Sand Caves- A Fun Adventure Near Kanab, Utah
If you find yourself near Kanab, Utah, you have to stop and explore the beautiful Sand Caves. These unique formations offer amazing views and a chance to explore a cave. This is not to be confused with Moqui Cave, which is 0.9 miles up the road.
History of Sand Caves Utah
The sand caves are man-made and were used as a sand mine in the early 1900s. It is hard to imagine people trekking up there every day for work, but it definitely beats office views! The area is characterized by towering sandstone cliffs and canyons, with the wind constantly sculpting the soft sandstone.
Getting There
The Sand Caves are just 5.7 miles north of Kanab.
Cost of Visiting Sand Caves
Free! It does not cost anything to hike to the cave and there is not cost for parking.
Parking at Sand Caves
The parking area for the caves is just south of the caves. There is a sign guiding you to the parking lot, so watch for it. There is an old parking lot just across the street from the caves, but there are now No Parking signs there, and it is much safer to not cross the road on the bend.
The Hike Up to The Caves
Sandy Hike
This is a fairly short hike (only 1.2 miles round-trip), but we consider it moderately challenging due to having to walk in deep sand and scramble up steep sandstone. After leaving the parking lot, you will walk through red sand for about 0.4 miles (passing right below the caves) until you come to the sandstone cliff.
Sandstone Scramble
This area of transition is the hardest part of the hike. The sandstone was really steep and we had to help our kids get up this embankment and they slid on their butts to get down.
Sandstone Hike
After that, the trail is easy to follow and is a very mild incline to the caves.
The Sand Caves
The caves are cooler in temperature than the trail up to the caves. The caves vary in size, from small and narrow passageways to larger chambers with high ceilings. Some of the caves feature intricate arches and windows, which our kids really enjoyed climbing through. The sand in the cave is pretty deep and very dry, so it is a little bit difficult to walk around. The views from the cave are amazing and make for some stunning pictures. The caves have a lot of natural light in them, but some of the back tunnels go deep and are dark.
What to Pack
Do NOT wear white shoes or socks. The red sand will stain them. Hiking sandals are good for not collecting sand, but watch out for rubs where the straps are. Hiking boots are also a good option. They collect the sand, but are less prone to rubbing your feet. The trail is exposed the whole way (except when you are actually in the cave), so make sure to pack plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and a snack. You will also want a flashlight for the dark parts of the cave.
Trail Safety
Wear sturdy shoes due to very uneven terrain. Check the weather before going and watch for flash flooding with summer storms.
Are the Sand Caves Utah Worth Visiting?
If you are in the area, absolutely! This is an interesting hike with amazing views! The cave is fun to explore for all ages.
Recreate Responsibly
Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Pack out what you pack in and be respectful to the plants and animals you come in contact with. Leave the rock how you found it and don’t carve anything into it.
Explore Close By
- Moqui Cave 0.9 miles
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: 1.4 miles
- The Belly of the Dragon: 11.7 miles
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes: 15.2 miles
- Zion National Park: 34.8 miles
