The Visit Southern Utah initiative issued a guide for travelers on Friday, August 29, 2026, urging visitors to practice responsible tourism to protect the natural landscape and community culture of Kanab and the surrounding Kane County areas.
Respecting Local Culture
The advisory highlights the importance of preserving the region's unspoiled scenery, noting that the landscape has required generations of effort to maintain its pristine state. Local and visitor participation is described as necessary to protect the natural beauty of Kanab and its neighboring communities.
Respecting the local population is a primary focus of the guidelines. The initiative encourages visitors to view residents as the area's greatest assets and stewards. Travelers are advised to engage with locals to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture.
Regarding dining experiences, the guide suggests that visitors should practice patience due to high visitor volumes and limited staffing, which can lead to longer wait times. While some local restaurants do not accept reservations, the advisory notes that staff members do their best to accommodate guests.
Preserving Natural Landscapes
To preserve the historic scenery, the guide prohibits carving into rocks or trees, stating that such actions ruin the natural beauty of the area. Visitors are also urged to manage waste strictly to protect the wilderness.
Specific instructions for waste management include placing trash in proper receptacles and following the 'pack out what you pack in' principle. The guide suggests that travelers carry a trash bag to pick up litter they encounter to ensure the land is left better than it was found.
For those visiting remote areas, the advisory notes that restrooms are sparse. Visitors should be prepared to use appropriate supplies to pack out waste or, in some instances, dig a hole. Additionally, pet owners are asked to clean up after their animals and pack out waste bags.
Backcountry Safety and Preparation
The advisory warns that adventure is safer when visitors come prepared with essential supplies. Because there are no services available in the backcountry, travelers must plan ahead to ensure they have sufficient fuel, water, food, clothing, and maps.
Safety concerns include the limitations of mobile service in the rural region, which is described as unreliable. The guide recommends that travelers inform someone of their intended destination and expected return time. In the event of an emergency where mobile service is unavailable, the advisory instructs individuals to still attempt to call 9-1-1.
Emergency and Travel Logistics
The guide emphasizes the difficulty of rescue operations in the remote, rural area. Because the region relies on volunteer efforts for search and rescue, deployment can be slow due to the time required to access the backcountry and the potential need for specialized equipment.
Drivers are also cautioned to drive safely and responsibly, noting that the area contains many long stretches of road with significant traffic. To ensure the best experience and maximize safety, the initiative suggests that travelers consider hiring local guides who serve as area experts.
Community Protection Goals
The initiative was released with support from the Utah Office of Tourism. The guidelines aim to ensure that the epic adventures available in Kanab do not come at the expense of the environment or the well-being of the local community.
