Introduction
Off the Beaten Path
By Dixie Brunner
It’s easy to get off the beaten path in southern Utah and northern Arizona. The national and state parks, monuments and natural vistas offer a host of opportunities that lend themselves to everything from quiet thought to dramatic adventure. One can get lost in the sheer magnitude and beauty of this special place we call home. We would like to welcome you to the Kanab area! It is in the “Heart of the Parks,” and you are within 80 miles of such incredible sights as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Lake Powell, the Kaibab National Forest and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon! But wait...there’s so many more places here to get “Off the Beaten Path!” You can take in movie history at Parry Lodge and Little Hollywood Land, or maybe even visit former movie sights in Johnson Canyon or the Paria. You can tour or volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill animal facility in the world. You can go off-road on ATV’s in many places here, including Hog Canyon (a large trail system immediately north of Kanab). If none of that interests you, why not just take a hike? There are an infinite number of hikes available here. Stop at the Kane County Travel and Visitor Information Center (78 South 100 East) for maps and information. Kanab also has a wonderful, scenic golf course as well. Not into that much adventure...somewhat of a windshield tourist? What about visiting the local shops, dining at excellent area restaurants, taking in a movie or an old western at Crescent Moon Theater, or visiting the Juniper Art Gallery, History Museum or Heritage House? There is plenty for you to do while visiting in one of the most beautiful places in the country...and it’s away from all the crowds and traffic of the big cities! What are you waiting for? It’s time for you to get off the beaten path, relax, and have a great vacation.
This hiker takes a break while enjoying the views of North Coyote Buttes, on Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The area is a favorite of locals, as well as visitors from all over the world. Photo by Steve Hogseth.
