Big Water UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Water, Utah.
1. The Wave at Coyote Buttes
BREATHTAKING SANDSTONE FORMATION
The Wave at Coyote Buttes is a stunning sandstone formation that offers guided hikes revealing prehistoric dinosaur tracks and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors have a chance to observe Big Horn Sheep amid the unique geological formations. The attraction consistently receives high ratings from travelers and is considered one of the top attractions in the Big Water area.
2. Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos
OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS
Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos features an amazing collection of hoodoos, badlands, and other interesting rock formations. The area is located between the Cockscomb Fault and the southern section of Cottonwood Canyon. This geological wonder consistently ranks among the top attractions for visitors to Big Water.
3. Lone Rock Beach
SCENIC LAKE POWELL SHORE
Lone Rock Beach is located on the border of Arizona and Utah, just a few minutes from Big Water. The beach can be used for various recreational activities including kayaking, jogging, swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. This picturesque shoreline of Lake Powell offers stunning views and outdoor enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
4. Grosvenor Arch
MAJESTIC DOUBLE ARCH
Grosvenor Arch is an impressive double arch formation located near Big Water in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The striking sandstone structure stands about 150 feet tall and displays beautiful color variations. Visitors can access this natural wonder via a short, paved trail making it accessible for most travelers.
5. Big Water Visitor Center
DINOSAUR MUSEUM & INFORMATION
The Big Water Visitor Center serves as both an information hub and a fascinating dinosaur museum showcasing the area's rich paleontological history. The center features knowledgeable staff, numerous dinosaur fossil displays, and a 30-foot mural depicting the Cretaceous Period. It's an excellent stop for travelers visiting Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, or hiking the numerous trails within the Grand Staircase region.
6. Skylite Boat Rentals
LAKE POWELL ADVENTURES
Skylite Boat Rentals provides visitors with the opportunity to explore Lake Powell's stunning waterways through various watercraft rental options. Visitors can navigate the lake's magnificent canyon systems and discover hidden coves and beaches at their own pace. The rental service offers a perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Powell's azure waters and towering red rock formations.
7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
VIBRANT DESERT PLAYGROUND
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park features a unique landscape of pink-hued sand dunes that constantly shift with the wind. The park offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and popular recreational activities like sandboarding and ATV riding. With its striking colors and ever-changing terrain, the park provides a visual feast for visitors looking to experience Utah's diverse natural beauty.
8. Peek-A-Boo Gulch
ENCHANTING SLOT CANYON
Peek-A-Boo Gulch is a mesmerizing slot canyon featuring narrow passageways with smooth, undulating walls sculpted by water over millennia. The canyon requires some scrambling to enter, making it a more adventurous experience than some other slot canyons in the region. Its stunning light play, unique rock formations, and less crowded atmosphere make it a favorite among photographers and hikers seeking a more intimate canyon experience.
9. Moqui Cave
CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Moqui Cave is a unique museum housed in a natural sandstone cave that showcases Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and a large collection of fluorescent minerals. The cave was once used as a speakeasy during Prohibition before being transformed into a cultural attraction. Visitors can explore the cool interior while learning about the region's rich geological and anthropological history.
10. Best Friends Animal Society
LARGEST NO-KILL SANCTUARY
Best Friends Animal Society is America's largest no-kill animal sanctuary, located just outside Kanab in Angel Canyon. The sanctuary is home to around 1,600 rescued dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, pigs, and other animals spread across 3,700 acres of stunning red rock landscape. Visitors can tour the facility, volunteer with the animals, or even take a sleepover buddy back to their accommodation for the night.
11. Kanab Trailhead
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE
Kanab Trailhead serves as a starting point for numerous hiking adventures in the scenic canyon country surrounding Big Water and Kanab. The trailhead provides access to a network of trails suitable for various skill levels, from casual walkers to experienced hikers. Visitors are rewarded with stunning views of red rock formations, desert landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the unique geology of southern Utah.
12. Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon
HIDDEN NATURAL WONDER
Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon offers a less-crowded alternative to more famous slot canyons in the region. The narrow passageway features smooth, sculpted walls that create fascinating light patterns throughout the day. Hikers will appreciate the canyon's natural beauty and the relative solitude it provides compared to more popular destinations in the area.
13. Old Paria
HISTORIC GHOST TOWN
Old Paria is an abandoned ghost town situated within the striking Paria Canyon near Big Water. The site features remnants of a settlement established in the late 1800s, including the reconstructed movie set of a western town that has been used in numerous films. Visitors can explore the colorful badlands surrounding the ghost town, which showcase spectacular erosion patterns and rainbow-hued hills.
14. Little Hollywood Movie Museum
WESTERN FILM HISTORY
Little Hollywood Movie Museum celebrates Kanab's rich history as a filming location for numerous Western movies and television shows. The museum displays original film sets, props, and memorabilia from productions that were filmed in the area dating back to the 1920s. Visitors can step back in time as they explore this tribute to the golden age of Western filmmaking and learn why this region was nicknamed 'Little Hollywood.'
15. Alton Amphitheater
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Alton Amphitheater is an outdoor venue that hosts various cultural performances against the backdrop of southern Utah's spectacular landscapes. The amphitheater features regular concerts, plays, and community events throughout the season. Visitors can enjoy entertainment under the stars while surrounded by the region's stunning natural beauty.