Kanab, UT to Grand Canyon – Guru Travel Guide for 2023

Traveling from Kanab, UTah to the Grand Canyon

Kanab, Utah is not only a gateway to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, it is also centrally located in the middle of Southern Utah's many amazing destinations. As far as recreational activities there are many world-class attractions close by, as well as some nice scenery right in town to enjoy before you head to the canyon. The North Rim, Marble Canyon, Kanab Creek Wilderness and Grand Canyon's remote Tuweep region are top Grand Canyon Destinations close to Kanab. Lake Powell, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Zion and Bryce Canyon and other nearby National Parks, along with many other stops in Southern UT, and Northern AZ, are just a half days drive or less from town.

Only a few miles from Fredonia and the Arizona border, Kanab is a larger town, with more amenities than its neighbor across the border, making it a great base camp for travel to Grand Canyon’s North Rim and East Rim (Marble Canyon). Kanab has a mix of long time local families along with retirees, federal employees, and some outdoor junkies that call this place home. There are a couple good restaurants, lodges, and a grocery store. There is also a gear shop; coffee house and youth hostel right in town for tourists heading to Grand Canyon National Park. Read the guide below to learn more about travel from Kanab to the Grand Canyon, or check out our Kanab Utah map to see all the nearby destinations and attractions.

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Travel Information, Tours and Lodging

Driving Distance from Kanab, UT to Grand Canyon

Kanab to Grand Canyon North Rim is 80 miles, a 1 hour 30-minute drive.
Kanab to Grand Canyon East Rim is 78 miles, a 1 hour 25-minute drive.
Kanab to Grand Canyon South Rim is 225 miles, a 4 hour drive.
Kanab to Grand Canyon West Rim is 328 miles, a 5 hour 25-minute drive.

Best Kanab and Grand Canyon Tours

There are a few local tour companies that provide trips to the North Rim and more remote parts of Grand Canyon National Park like Tuweep. Nearby Marble Canyon/Lee’s Ferry is the launching point for Grand Canyon rafting expeditions and Page, AZ offers a one day smoothwater float to Grand Canyon National Park. Aside from the Grand Canyon, there are some amazing tour to nearby Southern Utah locations that are definitely worth including in your canyon vacation if you have some extra time. You can check out some recommended tours and activities close to Kanab, Utah below.

Popular Hotels and Lodging in Kanab

Kanab is large enough to have several hotel and lodging option for visitors headed to the North Rim, or for people needing a place to stay before the drive to the South Rim or Grand Canyon National Park. It’s also a great base camp for more adventurous canyon travelers who want to explore Toroweap and the more remote North Rim destinations. You can find a list of popular Kanab, UT hotels here.

Best Restaurants and Dining Options

Kanab has a great variety of restaurants for a small town including, Mexican, wood fired pizza, greasy spoons and a gastro pub. On the way to the Grand Canyon, Jacob Lake Restaurant is a good stop for North Rim travelers and Marble Canyon and Cameron Trading Post for folks heading to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.