Utah’s Hidden Playground: Why the Kanab Sand Caves Need to Be on Your Bucket List

Tucked off the side of Highway 89, just a few minutes north of downtown Kanab, Utah, you’ll find a not-so-secret but oh-so-magical spot called the Kanab Sand Caves, located near Highway 89, Kanab, UT 84741—and let me tell you, this place is straight-up wild in the coolest way. Imagine hiking up a short rocky slope and stumbling into what looks like a real-life scene outta some desert adventure movie—massive sandstone caves carved out of a cliffside, glowing in shades of amber, peach, and gold as the sun hits ‘em just right. These caves weren’t made by Mother Nature herself, though—turns out, they were actually manmade back in the 1970s when folks were mining sand for glass production. But the result? A totally epic backdrop for hiking, photos, and even a little peaceful sitting-and-staring-out-into-the-red-rock-landscape kind of moment.

Now don’t be fooled—it’s not some intense, sweaty, multi-hour trek to get there. The hike to the sand caves is about 0.5 miles round trip, which makes it super doable for most people, even kiddos and casual hikers. The trailhead is right across from the Moqui Cave Museum (also worth a stop if you’re into history and glowing rocks), and you’ll scramble up some slick sandstone to reach the entrance. Pro tip: wear shoes with some grip because the rock can be slippery, especially if the sun’s been baking it all day. Once you’re inside the caves though? Instant cool-down. The temperature drops, the views pop, and you get this sense that you’re in some hidden little pocket of peace. It’s quiet, it echoes in the best way, and if you go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you might have the whole place to yourself.

The real kicker is what’s all around you. Kanab is like the gateway to every epic adventure in southern Utah. You’ve got Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to the west—yeah, literal pink sand dunes that look like they were stolen from Mars—and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary just north of town, which is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country (and yes, you can totally go play with puppies). Then there’s Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante all within a short drive, so the Kanab Sand Caves can be your chill spot between the bigger hikes and sights. Downtown Kanab itself is also lowkey awesome with cute coffee shops, gear rentals, and cozy little restaurants—like Rocking V Cafe or Big Al’s Burgers—so you can refuel after your cave crawl with something tasty and local.

Basically, if you're trying to squeeze the most bang outta your Utah road trip buck, the Kanab Sand Caves are a must. They’re scenic without the sweat, Insta-worthy without the filters, and they’ve got just enough hidden gem energy to make you feel like you discovered something before it blows up on TikTok. So whether you're out here chasing desert sunsets, exploring Utah’s finest red rock magic, or just need a stop that’ll wow the crew, this spot hits the sweet spot. Ready to hit the road and explore southern Utah like a pro? Book your ride—or even your boat if you’re heading to Lake Powell—with Funes Rentals LLC today. Just click the link right here or give us a call at +1 385-330-5842. Adventure’s calling—don’t leave it on read.