When you think of "cool" places, what comes to mind? Los Angeles, with its movie sets and celebrities? New York with its iconic buildings and tourists from all over the world? Utah might not be cool in comparison to those glamorous, urban places...but there's one little town in the Beehive State that's got a certain vibe that they just can't replicate. Kanab is the epitome of cool...and the best part? It got that way without even trying. The next time you're drumming up a list to visit the best small towns in Utah, the small town of Kanab should certainly make the list. Heck, it's only just the coolest place in the west, after all.

Kanab is located right on the Utah/Arizona border, along SR-89.

Around 4,400 people call Kanab home. While it's kind of in the middle of nowhere, it's also gained a reputation as being one of the coolest towns in the West.

Kanab embraces its history.

You'll find several homes and buildings on the National Historic Registry here.

Hiking here is unparalleled.

The Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is just one of many spots nearby where you can spend the day exploring on a trail.

It's hard to beat views like this.

Natural beauty abounds around Kanab. To the east, you'll find Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument; to the west, Zion National Park. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is nearby as well, and the Grand Canyon is just over the border to the south.

Best Friends Animal Society was founded in 1991.

Today, it's the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country.

Best Friends is home to around 1,600 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, pigs, and more.

Over 30,000 people visit every year, and some find a new best friend of their own to adopt.

Kanab is known as "Little Hollywood."

It's been a popular spot for movie filming, starting with Westerns in the 1930s, and continuing today.

Hog Canyon is not for the faint of heart.

It's a haven for ATV enthusiasts and Jeep crawlers.

You'll find plenty of dining options in this little town, like Rocking V Cafe, located at 97 W. Center Street.

Rocking V is located in a building that was built in 1892.

This little cafe offers delicious food in a cozy setting...and also serves as an art gallery, highlighting local artists' work.

When did you last visit Kanab?

What's your favorite thing about Kanab? Do you think it's the coolest place in the west? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have any other suggestions for hip towns in Utah to consider, then make sure to shout those out, too.