Moqui Sand Caves

Moqui Caverns - Sand Caves


Useful Information

Location: 9 km north of Kanab on road 89. Half way between Angel Canyon Rd turnoff and Moqui Cave.
(37.11653115605781, -112.56029290850113)
Open: no restrictions.
[2020]
Fee: free.
[2020]
Classification: SubterraneaRock Mines
Light: bring torch
Dimension:  
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Moqui Sand Caves
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1972 cave excavated for the mining of sand for glass production.

Geology


Description

Moqui Sand Caves, also Moqui Caverns or Sand Caves, are actually a single huge rectangular passage with multiple openings. The multiple openings are probably the reason for the plural, as there is actually only one passage. It is quite young, was excavated in 1972 to mine silica rich sand for glass production. The floor is still covered by a thick layer of white sand. It seems the glass making was popular only for a short time and the site was soon abandoned. Later locals started to scratch names and more or less artistic pictures into the soft sandstone.

The place became popular when people posted pictures of the entrances on instagram and pinterest. The caves face west and in the afternoon until sunset the sun shines into the openings. This makes the pictures quite unique. So we recommend to visit the caves in the afternoon. There are pull outs along the road where you can park. A short hike uphill to the caves requires good walking shoes. The cave itself is level and quite easy to visit.