A short scramble to wind-carved sandstone caves on Kanab's edge
The Sand Caves are one of Kanab's best-known short hikes, a set of wind-carved sandstone alcoves tucked into the cliffs on the edge of town. It's an easy walk in across flat ground before the trail turns into a scramble up a sloped, sandy rock face to reach the cave openings — grippy shoes make a real difference here. The caves themselves are roomy, sand-floored chambers with views out over the trees below, plus a darker back section that's worth exploring with a flashlight.
Visitors consistently rate this a fun, low-effort stop with a genuine payoff — the trail is marked with white paw prints, making it easy to follow even for first-timers. It's earned a 4.7 rating across more than 1,000 reviews, with families and hikers alike calling it a highlight of a Kanab visit. Note that generations of visitors have carved their names into the soft sandstone, so don't expect pristine, untouched walls — just a genuinely cool, easy-to-reach formation worth the short detour.
1,064 reviews
a month ago
This is a great little spot outside Kanab. A relatively short and not too difficult hike, about 1.5 miles round trip (out-and-back) and 100ft of elevation gain. It is a great warm-up and introductory hike for those visiting the national parks and other more intense hikes in the area. 5/5 recommended!
4 months ago
These sand caves were very worth the climb. First, you have to take a short walk through a flat area. After that, you have to climb. Follow the white paw prints for the easiest route. Bring good hiking shoes with grip because you will be climbing up. The caves are at the end of the trail and they are big with sand on the bottom. There are openings with a view of the trees on the other side that is great for photos. Deeper in, there is a dark area. If you want to explore it, bring a flashlight. It is 1.5 miles round and is a good stop if you want to see something unique and cool. Would go again.
7 months ago
This was one of the best hikes I've ever been on. It's very easy and perfect for kids and dogs. There are blue clues paw prints that help guide you to the canes when climbing up the sandy rocks. The caves look like little rooms and the sandstone is easy to carve your name into. Its sand so it's not graffiti that would ruin the beauty for others. It's actually amazing seeing all the names that were written in the stone. Of course we participated in that. Free parking, free to hike, dog friendly, absolutely recommend. We visited in February and the walk up was just wet study clay. Not sandy until you reach the caves.
2 months ago
We went Jul3rd. It was nice views. The trail starts off with a short walk through the sand and then short climb to the caves. The caves offer great views. There was no wait and not crowded. No need to buy tickets. No parking fees. There is a nice food area by the shop and the roam tour.
3 months ago
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.