So you are heading to kanab...
So you are heading to Kanab. I’ll place my bet that you are going to try your luck in the Wave lottery. The elusive Wave is definitely worth the journey out here but once here you will realize this little town has so much more to offer and is such a great jumping point to many great locations. Now having been to Kanab, I can only say I know I will be back (and it’s not only because I didn’t win the lottery)! Continue reading to get all my tips on where to stay, where to eat, what to do and of course about the logistics of the lottery below!
kanab
Kanab is a small town in Southern Utah that is specifically known for the BLM Lottery for the Wave. The Wave in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is an iconic place to visit for the lucky few. You can apply for the pass online way in advance or can try your luck at the in person lottery in Kanab. But after going to Kanab I feel strongly that is a great base for a vacation. It is centrally located between Page Arizona, Bryce and Zion and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. There is so much to explore in this area and affords the luxury of not having to repack your bag going from place to place. It also has a number of hotel options and great restaurants. After having stayed there for 3 nights I have no doubt in my mind that I will be back in the future.
The Lottery
The walk-in lottery is currently held at Kanab Center Gymnasium, 20 N. 100 East in Kanab, UT. It is recommended to park in the parking lot behind the building. You need to fill out a form including number of hikers, names of hikers, where you are staying, if you are staying in Kanab for the lottery alone, emergency contact, vehicle state and plate number. You can arrive anywhere between 8:30 and 9 AM with the form handed in before 9 AM to be in the lottery. When you hand in the paper, they assign you a number and you must remember it. When it is time for drawing, they call out each number and you have to respond with your full name. Using a bingo machine, they pull out exactly 4 permits or up to 16 people. On Fridays, the lottery is also done for Saturday and Sunday in advance.
For example, if they get four permits and each permit has only one person on it the following day only 4 people will go.
I think before they would pull numbers to get up to 10 people but with this new system it is only 4 permits or 16 people whichever comes first.
If you win the lottery, the permit is valid for the following day. The cost is $7 per person if you win the lottery and they prefer cash and exact change.
If you do not win the wave lottery (North Coyote Buttes), you can stay to attempt for the lottery for South Coyote Buttes or you can come back the following day to give it another shot!
day trips from kanab
Kanab is a great base for a vacation. It is centrally located between Page, Arizona, Bryce, Zion, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Parks.
Distance driving:
Zion- 30 miles, 33 minutes
Bryce -77 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes
North Rim Grand Canyon- 80 miles, 1 hour 44 minutes
Page, Arizona (base for Antelope canyon, Horseshoe bend, Lake Powell)-74 miles, 1 hour 13 minutes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park- 20 miles, 27 minutes
The Wave trailhead- 49 miles, 1 hour 8 minutes
where to eat in kanab
Kanab has a number of great options for food. These are some of the places we checked out while visiting.
Iron Horse Restaurant and Saloon- excellent BBQ with great vibe and unique atmosphere
Houston Trail End- American comfort food that felt like eating at Grandma’s.
Escobar’s Mexican restaurant – authentic Mexican cuisine with a family run feel.
Sego Restaurant- New American Cuisine with fine dining vibes and excellent reviews . Reservations recommended.
Where to stay in kanab
Kanab has a huge variety of accommodations from camping and RV sites, chain hotels to cute boutique B&B. You cannot go wrong with your choice.
We stayed at the Canyon Boutique Hotel and couldn’t recommend it more. It has a fantastic breakfast and a classic B&B style. The staff was very friendly and helpful with advice in the area. See their website below:
https://www.canyonshotel.com/
now get heading to kanab
Now that you are inspired to delve into this charming little town and make it the base of your stay. You will be glad you decided to come and try your luck and feel even luckier for having come to stay here.
