Moqui Caverns: The Sand Caves in Kanab, Utah
The Moqui Caverns are a series of sand caves near Kanab, Utah. The Moqui Caverns (also called the Sand Caves) are a quick hike up from the side of US-89.
When I first saw these caves on Instagram I knew I had to pay them a visit, and I was pleasantly surprised to find they were right on the way when we were heading to spend a day in Page, Arizona. This is also a great stop if you are road tripping through Utah’s best National Parks, located between Bryce and Zion National Parks.
Below read all about how to get to the Moqui Caverns, what else to do near Kanab, and nearby hikes similar to the Sand Caves.
How to Get to Kanab, Utah
Directions to Kanab from Zion National Park
To get to Kanab from Zion National Park head out the East Gate of the park on US-9. After driving 13 miles you will turn right onto US-89 in Mount Carmel Junction, Utah, and continue South for a total of a half an hour trip.
The Sand Caves will be off US-89, just 5.7 miles before reaching Kanab.
Directions to Kanab from Page, Arizona
If you are heading to Kanab from Page, Arizona, simply head North and West on US-89 for 74 miles.
To get to the Mouqi Caverns continue for another 7 minutes on US-89.
How to Get to Moqui Caverns and the Sand Caves
Parking for the Moqui Caverns is a dirt pull-off on the East Side of US-89, 0.5 miles South of Moqui Cave. You can get to the Sand Caves from Moqui Cave, but you shouldn’t park there unless you are paying to see the museum.
Moqui Caverns Hike Details
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 82 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Views: 4/5
- Popularity: Medium
- Time to Hike: 30 minutes
- Open: This trail is open as of 2021
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed, but the path is steep and may be difficult for pets
- Trailhead Location: Off US-89, 0.5 miles South of Moqui Cave, 5.7 miles North of Kanab
- GPS Location: 37°07’01.5″N 112°33’46.1″W
Hike to Sand Caves in Kanab
After parking in the space mentioned above, you should be able to see the sand caves across the road and a little less than 100 feet above the ground. Carefully cross US-89 and head towards the cliff wall. Download the map from AllTrails or print it out ahead of time in case you don’t have service. There is another small cave on the same side of the road as the parking area, but it is hard to get to. The actual Moqui Caverns are more worth your effort.
A few small paths lead to the cliff wall. Try to walk in the most established paths to minimize your impact on the land. Once you reach the cliff, the hike turns into a scramble. There are several routes I saw people take, so make a couple of attempts and find what is easiest for you. Wear shoes with good traction and be ready for a climb!
I was barely able to do this scramble as a short person without much scrambling experience in average shape. The difficulty might vary depending on your fitness level.
After the scramble, walk along the cliff edge, and you’ll be in the Sand Caves themselves! Take your time, and explore the cave windows that look out on the road and surrounding desert. Please respect the caverns and do not carve the walls or leave trash!
Moqui Caverns
These sand caves, also called Moqui Caverns, are man-made caves coated with fine sand from the sandstone. There are several good cave windows to look out of and admire. The cave does not go back very far, so I can imagine this would get crowded if several groups of people visit at once.
Please respect other visitors’ space, and wait your turn to take your photo at the windows in Moqui Caverns.
When leaving the sand caves, it will most likely be easiest to go back the way you came and slide down the most gentle part of the cliff’s slope. Don’t plan on wearing your best pants as they will probably get dirty! We found it easiest to slide our backpack with valuables such as our camera down to the first person who went down, so they wouldn’t get damaged on the rock.
Tips for Visiting Moqui Caverns and Sand Caves in Kanab
- Wear the right clothes!– The caves require some scrambling to get to and the Utah desert is very hot and dry most of the year. Wear shoes or hiking boots with good traction and athletic wear such as leggings and tank tops.
- Go early or late for the best photos– It is really hard to photograph the caverns when the outside is bright and the caves are entirely in shadows in midday. Go early in the morning or near sunset if your schedule is flexible and you want the best light.
- Leave No Trace! It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to leave these caves as you find them. Please do not carve into the walls and pack out what you bring in!
Things To Do Near Moqui Caverns
Moqui Cave Museum
Moqui Cave is often confused with the Moqui Caverns and Sand Caves, but it is a different attraction. The Moqui Cave museum is only 0.5 miles North of the Moqui Caverns, and 6 miles north of Kanab on US-89.
It is a cave that used to house a bar and restaurant, but now is home to a history museum and gift shop full of artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and interesting rocks. This is a fun stop, particularly for kids and you can walk to the Moqui Caverns from here if you are a paying customer.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
If you haven’t gotten enough of sand, only 14 miles from the Moqui Sand Caves is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. The pink color of these dunes makes them a unique place to visit. You can explore the dunes by hiking, renting an ATV, or riding a sandboard down the dunes!
Zion National Park
At a little under a half an hour drive, the Moqui Caverns makes a great day trip from Zion National Park. If you are spending 2 or more days in Zion National Park, keep this spot in mind for a fun, less crowded hike to the sand caves.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The South part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is about an hour from the Sand Caves of Kanab. However, the more popular hikes are closer to Escalante, which is 2 hours away. This has some of the best hikes in Southern Utah including Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons and Zebra Canyon with similar terrain to the Moqui Caverns.
Other Hikes in Kanab, Utah
Moqui Caverns and the sand caves are not the only unique hike near Kanab. Below are several other trails you can find off the stretch of US-89 between Mt Carmel Junction and Kanab, Utah. Each hike is worth a stop and will give you a new and different experience.
- The Belly of the Dragon– A similar hike to the Moqui Caverns is the Belly of the Dragon hike, an almost 2-mile hike through a small cave. To get there drive 16.6 miles North of Kanab, Utah up US-89, and take the side road on West to the trailhead. There is a small climb down to the base of the cave.
- Red Canyon (Peek-a-Boo Canyon)– About 3 miles North of the Sand Caves on US-89 towards Mt Carmel Junction is the Red Slot Canyon and Peek-a-boo Canyon of Kanab. 4WD is necessary to get to these canyons.
- Dinosaur Tracks Trail– Dinosaur Tracks Trail is another short but steep trail near the Moqui Caverns. It leads out to the tracks of a Grallator made millions of years ago.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Things to Do in Page, Arizona
- 2 Days in Zion National Park
- Which Utah National Park is the Best?
- Arches or Canyonlands for One Day?
- Easy Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
SAVE IT FOR LATER
3 Comments