Sand Caves

Best Time to Visit Sand Caves

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.

Trail Tips for Sand Caves

• Footwear with firm rubber grip is the most important gear decision for this trail — the sandstone surface on the upper scramble is loose and sandy, and thin-soled or smooth shoes lose traction quickly.
• Recent rain actually helps compact the sandy lower trail, but can make the rock surface above less reliable; check conditions before deciding whether to attempt the scramble after precipitation.
• The scramble requires hands and feet in some sections — dress in clothes that can handle contact with the rock surface, and keep packs light enough that you're not fighting your gear on the climb.
• Carry water even on this short outing; the Kanab area desert heat accumulates quickly on exposed terrain, and the effort of the scramble is higher than the overall distance suggests.

Getting There

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.

What to Expect on Sand Caves

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.