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Kane County


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Kane County Facts:

County Website: Kane County
Area: 4,109 square miles
Population: 8,425 (2023)
Founding Year: 1864
County Seat: Kanab
Origin of County Name: after Thomas L. Kane, an influential supporter of the Mormons
Cities/Towns: Alton, Big Water, Glendale, Kanab, Orderville  
Economy: tourism, services
Points of Interest: Lake Powell, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Old Paria, Navajo Lake, Hole-in-the Rock
Geography: Southern Utah, bordered by Arizona (south), Garfield County (north) and Washington County (west), includes parts of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park
Historical Significance: Settled by Mormon pioneers in 1864; Kanab, the county seat; filming location for Western movies
Notable Residents: Jacob Hamblin (Mormon pioneer), Levi Stewart (early settler), Zane Grey (Western novelist), Kelly Sweet (contemporary jazz musician), Maynard Dixon (artist)
Natural Resources: Scenic landscapes, including canyons, plateaus and desert terrain; tourism and recreation

 

About Kane County:

Evidence of Ancestral Puebloan presence in this county dates back to the 1200s. While many of the artifacts discovered are tools, one of the most notable sites is the Defiance House, a remarkably preserved dwelling still found in the area. In the late 1800s, a group of pioneers seeking a more direct route from Iron County to San Juan County carved a path now known as Hole in the Rock. By blasting through solid rock, they created a steep descent that allowed people, livestock and wagons to travel from the top of a ridgeline down to the  Colorado River. Both of these historic sites are located within the  Colorado River region.
Much of Kane County is encompassed by the  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The area's striking landscapes have served as the backdrop for numerous movies, with several original sets still visible today. Kanab, the county seat, remains a popular destination for visitors traveling to  Lake Powell and the many nearby national parks.

Resources:

More information for Kane County can be found at the following sites:

 

Gallery:


The museum and visitor center for Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument provides educational exhibits and information about the region’s geology, history and natural resources.
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Big Water Slot Canyon in Kane County, Utah, is a narrow, scenic canyon known for its sandstone walls and captivating geological formations.
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The historic Kanab Library, built in 1940, is a longstanding cultural and architectural landmark located in Kanab, Utah.
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Parry Lodge, a historic motel-restaurant complex in Kanab, Utah, has served as a notable lodging spot for travelers and film crews since the early 20th century.
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The Bowman-Chamberlain House in Kanab, Utah, is a historic residence known for its distinctive architecture and significance to the local heritage.
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The Union Pacific Lodge in Kanab, Utah, is a historic hotel that has welcomed visitors traveling through the region for decades.
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The Historic Rock Church in Mount Carmel, Utah, is a well-preserved landmark known for its distinctive stone construction and rich local history.
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The Museum of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Orderville, Utah, preserves and showcases artifacts from the early Mormon settlers of the region.
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 Navajo Sandstone at the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite displays geological formations alongside well-preserved dinosaur footprints.
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Remnants of a small Anasazi shelter can be found in Johnson Lakes Canyon, offering insight into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants.
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Johnson Lakes Canyon is a scenic area known for its rugged terrain, historic sites and natural beauty.
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A view north along the road through Cottonwood Canyon reveals natural landscapes and towering rock formations.
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is known for its vibrant pink sand dunes and offers visitors opportunities for hiking, sandboarding and wildlife viewing.
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A series of mesas can be seen rising in the distance from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, creating a striking contrast with the vibrant pink sands.
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The Sand Pipe in Kodachrome Basin State Park is a unique geological formation that stands among the park’s spires and rock structures.
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Shakespeare Arch in Kodachrome Basin State Park is a natural sandstone arch renowned for its graceful shape and scenic surroundings.
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Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its striking red rock formations, unique sandstone spires and scenic hiking trails.
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Kodachrome Basin State Park offers visitors breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, photography and wildlife watching.
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A rock formation near Lake Powell stands prominently against the backdrop of the water, showcasing the region’s geological features.
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Navajo Canyon at Lake Powell is a stunning natural feature known for its towering sandstone walls and crystal-clear waters.
Image from Wikimedia Commons