Top-of-the-line straightforward hikes in Kanab is the Sand Caves Path, a brief, straightforward journey good for households, mixing scenic desert views with a touch of human historical past. The path begins in tender sand, winds via a slender wash, and rises gently alongside the bottom of sandstone cliffs. The caves themselves, carved within the Seventies for silica mining, function window-like openings that body peaceable desert vistas. On a quiet morning, with daylight spilling throughout the valley, the hike presents a serene stroll and a glimpse into the realm’s distinctive previous simply minutes from downtown Kanab.
Trailhead elevation 5,203′
Do not miss climbing the path at dawn
Climbing the Sand Caves Path
It’s our first morning again in Kanab, and whereas Dad takes it straightforward within the cabin, I head out to hike the Sand Caves Path, generally known as Moqui Caves. Google Maps, true to type, drops me on the improper spot once more—an unmarked spot alongside US-89 about half a mile north of the place I needs to be. After backtracking to the right spot at 37.113148, -112.554899, I discover the correct trailhead and a large gravel lot beside the signal for Greatest Associates Animal Sanctuary. The solar is simply starting to mild up the west facet of the valley as I set off.
The path begins in tender sand earlier than dipping right into a shallow wash, the place dew-soaked vegetation brush towards me, soaking my shorts and hoodie as I cross. It is a beautiful morning, with temperatures within the low 60s and never one other individual round. Fortunate for me since this can be a very talked-about spot in Kanab.
A brief distance later, it climbs again out to a sandy path that traces the bottom of the cliffs. Quickly, I attain a marker pointing up the sandstone slope, white paw prints painted on the rock main the way in which.
The rain from final evening has left the usually grippy sandstone just a little slick, however after 100 toes I degree out on a flat part, looping again within the path I got here from. I think that these with a robust worry of heights would possibly discover the sloping sandstone a bit unsettling, however for many, it’s a stroll within the park. Forward, the caves become visible, their openings only a quick stroll away.
Inside, the sandy chambers stretch out with three window-like openings on the entrance and two extra additional on, searching over the freeway. Although they appear historical, these caves aren’t pure in any respect—they have been carved within the Seventies to mine silica-rich sand for glass manufacturing, chosen for the softness of the stone and the straightforward entry alongside the cliff face.
I make my method via the caves, strolling via sand not less than a foot deep, snapping a couple of images for Heather again dwelling earlier than launching my drone for photographs wanting again on the home windows. Stepping onto the sting of the southernmost cave—about 60 toes above the bottom—I can’t assist however surprise what number of mother and father have let their youngsters roam right here unattended.
I stick round simply lengthy sufficient to observe the morning solar spill throughout the far facet of the canyon earlier than heading again to the trailhead. By then—about thirty minutes previous dawn on a Friday—the lot is already beginning to fill, with a dozen or so vehicles parked alongside mine. The entire outing takes possibly half an hour, leaving me sufficient time to go to an outdated good friend: the Dinosaur Tracks Path a couple of miles to the south. After that it is a day of rappelling via Ladder Canyon up close to Orderville.
