I am driving from SLC to Kanab tomorrow - not sure if I'm up for driving it all in one day - what would be a good scenic town to layover for the night which might offer a park/hike for the next morning before the last leg to Kanab?

I'm not sure why you'd make an overnight stop since it's a not-too-severe one day drive. However, if you do, I'd suggest Beaver or Cedar City if you are taking the I-15 route or Panguitch if you are taking the US-89 route.

If you want to stay in the mountains, come down I-15 to Parowan and follow the signs to Bryan Head. Its primary claim to fame is as a ski town but it's nice to visit in the summer also. You can then travel through Cedar Breaks and across Cedar Mountain on the way to US-89.

Report: It only took 4.5 hours down I-15 to St. George, but after a 4.5 hour flight from the East Coast - it was a little much - there is no way I could have made it to Kanab as a solo driver. Agreed there is not really an ideal place to stop; I was glad I'd made it to St. George. I may try US-89 on the way back.

Any suggestions along 89 between Kanab and Mount Pleasant?

Check out Bryce & environs.

MY

tachiebluebird, did you visit the Best Friends Sanctuary while in Kanab? If so, tell me about your experiences there, please.

Yes I did visit Best Friends. I volunteered there for 3 days. I highly recommend the tour of the sanctuary (even if you don't volunteer) because Kanab Canyon where the sanctuary is located is absolutely amazing. And enjoy their $4/per person lunch every day at noon.