Spring Break in Our Own Backyard: Kanab

This year we swapped passports for a staycation and headed east to Kanab. We hiked the red sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and drove through Zion’s towering canyons—all within a couple of days. When rain kept us inside, we made forts in our Airbnb and played endless rounds of Uno. Exploring southern Utah reminded us that adventure doesn’t require plane tickets.

Family travel tip: If you’re near Kanab, mix national park wonders with quirky local attractions. Try the short hike to Belly of the Dragon or sign up for a slot canyon tour. Always carry extra water and check weather forecasts—desert storms roll in fast.

Do you ever take “staycations” near home? Tell us your favourite local discoveries. For help planning a family-friendly road trip through the Grand Circle, our guides highlight kid‑approved hikes and hidden gems from Zion to Bryce Canyon.