Kane County

Kane County is an expansive and incredibly beautiful county located in the southwestern part of Utah. It is bordered by Garfield County to the east, Washington County to the west, San Juan County to the south, and Grand County to the north. Kane County encompasses a total area of 4,109 square miles of which only 1% is water. The majority of Kane County lies within the Colorado Plateau and is filled with canyons, mesas, buttes, and other stunning geological formations.

It is one of Utah's most geologically diverse counties and is known for its spectacular views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

The population of Kane County was 7,475 as of 2020, making it very sparsely populated compared to other parts of Utah. The county seat is Kanab which has a population of 4,312. The other major cities in Kane County are Alton, Big Water, and Orderville.

Kane County is a rural county with an economy based primarily on agriculture, ranching, and tourism. A large portion of the population works in the agricultural sector producing cattle and hay for sale. Tourism is also a big part of the local economy as visitors from all over come to take in the stunning views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Experience the remarkable geologic history of the Grand Canyons region, shaped by earthquakes, volcanoes, and the relentless forces of nature. For thousands of years, Native Americans have called this area home, witnessing the rise and fall of their populations.

In 1776, the intrepid explorer Silvestre 'lez de Escalante and his group of fearless adventurers ventured into this land as Franciscan missionaries, leaving their mark on its history.

Fast forward to the 1850s and '60s, when the Mormon Pioneers made their way into this captivating region. However, their settlements were soon disrupted by Native American tribes, prompting their retreat in the mid-1860s.

Despite the challenges, the resilient community of Kanab emerged in 1864, only to be abandoned due to Indian attacks within two years. The name "Kanab," derived from the Paiute Native American language, translates to "place of the willows."

But the pioneering spirit prevailed, and in 1870, Mormon pioneers returned to re-establish the town of Kanab. For many years, Kanab remained an isolated enclave in the southwestern landscape. Today, it stands as a magnet for visitors from all corners of the globe, beckoning them to explore its rich past and stunning natural beauty.

Kane County lies within the Colorado Plateau and is filled with canyons, mesas, buttes, and other stunning geological formations. The majority of Kane County lies in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument which protects a vast expanse of breathtaking scenery that stretches from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park.

The county is home to some of the world's most impressive geological features, including Kaiparowits Plateau, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, and Zion National Park.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast, and incredibly diverse, protected area in southern Utah. It encompasses over 1.9 million acres of spectacular scenery that stretches from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park. This monument is home to several national parks and monuments and the Grand Staircase region with its pink cliffs, deep canyons, and high plateaus.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a stunning area located near Kanab, Utah. This park features breathtaking sand dunes of pink and white sand stretching for miles. It's a great place to hike, take pictures, camp, or just relax in the beauty of nature.

Kodachrome Basin State Park is a park located near Cannonville, Utah. The park features towering sandstone spires and formations, colorful badlands, slot canyons, and unique geologic features. It's a great place for camping, hiking, off-roading, horseback riding and more.