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Short hike and scramble to historic sandstone caves with views worth the effort.
Trail data courtesy of National Park Service, OpenStreetMap contributors and US Geological Survey.
Sand Caves is a quirky roadside stop between Kanab and the entrance to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The caves themselves are a relic from Kanab's brief era of commercial sand mining, carved into the sandstone and now open to hikers. It's the kind of place that feels like a genuine local discovery, not a packaged attraction.
The hike is short and straightforward, just over a mile round trip from the parking lot off Highway 89. The first part follows an easy trail through desert brush and sandy wash. The real adventure kicks in when you reach the base of the sandstone face, where you'll scramble up the rock itself.
This is where good grippy hiking boots matter most; the sandstone is loose and sandy, so traction is key. Most people find the scramble moderate if you're reasonably fit and careful with your footing. Recent rain actually helps by compacting the sand and making the climb less slippery.
Once you reach the caves, the payoff is solid. The views across the landscape and the quiet atmosphere make the modest effort feel worthwhile. Families with kids in the 4-6 range have done it successfully, though it requires careful climbing and parental supervision. The whole experience takes an hour or so depending on pace and how long you linger at the top.
It's a good break from the main Zion corridor if you're exploring the Kanab area or heading toward Cedar City. The caves won't blow your mind, but they're genuinely different from typical hiking destinations, and the historical angle (actual mining caves, not natural formations) adds character. Bring water, wear solid shoes, and expect to get sand in places sand shouldn't be.
Sand Caves works in all seasons given Kanab's relatively mild desert climate, but the sandstone scramble is the key variable. Dry sandstone provides better traction than wet; recent rain compacts the sandy lower trail but can make the upper rock slippery. Summer heat at this lower elevation in the Kanab area can be significant — morning visits are more comfortable than midday in July and August, and the caves provide some shade once you reach them. Spring and fall are the most reliable for comfortable conditions on both the approach and the scramble. The site is a practical stop for anyone already in the Kanab area or passing through on the way to other destinations.
The trailhead is accessed off Highway 89 between Kanab and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — the parking area is just off the highway. This is not a shuttle-served or managed-access site; park at the roadside pullout and walk from there. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The site sits on land that requires the sandstone scramble to reach the caves; comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip are appropriate footwear before you even leave the car. The trailhead is a practical stop if you are already exploring the Kanab area or traveling between Kanab and Cedar City.
Sand Caves is a 1-mile out-and-back hike near Kanab with 114 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate — the rating comes from the final stretch, which requires scrambling up a sandstone face rather than following a standard maintained trail. The first section is straightforward: a sandy, relatively flat path through desert brush to the base of the cliff. From there, the route shifts to climbing the sandstone directly, where footwear with solid grip matters. The caves at the top are former commercial sand-mining excavations carved into the cliff, which gives them a distinctive angular character compared to natural formations. From the cave openings, the views across the surrounding landscape provide the secondary payoff of the climb. The whole outing typically takes under two hours at a relaxed pace.
1,024 reviews
in the last week
Hiked with two adults and three children, ages 4, 6, 8. No problem. There is no rope. Not needed for most. The hike is half mile in sandy trail, then up some slick rock, then parallel back above the trail to the caves on slick rock. Enjoyable.
in the last week
Cool and quick stop. Worth a stop. Nice and cool inside, nice way to beat the heat.
in the last week
Felt very accomplished after the climb. Great views from caves. Coming down a bit challenging. Wear good shoes.
in the last week
Great food very good price. Excellent delivery service outstanding 10 out of 10.
in the last week
Getting up the first part was a little bit difficult for the kids but very interesting