Explore the Caves in Kanab

Kanab is surrounded by the dramatic sandstone landscapes that make Southern Utah such a popular destination. Within easy reach of town are three cave-like structures that are especially interesting to explore.

Moqui Cave

Moqui Cave combines a natural sandstone cavern with an eclectic collection of fossils, minerals, Native American artifacts, and local history.

Geology of Moqui Cave

Unlike some of the other cave-like attractions around Kanab, Moqui Cave is a natural formation created within the area's sandstone cliffs. Wind and water have gradually weathered the rock into the alcoves and cavities that are common in this part of the state. 

Over the years, Moqui Cave’s natural cavern has become a museum filled with geological and cultural collections, making it one of the most unusual caves in Utah. Inside, visitors can see fluorescent minerals, fossils, dinosaur tracks, and other specimens displayed within the cool sandstone chamber.

Tours at Moqui Cave

• Visitors explore Moqui Cave as a self-guided museum attraction rather than a traditional underground caving tour, with displays throughout the natural cavern.
• A small admission fee is required, and visitors should confirm current prices before their trip.
• The attraction also includes a large Southwestern gift shop featuring Native American-inspired jewelry, rugs, artwork, games, souvenirs, and other items.

Getting to Moqui Cave

• Moqui Cave is one of the easiest cave experiences near Kanab because the museum entrance is located directly along U.S. 89 rather than at the end of a hiking trail.
• Visitors can park near the attraction and walk a short distance to the entrance.
• The cave itself is not a conventional accessible trail, so visitors with mobility concerns should contact the attraction ahead of time to discuss current accessibility.

Kanab Sand Caves

The Kanab Sand Caves offer a more adventurous experience, with a short desert hike leading to unusual chambers cut into a sandstone cliff. 

Geology of Kanab Sand Caves

Despite their appearance, the Kanab Sand Caves are not natural caves. The chambers were excavated from Navajo Sandstone during a short-lived sand-mining operation, reportedly producing sand intended for glassmaking. 

The mining left behind a series of large, interconnected chambers with dramatic openings through which visitors can look across the surrounding desert landscape. The structure and unusual hike make visiting the Sand Caves one of the most popular things to do in Kanab.

Tours at Kanab Sand Caves

• The Kanab Sand Caves are a free, self-guided outdoor attraction.
• Because this is an undeveloped outdoor site, visitors should bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
• The sandstone can become slippery when wet, so it is best to avoid the scramble after rain or when conditions make the rock difficult to grip.

Getting to Kanab Sand Caves

• The hike is generally about 0.5 to 1.5 miles round trip, depending on the route used.
• The initial walk is relatively easy, but reaching the caves requires a steep slickrock scramble that makes the overall outing more challenging than its short distance suggests.
• The caves contain exposed openings and drop-offs, so adults should keep a close eye on children.

Belly of the Dragon

Belly of the Dragon in Utah turns an unusual piece of highway infrastructure into a memorable short adventure through a cool, winding sandstone tunnel.

Geology of Belly of the Dragon

Belly of the Dragon was originally constructed as a drainage tunnel beneath U.S. 89. Over time, water flowing through the tunnel sculpted the surrounding sandstone, creating rippled walls and an organic, cave-like appearance. 

The tunnel's unusual curves and textured walls are what give Belly of the Dragon its name and make it a favorite spot for photographs.

Tours at Belly of the Dragon

• Belly of the Dragon is a free, self-guided hike.
• The tunnel becomes dark in its middle sections, making a flashlight or headlamp important even during daylight hours.
• There are no developed visitor facilities at the trailhead, so bring everything needed for a short desert hike.
• Because the tunnel functions as a drainage feature, visitors should avoid entering during or immediately after heavy rain when flash flooding could make the passage dangerous.

Getting to Belly of the Dragon

• The short tunnel section can be reached with roughly a 0.5-mile round-trip walk.
• The hike is generally considered easy and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
• The main obstacle is a roughly four- to five-foot drop into the drainage channel at the tunnel entrance, which requires a short scramble and can be difficult for small children or anyone with limited mobility.
• The tunnel floor is uneven and rocky, so sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended.

Stay at Crazy Horse RV Resort

Make  Crazy Horse RV Resort your home base while you explore Kanab's caves and the many other outdoor attractions throughout Southern Utah. Our property offers full-hookup RV sites with both 30- and 50-amp service, along with tent sites, yurts, Conestoga wagons, and luxury apartments for travelers who want a different style of accommodation.

We offer a variety of amenities including a pool, a dog park and dog wash, a general store, free Wi-Fi, and direct access to connected hiking trails.

Book your stay today!