Moqui Caverns – Kanab Sand Caves

Wherever are the Moqui Caverns/Kanab Sand Caves?

 The Moqui Caverns are located 6.4 miles north of the Kanab Customer Centre through Freeway 89. Enable 10 minutes of driving time. From the Mount Carmel Junction, they are a 12-moment drive to the south. There is a NEW significant, signed parking large amount for the Kanab sand caves, on the east facet of Freeway 89. You no longer need to park on the west facet of the freeway – and then dash across it keeping away from significant speed automobiles, to reach the trailhead.

If you are driving north from Kanab and you go the created Moqui Cave Museum, then you have gone far too significantly, although quite a few folks will want to make a fast stop and stop by the museum or get a little something to consume.

Do you have to go to the Moqui Cave to pay a visit to the Moqui Caverns?

I was perplexed prior to we did the hike to the Moqui Caverns/Kanab sand caves as to whether or not we experienced to entry them as a result of the Moqui Cave Natural Historical past Museum. You do not, so there is no fee if you only want to hike.

The hike begins from the NEW signed parking large amount about a mile to the south of the entrance to the Moqui Cave ON THE Identical Facet OF THE Street. You can’t park at Moqui Cave except if you are a paying out shopper.

The museum is housed in the Moqui Cave – which at 1 level was southern Utah’s initially dance corridor and bar. With an admission fee of just $5 per man or woman, it is a worthwhile quit. The museum parts are from the own selection of Garth Chamberlain, an owner of Moqui Cave from 1951 – 1988. Admire exhibits of Native American artifacts, fluorescent minerals along with rocks and fossils, and over 180 dinosaur tracks, all identified in a 15-mile radius of the cave.

For additional details test out the Moqui Cave internet site.

What is the ideal time of year to stop by the Moqui Caverns?

The place all over Kanab gets blazing scorching in the summer season, but since this is a short hike, you in theory could do it any day of the calendar year. Nonetheless, if the slickrock segment was lined in snow, it would be hazardous without the need of the proper footwear.

It is generally much more pleasurable to hike when the temperature is moderate so purpose for the shoulder seasons – spring and tumble. But if you’re just passing via the spot and you want to extend your legs, go for it. Just don’t overlook the h2o and sunscreen. If you have a pet dog with you on a incredibly hot working day, be cautious of burning their paws on very hot sand – and they too will want tons of h2o.

The hike to Moqui Caverns

From the parking location head for the sandy path with the small indicator pictured two photos over. Adhere to the Kanab sand cave trail as it weaves by way of scrubby vegetation parallel to the highway for about a quarter of a mile. The path is braided so just take whatsoever path appears to be like the most applied. Glimpse up right after rounding the corner and you really should be in a position to see the Kanab sand caves.

Retain walking on flat ground until finally the slope of the hill seems like it is protected to climb. The slope becomes significantly less steep the even further north you get from the sand caves. At a place that feel relaxed for you, hike up the hill, planting your entire foot firmly on the rock. Friction will do the relaxation! The grip is great so there is no require to bend above like you see the people today executing in the photograph below.

After at the leading of the hill, transform appropriate and comply with the sandstone ledge as it heads to the Kanab sand caves. Anyone fearful of heights would do well to concentrate on what is forward. Choose your time, being mindful with foot placement and you are going to arrive at the cave inside of 5 – 10 minutes – tops.

Tip: Footwear should really have excellent traction. This is no area for thong-like sandals.

Enter the roomy cave and get started exploring. You are going to detect how awesome it is quickly – a take care of on a incredibly hot summer’s day. The floor of the cave is sandy – a further explanation to wear shoes rather than sandals. John and I continued to the conclude of the cave – which is about 100 metres or 300 feet prolonged. It is fairly darkish at the really conclude of the cave so this is a superior area to use your phone’s flashlight to look into the ceiling and the partitions. The quantity of graffiti is astounding – but be sure to do not add any far more.

There are many home windows carved into the rock when it was applied as a sand mine. The Kanab sand caves are spacious with many “rooms” and ample head area that you should not come to feel claustrophobic. s this is a well known hike, be organized to move apart so individuals can get their “shot”.

Try to stop by the sand caves later on in the day, about an hour ahead of sunset for the best lights. The partitions of the Kanab sand caves just about seemed to glow at moments.