Kanab is a drive-in basecamp 25.4 miles from the entrance of Zion. Services on hand: lodging, dining, and gas stations. Population around 4,946. No town shuttle into the park — plan to drive in and park at the entrance lots. Approach restriction: Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel — vehicles over 11'4" tall or 7'10" wide require a one-way escort and an oversize-vehicle permit (verify the current fee and escort schedule at nps.gov/zion before your trip)
Distance to entrance
25.4 mi drive
Plan to drive in via the east entrance.
Town → park shuttle
No — drive in
Drive in and park at the entrance lots; no town shuttle ties into the park system.
Population
≈4,946
Property mix
Small inn / motel mix
Independent inns and motels; book early in peak season.
Accessibility
Accessibility — Kanab
Drive-in required and the entrance corridor passes a size-restricted tunnel — oversize vehicles need a one-way escort permit. Plan for private vehicle access; confirm lodging room ADA features with the operator before booking.
Directory
Where to stay near Kanab
Sorted by tier (top picks first), then by drive time to the entrance. Confirm room features and current rates with the operator before booking.
Price
Tier
★Solid option
Hotel / inn
Kanab (east-side basecamp)
Kanab, UT (east entrance route)
Price$$–$$$Proximity40 mi from gate
SeasonOpen year-round; spring and fall fill on weekends because Kanab also serves Bryce and the Grand Canyon North Rim.
On the Mt. Carmel side of the park, 40 minutes from the east entrance. Skip the south-entrance queue if you're routing in from Bryce or Page — but bring a vehicle under 11'4" tall (and under 7'10" wide) to clear the Zion–Mt. Carmel tunnel, or expect a one-way escort and the oversize-vehicle permit.
Area search — individual property links below. Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776).
★Value pick
Hotel / inn
Hampton Inn Kanab
36 N 300 W, Kanab, UT
Price$$Proximity40 mi from gateRated8.9/10
SeasonYear-round; weekends fill in spring and fall when Kanab serves Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon North Rim simultaneously.
The strongest accessibility package in Kanab — Braille and tactile signage, auditory guidance, and wheelchair-accessible rooms beyond the standard ADA minimum. Indoor pool, hot tub, and the reliable Hampton breakfast to fuel an early drive to the east entrance.
Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices shown are indicative and may vary by date.
★Value pick
Hotel / inn
Comfort Suites Kanab
150 W Center St, Kanab, UT
Price$$Proximity40 mi from gateRated8.9/10
SeasonYear-round; fills on spring and fall weekends. Mid-week availability usually strong.
A well-rounded mid-range option in Kanab — pool, hot tub, tennis court, pet friendly, and wheelchair accessible. Suites give families and road-trippers room to spread out. The downtown location puts restaurants within walking distance.
Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices shown are indicative and may vary by date.
★Value pick
Hotel / inn
La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab
815 E US-89, Kanab, UT
Price$$Proximity40 mi from gateRated8.8/10
SeasonYear-round; good mid-week availability. Pet-friendly policy draws road-trippers with dogs.
The budget-friendliest chain option in Kanab with pool, hot tub, EV charging, and a pet-friendly policy that does not charge a punitive cleaning fee. A practical pick for the multi-park road trip routing through Zion's east entrance, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon North Rim.
One pass covers Zion — and every other US national park.
The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.
