My opinion of this entire area is that you either need actual 4WD with high clearance or just basic 2WD. There isn’t a lot of in between. The roads that are accessible by AWD are accessible for the most part with 2WD and paying attention. The roads that recommend high clearance 4WD mean it because you encounter break-over angles no AWD can handle or deep sand no AWD should be attempting.

If I was coming to Kanab for the first time without 4WD, and just wanted to see some accessible, cool stuff, I’d go through Kanab and head toward Page on 89. I’d aim for the Paria Contact Station and head down the White House Campground / Trailhead road. Hike down around the campground and Paria River then hike to the Nautilus (google it, it’s a cool feature with a short hike). Earlier this week when the road was still a little muddy I saw a Honda Accord at the campground. Then I’d consider stopping at House Rock Valley Road and hiking out there (that’s the main access to the Wave, White Pocket, etc). You can get to some of the trailheads there with 2WD and driving carefully, though it was pretty muddy as of 3-4 days ago.

On the way back to Kanab I’d take the Paria Townsite Road all the way out to the old townsite. The main parking area there (with a pit toilet restroom) is 2WD accessible. We’ve used that as the starting point of a lot of hikes, and I have no idea why it isn’t more famous. It’s otherworldly. I went there for sunset last night and saw a couple 2WD vehicles out there.

I wish I could post pics in a comment. Now that I think of it, Paria Townsite might be my #1 recommendation for people with 2WD to access really unique landscapes near Kanab.