East Zion Adventures Rolls Out New Opportunities for Adventure in Kanab Utah
One of the things I love most about being a tour guide in southern Utah is watching great local outfitters grow—and grow the right way. East Zion Adventures is one of those companies, and I’m excited to share that they’ve just expanded their operations with a brand-new location in Kanab, Utah, now their third base on the east side of Zion National Park.
For travelers, this is big news.
East Zion Adventures now operates out of:
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Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (their flagship location)
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Orderville, along Highway 89 just north of Mt. Carmel Junction
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And now Kanab, centrally positioned near some of southwest Utah’s most iconic outdoor destinations
Their new Kanab office sits right on Highway 89, directly across from the historic Parry’s Lodge, inside Denny’s Wigwam—a longtime gift shop and tourism staple that feels perfectly at home hosting a company rooted in adventure.
Why This Matters for Visitors
From a guide’s perspective, Kanab is a sweet spot. It’s a hub—close to Zion, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the Grand Staircase–Escalante, and countless backcountry routes most visitors never even know exist. Having East Zion Adventures based here opens up even more ways to experience the region beyond the crowded park viewpoints.
Just like their other locations, the Kanab office offers:
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Guided Jeep (4×4) tours
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Side-by-side UTV adventures
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Canyoneering experiences
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Horseback trail rides, all led by knowledgeable, experienced guides
And let me say this plainly: there is nothing quite like a 4×4 Jeep tour in this part of Utah.
Jeep Tours That Go Beyond Zion
The landscapes surrounding Zion National Park are every bit as dramatic as what’s inside the park—sometimes even more so. Vast plateaus, desert backcountry, and jaw-dropping overlooks stretch in every direction. Guided Jeep tours or tag-along UTV trips (where you drive your own rig) take you into places that most Zion visitors will never see.
There’s a saying out here that all of southwest Utah could be a national park, and honestly, after guiding these routes, I believe it. These tours pull back the curtain on the “secret” Zion—quiet, rugged, and wildly scenic.
One standout experience explores the desert terrain near Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Along the way, guests pass two massive sandstone monoliths and climb to Red Knoll, where the payoff is a sweeping view of Zion’s skyline and an unexpected look across the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Add in a skilled guide who knows the land, the history, and the geology, and you’ve got an adventure that’s both thrilling and deeply informative.
And yes—watching what these modified Jeeps can do on rugged terrain is impressive. Trail riding in a Wrangler through the rural Southwest is about as western as it gets.
Saddles, Sunrises, and Old Hollywood
From the Kanab location, East Zion Adventures also offers horseback trail rides on private land in Johnson Canyon, just east of town. This is classic western country—and it still holds a piece of Hollywood history. The old set from the TV series Gunsmoke is still standing, adding a nostalgic touch to an already unforgettable ride.
The views out here are something special. Wide-open country, towering cliffs, and endless vistas of the Grand Staircase–Escalante give riders a sense of what it must have been like to travel this land back in the days of the open range.
Earlier this year, we saddled up ourselves, let out a solid YEEHAW, and rode quietly into the… morning. (Close enough to sunset.)
Slot Canyons and Rappels for the Adventurous
For guests looking to push things further, East Zion Adventures now offers two standout guided canyoneering experiences from their Kanab operation:
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Coral Sands Half-Day Canyoneering Adventure
A perfect introduction to slot canyons and rappelling, featuring five total rappels, including one descent over 70 feet. It’s an incredible mix of adrenaline and beauty. -
Powell’s Way Full-Day Canyoneering Adventure
Designed for those who want more mileage and more challenge, this experience begins with a UTV ride to the canyon, includes six rappels, and finishes with a short hike to ancient petroglyphs—a powerful reminder of how long people have traveled these lands.
Final Thoughts from the Road
As someone who spends a lot of time showing people around the American Southwest, I can say this with confidence: East Zion Adventures continues to raise the bar. Their expansion into Kanab makes it even easier for travelers to step off the beaten path and experience the real spirit of southern Utah—guided by people who truly know and respect the land.
If you’re road tripping through the region and looking for adventure beyond the postcard stops, this is one company worth building your itinerary around.
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