When we were doing the research for our road trip through Utah and Arizona, the Moqui Caverns came up as a quick stop right outside Kanab, where we were staying. Moqui Caverns, also known as Moqui Sand Caves or Kanab Sand Caves is definitely worth exploring. The sandstone caves are beautiful and way better than we thought.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surround areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no carving in sandstone walls and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Trailhead:
37°07’02.1″N 112°33’45.2″W
The Cave:
37°07’01.7″N 112°33’37.8″W
Parking:
37°07’01.9″N 112°33’46.0″W
Parking
If you’re coming from Kanab, there is a big pull-out on the left side of the road, about 0.5 miles before the Moqui Cave Museum. Parking at the Moqui Cave Museum is reserved for its guest ONLY. Please don’t park there.
Restroom
There is no restroom
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
About 0.25 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain
About 60ft
Level
Easy because it is such a short hike. However, you’ll need to scale up and across a sandstone wall for a short distance. Therefore, it might be a bit challenging for some people.
Time:
30 mins – 1 hour
Pet-friendly
There’s nothing that say you can’t bring your dogs. However, we wouldn’t recommend bring your pups.
Ideal Weather
Falls and Springs are the best seasons to go.
Ideal Time
Best time for photos is about a couple of hours before the sunset.
Video
About Moqui Caverns
Moqui Caverns is known by a few other names such as Kanab Sand Caves or Moqui Sand Caves. These caves are man-made. In 1930 and 1940, the sand from the sand caves was mined to make molds to cast iron. Since sand doesn’t melt at high temperatures and also easy to chip away, it is perfect for casting iron. The sand here was also harvested to make bulletproof glass back then.
The Adventure
Getting to Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves)
Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves) is located about 5.5 miles from Kanab, Utah. It is between Moqui Cave and the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary exit on US-89. Even though they are down the street from each other, Moqui Cave and Moqui Caverns are two different things. Moqui Cave is a neat, paid little museum while Moqui Caverns is a sandstone cave system that is free to visit. Unless you’re planning to visit the museum before or after your hike, please don’t park there. Parking at the museums is reserved for its visitors only.
From Kanab, take US-89 going North toward Mt. Carmel Junction. About 0.5 miles before getting to the museum, there is a big turn-out on the left-hand side that you can park. The trailhead is right across from this big turn-out. The Moqui Caverns and the trailhead are on the same side as the museum. This is not an actual trail so there won’t be any signages. However, you actually can see these beautiful Kanab sand caves from the road.
From the Trailhead to the Sand Caves
When we first pull up to the big turn-out, we actually thought that the small cave right above it is the actual Moqui Caverns. However, as we made our way up the hill, we saw a much bigger cave with multiple windows across the street. Realizing our mistake, both of us climb back down and quickly cross over the road to the correct trailhead. When you’re crossing the road, please pay attention to traffic. There are a lot of cars that like to go fast here.
Once we crossed the road, there is a couple of well-worn dirt trails that lead to the base of the mountain where the Moqui Caves are. The trails aren’t marked so it can be a bit confusing. Your objective is to climb up the side of the cliff to get to the caves. The easiest spot to climb up is closer to the museum side. If you stay kind of straight-ish toward the bottom of the mountain, there is a cairn marking the start of that easier climb.
The climb up and going across can be a bit challenging for some people. However, since it is sandstone, the surface is pretty grippy, which makes it a lot easier. We recommend wearing good shoes with good tractions. It will make things a lot easier. From here, you just carefully walk along the ledge to the cave. You won’t get lost since you can see both the cave and the parking. There are a few spots with sheer drop-offs so be careful when you cross.
Exploring Moqui Caverns
The Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves) are quite impressive. We didn’t expect much when we got here. However, it is one of the biggest caves we’ve seen yet. Once you get inside, the caves open up to multiple rooms. The caves go way back in and quite roomy. Some rooms have big openings that look out to the road below. The views up here are magnificent. I kept telling Dustin that we could move in here and make it our little cave house!
Once you’re done with the caves, head back the way you came from. To get down from some of the sketchier parts, you can always sit down and slide down on your butt. It’s a lot easier and safer that way.
The Moqui Cave Museum
Since you’re just down the road from the Moqui Cave museum, we recommending stopping there for a visit. In the early days, this place used to be a bar where people would go to eat, drink and dance to band music. There is a charge to enter. At the time we went, it was $7/person. It was pretty cool to see tons of dinosaur tracks, fluorescent rocks, gemstones, fossils, and artifacts. It is kind of a tourist trap, but we loved it nonetheless. If you want to visit the Moqui Caverns from here, there is a small trail on the side that will take you to the bottom of the cliff.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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