St George Utah Blog

Kayenta Utah - Art, Culture, & Adventure

Southern Utah is home to some of the best communities in all of Utah. One community, in particular, that is unlike any other is Kayenta. This beautiful destination is located 7 miles northwest of St. George, in  Ivins. Kayenta brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the art and culture of Southern Utah within the walls of the vast red rock mountains. The Kayenta community is centered around creativity and growth as well as diversity and sustainability. It’s an evolving community with so much to offer. 

Kayenta Art Village

In the heart of Kayenta is the Kayenta Art Village which is a place that inspires exploration and innovation. It includes expressive art galleries, studios, a theater, restaurants, gift shops, coffee shops, and an art festival. You can also access a variety of entertaining activities such as fine arts, pottery, gifts, photography, yoga, and special events. With over eight full galleries to explore, you can enjoy your experience within the village’s arts and retail centers. Kayenta is home to some of the most stunning visual arts and architecture that all pay homage to the inherited desert land. 

Dining at Kayenta

Xetava is the place to go if you’re craving handcrafted and authentic cuisine. This locally owned restaurant in Kayenta houses both Xetava Gardens Cafe and Xetava Bar & Kitchen. The Bar & Kitchen menu offers a large array of snacks, appetizers, and easy eats including tostadas, salad, quesadilla, burgers, chicken, crab cakes, ribs, and more. Each plate is full of a variety of unique and fancy flavors that will satisfy your hunger. You can also enjoy a sweet treat from their dessert menu, as well as cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages from the bar. If you’re hoping for a fuller meal you can dine at the Garden Cafe. The menu has a wide selection of original salads, appetizers, and delicious main courses including tacos, burgers, wraps, gyros, pasta, and salmon. You also try their decadent dessert menu with seasonal treats. On the weekends the cafe offers a tasty and filling brunch as well.  Enjoy a meal of such a high quality and originality that it matches the excellence of the rest of the Kayenta community. 

The Center for the Arts at Kayenta

A wide variety of events and shows can be found at The Center for the Arts at Kayenta. This center is home to all types of professional presentations and artistic projects. You can view and immerse yourself in plays, musicals, storytelling, concerts, lectures, movies, and festivals. The Center for the Arts not only offers captivating performances, but also presents a dynamic array of visual art exhibitions. The Desert Spirit Art Committee organizes three each year, inviting regional artists to submit their art work that fits the gallery's theme. As a viewer you can have the opportunity to look at brand new original artwork all created from the hands of those in the community.

Recreation and Relaxation

If you’re looking for some outdoor recreation,  Kayenta has got you covered. You can enjoy a game of pickleball or tennis on the courts surrounded by desert landscape. There is nothing like a game of friendly competition under the Southern Utah sun. For an even greater adventure, you can enjoy a unique equestrian experience at the Kayenta Korrals. Learn more about horses and meet expert horsewoman, Mary Lee Brighton, and her Windhorse herd. Experience a mix of recreation and relaxation at Kayenta’s swimming pool. Swim some laps in the two lap lanes, cool off in the free swim area, or unwind in the wading pool. There are also a couple of poolside cabanas for your relaxation and convenience. If you’re simply looking for some tranquility within the walls of the serene red desert, wander through the Desert Rose Labyrinth. This peaceful labyrinth, created by the residents of Kayenta, is open to the public daily with no charge.

Spa & Fitness 

One of the defining features of Southern Utah is the luxurious spas offered in the area. Kayenta is home to the Sacred Space Spa which is a one-of-a-kind home based spa run by a local solo practitioner. You can relax and feel rejuvenated through a number of treatments and therapies including body work, skin work, facials, and aroma therapies. If you’re looking for more ways to increase your health and wellness, you can visit Elevate Retreats as well. Elevate takes an intimate and transformative approach to personal fitness. With custom health retreats, you can increase your mental and physical health within the tranquility of the desert. 

Vacation Rentals

The Crescent Moon Inn at Kayenta is the perfect place for travelers and visitors. It is within walking distance from the art village and Kayenta’s other popular venues. At the Inn’s bar, you can select from an extensive wine list and local beers on tap. This boutique hotel with desert-inspired decor and architecture will give you a comfortable and luxurious stay, as well as picturesque views of the canyons outside. There are a variety of different suite layouts, so you can find the best fit for you. The Crescent Moon Inn is the perfect place to stay while you’re exploring all Kayenta has to offer. 

Hiking and Cycling 

The stunning sights and natural roads that wind throughout Kayenta can’t be beat. These roads, both public and private, are accessible to both bikers and hikers. A few of the definable natural features of Kayenta include Elephant Rock, Rock Park, Hell Hole Canyon, and 3 Mile Wash. These natural reserves give you the opportunity to explore various layers of sandstone, clay, and sand as well as a natural waterfall off of Hell Hole Canyon. The various hiking destinations and trails in Kayenta can be enjoyed all year round thanks to the mild desert weather of Southern Utah. Breath in the fresh air and embark on your journey through the sandstone mountains of Kayenta. 

Kayenta in Southern Utah is the place to go if you’re looking for a united, harmonious, venturous, and nature-centered community. Immerse yourself in the art, culture, music, sights, tastes, luxury, and excitement all within the surrounding desert landscape. Whether you’re looking for a permanent home or you’re an ambitious visitor, the adventures at Kayenta are waiting for you!