Hiking the Moqui Sand Caves Trail in Kanab, Utah
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Moqui Sand Caves Trail, also called the Kanab Sand Caves, is a lesser-known adventure in southern Utah that most visitors simply pass by when driving to or from Zion National Park.
That being said, the Moqui Sand Caves, once a local side-of-the-road secret, has since changed from a place that almost no one knew about into a much more established trail, as shown below.
Nevertheless, the Sand Caves still make for one of my favorite adventures outside of the park, especially when you’re looking for somewhere to hang out and get out of the sun during the hot summer months!
Moqui Sand Caves Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Moqui Sand Caves is located in a large dirt parking lot just off Highway 89, just north of Kanab.
With that in mind, don’t park in the old parking area directly across the road from the caves on the highway. This area is now illegal to park in because of the popularity of the caves, which is why all traffic is now redirected to the parking lot shown below.
Google Maps Directions: Moqui Sand Caves Trailhead
Southwest Hiking Checklist
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Southwest U.S.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Moqui Sand Caves Trail
The Moqui Sand Caves Trail begins at the west end of the parking lot, where it initially descends to a typically dry wash.
At this first split, go left to continue toward the Sand Caves.
All of these little forks in the trail essentially lead to the same place.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
At this split in the two photos below, turn right to hike directly toward the Sand Caves on the cliff above.
Here, you should now start seeing the Moqui Caves in the cliff above.
Hiking Up to the Caves
Once at the base of the cliffs, you have the option of hiking straight up if you feel comfortable for the most direct but most challenging route, or walking down the cliff to the left until the slopes become easier to climb.
The photos below show the most direct path heading up to the caves, but the easier, more gradual path can be seen on my return hike.
It’s easiest to switchback this steeper climb until it becomes easier on the ledge shown below.
Moqui Sand Caves
Regarding everything mentioned previously, the Sand Caves are busier than they once were, but I still think they’re a fun place to stop and check out if you’re already driving between Zion and Page to get to Antelope Canyon.
In any case, I recommend the Moqui Sand Caves Trail during the mid to late afternoon hours for the best photos, so that more light makes it into the caves.
While this can make for a very hot hike during the summer, the caves are typically 10° F (5.6° C) or more cooler, making them a great place to sit back and take it easy.
Please don’t contribute to all of the carvings on the walls of the caves.
Hiking Down (The 'Easier' Route)
The 'easier' route that I took back down follows the cliffside to a more gradual descent than the climb to the caves shown above.
These are the two areas where most people climb up.
From here, simply follow the same trail that parallels Highway 89 to get back to the Moqui Sand Caves Trailhead.
More Southwest Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Southwest adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
From high alpine environments to the vast deserts across the southern parts of the state, Utah has some of the most diverse landscapes of any place across the West.
This is why risks associated with sun exposure, the extreme summer heat, and dehydration are some of the biggest concerns in Utah, which is why I highly recommend hiking with a quality sun shirt and a good water bladder, regardless of the season.
Furthermore, Utah is home to Black Bears, Mountain Lions, and numerous rattlesnake species, and while hiking in Black Bear territory usually presents less danger compared to Grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Aside from wildlife, Utah, like any Mountain West state, is known for its violent afternoon thunderstorms, which are more typical in the warmer summer months than other times of the year.
That said, it’s important to check the local forecast before setting off on any adventure, as lightning strikes are not uncommon in and near mountain ranges across the West. I have personally been knocked to the ground by a strike that hit near me in the past, and I confidently say that it’s an experience you don’t want to live through. This is why I highly recommend checking Mountain Forecast for any high-elevation adventures you may be interested in—especially when climbing a summit.
Finally, micro-spikes may be necessary for an early or late season adventure, but know that micro-spikes are never supposed to be a substitute for conditions that require crampons.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
