Exploring Moqui Caverns, Kanab, UT
I first came across these light filled caves on Instagram over four years ago. I immediately scooped up my kiddos and went to find them. Since that day I have visited Moqui Caverns outside of Kanab many time and each time I visit I am blown away. These beautiful caves are also known as the Kanab Sand Caves.
***Updated with new parking information on 9/27/2022
FUN INFO ABOUT THE CAVES
These man-made caves were used to harvest sand for glass production in the 1970s. Crazy that they are man-made! I was shocked and fascinated when I found out.
These sand caves are so much fun to visit with kids and they are the perfect little adventure when visiting Kanab, Orderville, Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park.
If you are staying in Kanab and heading to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon the caves are a great stop to do on your way to or from.
If you are visiting Zion National Park and heading to Bryce Canyon it is only a 20 minute detour to visit the caves. Also check out BELLY OF THE DRAGON for another fun detour that is only 10 minutes from the sand caves..
Do not confuse Moqui Caverns with Moqui Cave. They are two very different things.
Moqui Cave is a tourist attraction and gift shop. They are located very close to each other.
LOCATION AND PARKING INFO
Located 5 miles north of Kanab or 12 miles south/east of Carmel Junction along HWY89. The caves are located on the north side of the road. You can actually look up and see them from the road.
To get to the sand caves, you will park at the turn-off for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. You will see a big orange sign for Best Friends and this is where you will turn. There is a new designated parking area for the caves.
You can no longer park accross the street from the caves. It will add a little more time to the hike but not having to cross that busy highway is totally worth it. Belive me, this is a much safer option.
Google maps has updated info to get you to the parking lot. Type in Sand Caves Parking or CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS.
DIFFICULTY
The short hike to the caves is easy and family friendly. You will have to scale up a wall for a very short distance and the kids will need some help, but if you have good traction on your shoes, it won't be too much of a problem. Shoes with good traction are a must!
LENGTH
1/2 mile round trip.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail starts at the new parking lot and you will head north. It is sandy and there is no shade on the trail. Going to the far north side (closer to Moqui Cave the tourist attraction) is the easiest spot to scale up the rock wall to make your way up and over to the caves. Scroll down for tips and additional info.
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To the far left is where you will scale up the wall.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVES?
The caves are accessible year round. In the dead of the summer, May-August I don't recommend going in the middle of the day because there is no shade on the trail. Go early in the day or later in the evening.
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If you go in the winter there may be some snow and ice to contend with. Snow melts quickly in Southern Utah so if there has been a recent storm just give it a few days for the snow and ice to melt.
TIPS + ADDITIONAL INFO
The best time to go to get the beautiful light shining into the caves is an hour or two before the sun goes down.
There is no cost or fees to hike the caves
Please be respectful and DO NOT add to the carvings in the sandstone walls. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it!
The sand in the cave is excellent for little hands to play in. A few sand toys might be fun.
There are sheer drop-offs so keep a good eye on your kiddos at all times.
After you visit the caves hit up Sego Restaurant for dinner. You are sure to have one of the best meals of your life.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
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