canyon in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The trailhead is on Skutumpah Road, a dirt road north of Kanab, and the hike is about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip, rated moderate. Honestly, for us it was not worth it. The pale sandstone walls are pretty, but the canyon is not very spectacular, and there are better slot canyons in the area. After The Wave and with Peekaboo still ahead of us, it simply could not compete. After that we spent the afternoon at the pool of our hotel, and we had it completely to ourselves. In the end, that was exactly what we needed.

If you want to do a little something on your rest day, these are easy options close to town:

• Kanab Sand Caves: you drive right past them on Highway 89 just north of town.
• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: a calm visit just north of town, book a tour ahead.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes: about 30 minutes away, if you still feel like walking in sand.

Tip: Do not feel guilty about a rest day. After all, you will enjoy the next highlight much more with fresh legs.

Day 3: Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the Great Chamber by UTV

We saved the best fun for our last morning. The UTV tour took us until about midday, and then we continued our road trip. Pack the car and check out before the tour, so you can leave straight from the staging area.

Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the Great Chamber are a perfect last stop, because most of the adventure happens sitting in a buggy. Peekaboo Slot Canyon and the Great Chamber sit at the end of a deep sand track north of Kanab, so you book a UTV tour. For example, on our tour you could choose between riding along and driving your own buggy. We drove ourselves, and because it was so much fun, I would do it again.

Book the morning tour. Since our tour started at 8:30 AM, we were ahead of the crowds and had the Great Chamber to ourselves for a long time. Bring layers and long pants. At the start it was 8°C, whereas by midday it was 30°C.

Check Tour Availability*

► Read our full guide on Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab

► Read our full guide on the Great Chamber Kanab

Got an Extra Day? Coral Pink Sand Dunes or Zion

We had three nights in Kanab. If you have a fourth, these are the two options I would choose between.

Option A: Coral Pink Sand Dunes

About 30 minutes from Kanab. We hiked the dunes on an earlier trip and watched the UTV tours racing up and down the sand, which looked like a lot of fun. In fact, about 90 percent of the park is open to UTVs.

Check Coral Pink Sand Dunes UTV Tours*

Or compare this Coral Pink Sand Dunes tour*.

Option B: Zion National Park

The east entrance is about 35 minutes from Kanab. Above all, driving through Zion on the Zion Mount Carmel Highway, with its famous tunnel, is a real highlight. We have done it on an earlier trip. This time the east entrance was closed, so check the current road status on the National Park Service website before you go.

Optional: North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Toroweap

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim is about an hour and a half from Kanab and was on our list. However, we skipped it for our rest day. If you go, know that a lot has changed. The Dragon Bravo Fire in 2025 destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The North Rim reopened in May 2026 with limited services, and the season usually ends in the fall. Check the National Park Service website for the current status before you plan this day.

Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap, in the Tuweep area of the Grand Canyon, is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Southwest, with sheer cliffs dropping straight down to the Colorado River. We looked into it seriously, but in the end we decided against it. Here is why:

If you have your own high clearance 4WD, the right equipment and a permit, it is surely breathtaking. So with a normal rental car, I would skip it.

No Wave Permit? Here Is Plan B

Of course, most people do not win The Wave lottery. Even so, that does not ruin this Kanab itinerary. On Day 1, you can:

• Try the Daily Lottery from Kanab every day you are in town. The application window is two days before the hike.
• Hike Buckskin Gulch from the same Wire Pass Trailhead. No lottery, just a day use pass of about 6 US dollars per person. It is at the top of our list for next time.
• Book a guided tour to White Pocket* or Coyote Buttes South*, with similar swirling sandstone. Coyote Buttes South also needs a permit, but it is much easier to get.
• Swap in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes or Zion and keep Day 4 for something else.

Get Ready for Your Trip to Kanab

Book Tours and Activities

We booked our Peekaboo and Great Chamber UTV tour on GetYourGuide*. For White Pocket*, Coyote Buttes South* (a permit is needed) and other tours around Kanab, check GetYourGuide*.

Book Your Accommodation

For Kanab I use Booking.com*. For example, our hotel was the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kanab*. I also cross check on Hotels.com* and Expedia*. Alternatively, for cabins and vacation rentals, check Vrbo*. Compare rates on Kayak*, and when the big sites show sold out, I check Agoda*.

Book Your Flights and Rental Car

For most travelers, however, Las Vegas is the closest big airport, about three and a half hours away. For flights and rental cars, I also compare on Kayak*. If The Wave or Peekaboo are on your list, an SUV makes life easier.

Advertising: affiliate links. No extra cost to you.

Kanab Itinerary: Frequently Asked Questions

📅 How many days do you need in Kanab?

Three nights work well, like on our trip: one day for The Wave, one rest day and a UTV tour to Peekaboo on your last morning. With a fourth night, add the Coral Pink Sand Dunes or Zion.

🚗 Can I visit Bryce Canyon and Kanab on the same trip?

Yes. That is what we did. Spend one or two nights at Bryce first, then drive about an hour and a half to Kanab, with a stop at the Belly of the Dragon.

🚗 How far is Kanab from Bryce Canyon?

About 77 miles (124 km), or roughly an hour and a half by car. We drove it from Bryce to Kanab and stopped at the Belly of the Dragon on the way. If you drive in from the west, you also pass the red rock arches of Red Canyon.

🏞️ Can I visit the North Rim from Kanab?

Yes, it is about an hour and a half away. The North Rim reopened in May 2026 after the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire with limited services and no historic lodge. So always check the current status first.

⚠️ Can I drive to Toroweap with a rental car?

Most rental agreements do not allow driving on unpaved backcountry roads like the road to Toroweap. You also need a permit and a high clearance vehicle, and towing can cost 1,000 to 2,000 US dollars.

🗓️ When is the best time for this Kanab itinerary?

Spring and fall. We did it in early October with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Avoid the summer heat and watch for flash floods during monsoon season.

Final Thoughts on My Kanab Itinerary

This Kanab itinerary gives you slot canyons, The Wave and, if you are lucky, the feeling of standing in a giant sandstone alcove all by yourself. But the best tip I can give you is not a place. It is the rest day. Leave room to breathe, and you will enjoy everything else more.

Build your plan around your Wave date. Then book the UTV tour for the morning. Check availability in Kanab here* and stay at least three nights. Happy travels.

Check Out My Other Utah Travel Guides

Belly of the Dragon Utah: The Ribbed Tunnel Near Kanab
Great Chamber Kanab: The Giant Sand Cave
Kanab Utah Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Kanab Hotels: Where to Stay, Honest Picks
Things to Do in Kanab: The 10 Best Adventures
The Wave Permit: How We Won the Lottery Twice
The Wave Hike: My Honest Trail Guide
Peekaboo Slot Canyon Kanab: Our Self-Drive UTV Tour to the Great Chamber
Best Time to Visit Kanab: Season by Season
Is Kanab Worth Visiting: My Honest Verdict
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon: 7 Trails I Actually Hiked
USA Travel Guide: Road Trips, National Parks and Islands