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Explore the Caves in Kanab

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:48:10 GMT

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!

The Best OHV Trails in the Kanab Area

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:46:57 GMT

Kanab is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, with miles of scenic trails leading through canyons, sand dunes, and desert landscapes. Whether you're looking for technical rock crawling or a scenic ride to one of southern Utah's iconic landmarks, these OHV trails offer unforgettable adventures for riders of all experience levels.

Hog Canyon OHV Trail System

With routes ranging from beginner-friendly sand sections to expert rock-crawling obstacles, Hog Canyon in Kanab is one of the area's most popular destinations for UTV and OHV riders.

The Trail

Learn more about the details of the Hog Canyon system.

Trail difficulty: Easy to extreme, depending on the route you choose, making the system suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Trail distance: Roughly 30 miles of interconnected trails allow you to customize rides lasting anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
Trail highlights: Riders will experience towering sandstone formations, desert canyons, slickrock sections, and scenic overlooks with expansive views of southern Utah.
Terrain: Expect a mix of sandy washes, rocky climbs, narrow passages, slickrock, and technical obstacles that become progressively more challenging on the advanced routes.

OHV Tips

Make sure you’re aware of these trail tips.

Download trail maps before leaving town since cell service is limited.

Stay on designated routes to protect the surrounding desert environment.
New riders should begin on the easier marked trails before attempting technical sections.
Always check the latest trail conditions and closures before heading out, especially after storms.

What to Bring on the Trail

Don’t leave these important items behind!

Plenty of drinking water for a half- or full-day ride.
Snacks or a packed lunch.
GPS or offline trail maps.
Tire repair supplies, recovery gear, and a basic first-aid kit.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and layers for changing desert temperatures.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

About 30 minutes west of Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes offer more than 1,500 acres of open riding across vibrant coral-colored sand.

The Trail

Here’s what you should know about the trail:

Trail difficulty: Beginner to intermediate, though steep dune faces can challenge more experienced riders.
Trail distance: The open riding area allows you to create your own route and spend as much or as little time exploring as you'd like.
Trail destination: Wide-open sand dunes, scenic overlooks, and one of Utah's most unique desert landscapes make every ride different.
Terrain: Soft, shifting sand and steep dune faces require careful throttle control and confidence riding in sandy conditions.

OHV Tips

Make sure to keep these tips in mind before you head out.

Consider lowering tire pressure if recommended for your machine to improve traction in deep sand.
Ride in the morning or evening during warmer months to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Watch carefully for other riders when cresting dunes, as visibility can be limited.
Check current park regulations and riding conditions before your visit.

What to Bring on the Trail

Don’t forget these essentials!

Plenty of extra drinking water.
Goggles or eye protection for blowing sand.
Face covering or buff for dusty conditions.
Portable air compressor for adjusting tire pressure after riding.

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon (Red Canyon)

One of Kanab's most popular OHV destinations, Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon features a sandy off-road route leading to an impressive narrow sandstone canyon.

The Trail

One of the most beautiful trails in the area!

Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate, with the sandy access road providing the primary challenge.
Trail distance: Most of the route involves off-road driving, followed by a short walk into the canyon.
Trail destination: Towering sandstone walls, narrow passages, and colorful rock formations create one of the area's most memorable destinations.
Terrain: Deep sand along the access road requires careful driving, while the canyon itself features sandy footing and uneven rock surfaces.

OHV Tips

Remember these important tips before embarking on your adventure!

Never enter the canyon if rain is forecast because of the risk of flash flooding.
Stay alert for soft sand along the access road.
Keep your group together in remote sections of the trail.
Always check the latest weather forecast and trail conditions before your trip.

What to Bring on the Trail

Pack these important trail items.

Water and light snacks.
Closed-toe shoes for exploring the canyon.
Camera for the stunning sandstone formations.
Small first-aid kit.
Sun protection for the ride to and from the canyon.

Stay Near Kanab's Best OHV Trails at Crazy Horse RV Resort

After a day of exploring Kanab's incredible off-road trails, return to the comfort of Crazy Horse RV Resort. Conveniently located near many of the area's most popular OHV destinations, our resort offers spacious RV sites, modern amenities, and a relaxing place to recharge before your next ride.

Book your stay today and make Crazy Horse RV Resort your home base for discovering the best UTV and ATV trails in Utah.

What Makes Kanab, Utah Special

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:25:51 GMT

Kanab's location alone is enough to put it on the map. Sitting just seven miles north of the Arizona border in southern Utah, this small town of roughly 4,500 people occupies one of the most strategically placed spots in the American Southwest. It sits at the heart of what's known as the "Grand Circle," a grouping of national parks and monuments that draws millions of visitors to the region each year. From Kanab, you can reach Zion National Park in about an hour, Bryce Canyon National Park in about 90 minutes, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in roughly the same. Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are close enough for a comfortable day trip. Few towns anywhere in the country can claim that kind of access to so many bucket-list destinations.

The Perfect Basecamp for Southern Utah Attractions

Kanab functions as the ideal home base for exploring southern Utah attractions, and that reputation is well-earned. Rather than chasing lodging near multiple parks, staying in Kanab puts nearly everything within reach. The town has enough hotels, restaurants, and services to make a multi-day stay genuinely comfortable, which matters after long days on the trail. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park sit practically at the doorstep, and some of the region's most sought-after experiences, like the Wave at Coyote Buttes, require only a short drive east. For anyone building a southern Utah road trip, Kanab consistently earns its place as the anchor stop.

"Little Hollywood" and the Old West Spirit

Long before outdoor tourism took hold, Kanab made a name for itself through a different kind of spotlight. As early as 1922, filmmakers discovered that the area's red cliffs and wide-open terrain made a convincing backdrop for Western movies. Over the following decades, more than 100 films and television productions were shot in and around Kanab, earning the town its nickname: "Little Hollywood." Stars including John Wayne, Charlton Heston, and Clint Eastwood passed through, with many of them staying at the historic Parry Lodge on Center Street, which still welcomes guests today.

That film heritage isn't just a footnote. The Little Hollywood Museum preserves actual movie sets from Kanab's golden era of film production, offering a free walk-through experience that gives real context to the town's unusual history. Signs posted throughout downtown mark the names of actors and actresses who once worked here, and the Parry Lodge dining room still carries the atmosphere of another era. Each August, the Western Legends Roundup brings the cowboy culture of the past back to life through music, poetry, and working folklore displays, drawing crowds who appreciate that this isn't a manufactured theme, but a genuine piece of local identity.

Small-Town Charm in a Big Landscape

What strikes many people about Kanab isn't just where it is, but what it feels like. The wide, tree-lined streets and unhurried pace stand in contrast to the jaw-dropping scenery just outside of town. Longtime locals make up the backbone of the community, and that shows in the way the town operates. There are award-winning restaurants serving everything from creative farm-to-table cuisine to classic Southwest cooking, a local arts community that punches well above its weight for a town this size, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

Kanab is also home to Best Friends Animal Society, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, which sits just a few miles north of town. It draws volunteers and animal lovers from across the country, many of whom end up staying for good, adding to the town's reputation as a place that earns genuine affection rather than just passing traffic.

More Than a Stopover

It's easy to treat Kanab purely as a launching point, but the town and its immediate surroundings offer plenty worth slowing down for. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park sits just outside of town, with hills of wind-shaped pink sand that create a landscape unlike anything else in Utah. Moqui Cave, a natural history museum housed in an actual cavern, holds one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in southern Utah alongside Native American artifacts. The Toadstool Hoodoos, a short hike east of town on U.S. 89, reward visitors with strange mushroom-shaped rock formations and some of the best dark-sky stargazing in the region. Kanab Creek Bakery, Wild Thyme Cafe, and several other local spots give the town a food scene worth planning around rather than rushing past.

A Southern Utah Town Worth the Stop

Kanab's location in southern Utah puts some of the most dramatic scenery in North America within easy reach, but the town earns its place on an itinerary through more than proximity. The combination of genuine western history, small-town character, and a dining and cultural scene that exceeds expectations makes Kanab something more than a convenient overnight stop. For anyone exploring the parks and monuments of the Colorado Plateau, it's the kind of place that tends to become a favorite.

Coming Soon

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:16:53 GMT

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