KANAB

Exploring Kanab, Utah: The Drive-Through Edition.

For us, Kanab is that dusty little stretch of red rock chaos that feels more like a scenic obstacle course than a destination. It’s got the energy of a roadside attraction—but with way too many “must-see” signs that appear right after you speed past the turnoff.

And somehow, despite one solid emotional meltdown, we still managed to knock out most of our list. Not gracefully. But efficiently. Mostly.

Still left on our list to see;

Catstair Canyon – mostly because Kody didn’t slow down in time and we missed the turn off.

Sand Caves – must redo and make it to the actual caves.

Peek a Boo Trail

Hog Canyon OHV

Hidden Lake – a hidden gem

This off-the-books gem is tucked down the road from the Sand Caves parking lot like a bonus round nobody told you about. It doesn’t show up on Google Maps. There are no big signs. Just a dusty dirt road that feels mildly illegal and entirely promising. Hidden Lake isn’t a lake, exactly—it’s a collapsed sandstone cavern with a glowing pool and major cryptid energy. The cave itself is just a quick 100ft stroll from the parking lot. 

Sand Caves – Hike

On paper, the Sand Caves are an easy hike. Real chill. Barely a quarter mile. Slight incline. Big payoff. But here’s the thing: that “easy” label? It doesn’t account for loose sand on top of sandstone, sudden height awareness, or the deep existential panic that kicks in halfway up the slope when your brain suddenly decides you’re bad at walking.

We’re not saying it’s hard. We’re saying your legs might betray you and your confidence might fall off the ledge before you do. For me mid-trail top of the sand stone is where it kicked in. On a slope that toddlers were conquering barefoot. Love that for me. But if you survive the very short climb, you get weird man-made caves with soft light, sculpted sandstone walls, and just enough “danger” to feel like you earned it. So for now, all I’ve got is a proud little photo of the outside of the caves—a visual receipt that yes, I was there. I didn’t make it inside, but I absolutely made it to it, which still counts in whatever emotional damage math this hike runs on.

Hike Info:

• Location: 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah on US-89. Look for the sign for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the designated parking area.
• Accessibility: The caves are visible from Highway 89. There’s a designated parking lot accessible from the highway.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The hike to the caves is short, about 0.5 miles round trip, but involves a scramble up a slick sandstone wall.
• Trail: The trail is generally easy, but the final ascent to the caves can be steep and sandy.

Belly of the Dragon

If you’re expecting ancient legends, glowing cave walls, or a fire-breathing vibe… temper those expectations immediately. Belly of the Dragon sounds like a mythical experience. In reality? It’s a drainage tunnel that goes under the highway. That’s it. That’s the dragon.

BUT—before you roll your eyes too hard—this random little pit stop does have a few things going for it. It’s right off the road, takes maybe 15 minutes total, and somehow still manages to look cool in photos thanks to the carved-out ripples in the tunnel walls. Dramatic lighting helps. So does pretending you’re on a secret mission.

If you’re already cruising past it on Highway 89, it’s worth the weird detour. Just know going in: this dragon won’t bite… but it might echo when you shout something dumb inside.

• The trailhead is easily accessible from Highway 89 and Elephant Gap Rd37°12’41.8″N 112°41’06.7″W
• There’s a 4-5 foot drop into the tunnel’s entrance, requiring a little rock scrambling.

• The hike through the tunnel is short and easy, taking approximately 15-30 minutes round trip.
• The tunnel floor is rocky and uneven, so watch your footing.
• Bring a flashlight or use your phone’s light, especially in the darker sections of the tunnel.
• You can continue exploring beyond the tunnel in the wash, though the trail eventually ends at a rock wall. You can hike up to 4 miles to a slot canyon if you wish. 
• Safety: Do not enter the tunnel during rainy or snowy conditions, as it is a drainage tunnel and susceptible to flash floods.