Moqui Caverns near Kanab, Utah

Updated on January 25, 2021

Even if you are traveling from Kanab to Zion or Bryce, you might not be aware that you are passing exciting Moqui Caverns on your way. Maybe you will notice Moqui Caves (completely different things!), but we are almost sure you will skip incredible hidden Moqui Caverns. But having only 30 minutes, you can do the hike and visit those mysterious holes in the rocks near Kanab, Utah. Please read why we like it and how to find them.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

How to find Moqui Caverns?

The caverns are located about 5.7 miles north of Kanab, Utah. While you are driving U.S. 89 from Kanab to Mt Carmel Junction, you will pass signs for Best Friends Animal Society on your right. Just after that, about 1 mile ahead, you should spot small gravel parking on your left (before you will get to Moqui Caves on your right). Park there and leave your car. On the opposite side, you will see two big holes in the rocks. Those are Moqui Caverns (sometimes called Sand Caves).

If you are driving from Mt Carmel Junction, please look carefully and notice Moqui Caves on your left, and after that, find the small gravel parking on your right and holes in the rock on the left.

Hike

The hike is pretty straightforward and is about 1/4 miles long. But it would help if you were prepared to climb rocks typical for this area of Utah. So shoes or boots with excellent traction are recommended. It might be a little bit slippery. Trail is not marked, so you have to choose carefully and find the route that best fits your skills. It looks hard, but at least uphill, it is secure. Just head to the caves you will see on your right.

The hike downhill might be a little bit more challenging, so be careful please and look for even rocks. The way on your left it’s maybe a little longer, but more comfortable, so check it, please.

And when you reach the caverns, please PLEASE do not add any carvings to the stone walls. We were very upset about the number of carvings damaging the caverns. So please don’t do it!

Caverns History

It’s hard to believe, but humans created those caverns. In the 1970s, they were used to harvest sand to glass production. It’s still a lot of sand in those caves so that you can play with this, or maybe rather, your kids will be more than happy to play.

Photography Hints and Tips

Those caverns are great attraction for photographers. Most of the time, you will not meet crowds here. For sure off-season, you probably will be alone here. It means you can focus on great photos. The best time to visit cavers from the photographer’s perspective is just 1-2 hours before sunset when the light reaches the deepest parts of the holes.

Tripod might be useful, but not necessary. Modern cameras with the ability to record good low light quality pictures should be enough. But it might be a good idea to create HDR images (because the contrast between the light in the whole and shadow in the hollow will be very high). So if you would like to play with HDRs, we recommend to take a tripod with you.

	Nice portable tripod ideal for hikes like Moqui Caverns.
	Perfect ballhead companion for the Sirui Tripod
	If you are Canon owner, this is the best lens to take with you to the Moqui Caverns.
	If you are Nikon owner, this is the best wide angle lens to take with you to Moqui Caverns.

Moqui Caves

The more popular place near Moqui Caverns is Moqui Caves. This is an entirely different place but frequently confused with Moqui Sand Caverns. The Moqui Caves is a natural history museum with Native Americans artifacts and a collection of dinosaur tracks.

If you like to see rocks, they have a vast collection of those including unique fluorescent rocks and minerals from around the world. They also have a fantastic selection of arrowheads, pots, jugs, bowls, and tools used by Native Americans in the area and other places.

It’s worth to notice what means Moqui – it is the term used to name the Hopi tribe of Native Americans. They were inhabiting this region of Utah but also Arizona.

The museum is open during the summer season from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. from Monday to Saturday. Even if you are driving an RV like us, you can easily find parking space in front. The entrance costs 6 USD per person.

Where to stay?

Usually, you will visit Moqui Caves and Moqui Caverns on your way from Mt Carmel Junction to Kanab or in the other direction. But if you need to stay overnight the best place is the charming town of Kanab with some hotels and campgrounds.

Kanab is our favorite town in Utah. Also, it’s only 10 minutes driving to the Moqui Caves and Caverns. We like its atmosphere and hiking possibilities. We spent there a few weeks. Our lodging choice in Kanab is Best Western Red Hills, but we also like cheaper Red Canyon Cabins.

If you are traveling with RV, our favorite campground is Hitch-N-Post RV Park. They have fantastic staff and fast wi-fi.

Where to eat?

The best place to eat near Moqui Cave and Caverns is also Kanab, Utah. And we spent so much time in this charming town that we have our favorites places for lunch. Please don’t take the risk, use our recommendations!

Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen ($$) – This place is great for vegan and vegetarian. You can stop by for lunch, and they specialize in pizzas and portobello burgers.

The Rocking V Cafe ($$) – This is an affordable and bustling local restaurant. Good not only for lunch but mainly for breakfasts

Ironhorse ($$) – One of the most popular places in the town. They serve amazing steaks and burgers. If you are a beer fan, you will find something for you from their wide selection of drafts and crafts.

Sego Restaurant ($$$) – This place is a little bit more expensive, so we recommend it for dinner. The food is delicious and service perfect.