Kanab vs Page: Which is the Better Basecamp for Exploring the Southwest?

Kanab during the Balloons & Tunes Festival held every February

If you’re choosing between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona as your basecamp for exploring the Southwest, let’s just say… we’ve got opinions. And cute shops. And award-winning restaurants. And a plethora of hiking trails. But we digress.

Both Kanab and Page make excellent base camps for exploring the red rock wonders of the Southwest. Page sits right on the shores of Lake Powell and offers immediate access to iconic spots like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, along with more developed tourist infrastructure. 

Kanab, meanwhile, shines for travelers who prefer a smaller-town feel, a thriving local community, and proximity to destinations like Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. While both towns have their strengths, we’ll admit our bias: we think that Kanab’s mix of authenticity, accessibility, and adventure just can’t be beat. 

But, don’t take our opinion as the ultimate answer; instead, take a look at the detailed comparison below and decide for yourself which town better suits your needs.

Location, Location… Navigation?

Verdict: If you’re planning a multi-park Southwest adventure, Kanab is the clear hub. Page has Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon, but Kanab gives you a central launchpad for everything from Zion to Bryce to the Grand Canyon.

Awards Don’t Lie

These are the national awards that Kanab & Page have received in the last several years. 

• Travel + Leisure: Best Small Desert Town in the U.S. – Kanab
• Outside Magazine: Top Adventure Town in the U.S. – Kanab
• Library Journal Magazine: Best Small Library in Arizona – Page 

Kanab vs Page: Scenery & Vibes

The old “Gunsmoke” set up Johnson Canyon Road

Kanab: Surrounded by red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and epic trailheads. The town itself feels like a Western film set — because sometimes it actually is (see bonus content at the bottom of this post — learn how Kanab is known as “Little Hollywood”).

Page, Arizona

Page: Page is a larger town with the conveniences travelers might need — restaurants, hotels, and plenty of services. Its big-name sights like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are famous, though often very crowded and best experienced with managed expectations. For many visitors, Page works more as a hub to resupply before heading out to quieter, less-traveled landscapes.

Kanab vs Page: Lodging & Hotels

Kanab: 1,800 hotel rooms, 1,400 vacation rentals, and charming B&Bs. We partner with the Canyons Boutique Hotel and the Travelodge to offer exclusive discounts to our guests. In-town hotels and vacation rentals are walkable to restaurants and shops.

Page: Lodging in Page leans more toward chain hotels and motels, with fewer boutique-style stays compared to Kanab. Because the town is more spread out, visitors usually drive between restaurants, shops, and sights.

Kanab vs Page: Hiking Trails & Guided Tours

The Squaw Trail, Kanab

Kanab: There are many lovely hikes either right from town or in very close vicinity — Squaw, Tom’s Canyon, Mansard, Greenhalgh, Dinosaur Tracks, Cottonwood, and Jackson Flat Reservoir (a favorite after-dinner stroll for bird enthusiasts). Our newest addition is a maze of mountain biking trails just east of town called Tilted Mesa. For harder-to-reach spots, Dreamland Safari Tours departs directly from Kanab.

Page: Page has a handful of trails like Rimview, Hanging Gardens, Chains, and Glen Canyon River. Most visitors, however, come for the big-ticket sights such as Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam — iconic but heavily visited. Hiking opportunities are fewer here and often require short drives instead of being right in town.

Kanab vs Page: Food & Restaurants

Kanab: Home to local favorites like Sego, Escobar’s, Wild Thyme, Iron Horse, and Rocking V. And then there’s Brown Box’s fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches and preservative-free, homemade ice cream. Many restaurants are walkable from hotels and B&Bs.

Page: As a larger town, Page offers a range of dining options, including ethnic restaurants, casual spots like the Birdhouse (a well-known chicken joint), and cozy finds such as LP Espresso. While not as walkable or intimate as Kanab’s dining scene, the variety in Page makes it easy to find something for every taste.

Kanab vs Page: Town Feel

Downtown Kanab, Utah

Kanab: Safe, walkable, friendly. Two grocery stores — Honey’s and Glazier’s. Independent shops. Willow Canyon Outdoor has a terrific selection of everything you forgot to pack (plus great books), and our guests get a discount there. Kanab has that small-town, friendly magic.

Page: Page has the conveniences of a larger town, with Safeway, Walmart, and other chain stores and services. It’s more spread out and car-dependent, with a practical, service-oriented vibe as a hub for Lake Powell and its surrounding attractions. While it may not have Kanab’s charm, Page’s size and resources make it a convenient base for some travelers.

Kanab vs Page: Nightlife

Kanab: Just south of town is the Buckskin Tavern — The Longest Bar in Arizona — a legendary watering hole with pool tables, live music, and a beer garden. They also do packaged liquor and wine. Kanab has a newly opened liquor store, and there is a Border store just south of town. The town itself is safe and quiet, usually winding down early. If you’re after a late-night party scene, Kanab isn’t it.

Page: Page offers a few casual nightlife options, including local taverns like the Dam Bar & Grille and State 48 Tavern, with occasional live music on weekends. It’s not a big nightlife destination, but you’ll find places to grab a drink or hear some tunes after dark.

Stay & Play in Kanab

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play option for Kanab, check out our Stay & Play package. You’ll get:

• 3 nights of hotel stay
• 2 full-day tours
• 3 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and tour snacks
• 1 dinner at the award-winning Sego restaurant
• Keepsake Dreamland Nalgene water bottles

You won’t go hungry!

Final Thoughts: Kanab or Page?

All Dreamland Safari Tours — from slot canyons to overnight photography to remote backcountry adventures — are based in Kanab. That alone makes Kanab the natural choice if you’re touring with us. If Page fits your travel plans better, we can usually meet you halfway (weather permitting) so you don’t have to make the full drive.

Page has its strengths — especially for boating on Lake Powell and as a jumping-off point for Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. But if you’re looking for a true Southwest adventure basecamp, Kanab is hard to beat. We’ll admit we’re biased — and for good reason.

Stay & Play in Kanab

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play option for Kanab, check out our Stay & Play package. You’ll get:

• 3 nights of hotel stay
• 2 full-day tours
• 3 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and tour snacks
• 1 dinner at the award-winning Sego restaurant
• Keepsake Dreamland Nalgene water bottles

You won’t go hungry!

Did You Know Kanab is Known as “Little Hollywood”?

Before it was an adventure hub, Kanab was a movie star. Literally.

Known as “Little Hollywood,” Kanab and the surrounding landscapes have played starring roles in over 100 films and TV shows, especially classic Westerns. Why? The dramatic cliffs, sweeping red rock vistas, and cinematic light make it look like the West dreams are made of.

Notable Productions Filmed in and around Kanab:

Classic Westerns and Films:

• The Deadwood Coach (1924): The first film shot in Kanab, starring Tom Mix.
• The Lone Ranger (1956)
• Pony Express (1953)
• The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), starring Clint Eastwood
• Yellow Tomahawk (1954)
• Sergeants 3 (1962), with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
• The Badlanders (1958)
• Fort Bowie (1958)
• Ten Who Dared (1959)
• Timbuktu (1959)
• El Dorado (1966)
• The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979)
• One Little Indian (1973)
• Windwalker (1981)

Modern and Sci-Fi Films:

• Planet of the Apes (2001): Scenes filmed in the Kanab desert
• John Carter (2012): Used Kanab’s unique landscapes
• Point Break (1991)

TV Shows:

• Gunsmoke (1955–1975): Many outdoor scenes filmed in Johnson Canyon near Kanab
• Death Valley Days (1952–1970)
• The Lone Ranger (1949–1957, TV series)
• Have Gun – Will Travel (1957–1963)
• Lassie (1954–1974)
• Daniel Boone (1964–1970)

Notable Filming Locations in the Kanab Area:

• Kanab Movie Ranch (Angel Canyon): Hosted many Westerns from the 1940s–1970s.
• Johnson Canyon: Famous for the Gunsmoke set.

Paria Townsite: Used for multiple Westerns, though the set was destroyed by fire.