The entrance
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Moqui Cave

4.2
·2k reviews·Kanab, United States

A historic sandstone cave housing an eclectic museum of artifacts, glowing rocks, and a 1950s bar.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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The entrance

Moqui Cave

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic sandstone cave housing an eclectic museum of artifacts, glowing rocks, and a 1950s bar.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Quirky, historical, and fun - Moqui Cave is a must-see with a unique collection that delights visitors."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Admission Fee is Worth It

Many visitors find the $7 admission fee well worth it for the unique museum collection and historical insights.

🚗 Parking & Trail Access

Park at the turn-off for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; the caves are visible from the road. A short, moderate hike up a sloped cliff leads to the entrance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Museum Collection

The Museum Collection

Inside the cave

Discover dinosaur tracks, ancient artifacts, and naturally glowing rocks. A truly unique historical and geological display.

Sandstone Formations

Sandstone Formations

Cave interior

Marvel at the natural erosion patterns and the way light filters through the sandstone, creating a magical atmosphere.

Historic Bar

Historic Bar

Inside the cave

See a preserved bar from the 1950s, adding a quirky, speakeasy-era charm to the cave's history.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Graffiti

While Moqui Cave is a unique spot, it can get crowded and has seen some graffiti. Visiting on a weekday, especially outside peak season, can offer a more serene experience. Early mornings or late afternoons might also help you avoid the midday rush and catch the best light for photos. TikTok

Understand the 'Cave' Experience

Moqui Cave is more than just a natural formation; it's a historical site and a museum. While the natural sandstone erosion is impressive, the real draw for many is the eclectic collection of artifacts, glowing rocks, and historical displays inside. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour photography
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season
Why
Quieter, less graffiti
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Moqui Caverns, Kanab, Utah📍 How did we get so lucky to have this place to ourselves?!😍❤️ #moquicaverns#kanab#utah#kanabutah#nature#naturetiktok#travel#traveltiktok#redrock#southernutah#explore#exploreutah#adventure#adventureutah#fyp#foryourpage#beautiful#serene#sunshine#blueskies#utahcheck#sandcaves
@mlovvely
7.3K likes • 91.5K views

🎯 Admission Fee is Worth It

Many visitors find the $7 admission fee well worth it for the unique museum collection and historical insights. Reddit

🚗 Parking & Trail Access

Park at the turn-off for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; the caves are visible from the road. A short, moderate hike up a sloped cliff leads to the entrance. Instagram+1

I was pleasantly surprised by the sand caves! When I was doing research for Kanab, many of the reviews talked about how busy the caves are, and how they are covered in graffiti. We went on a weekday and there were definitely other people there, but we didn’t have to wait in line or anything. As for the graffiti, they have been heavily vandalized, but I was expecting spray paint. People have carved...
@couple_on_a_hike
2.5K likes • 46.5K views
Moqui Caverns near Zion National Park and Kanab, Utah is a quick and breathtaking stop to add to your next road trip! From Kanab, the caverns are located 5.7 miles north on Highway 89. From the parking area, it’s a short hike of only about a quarter mile up to the caves. You’ll have to hike up a sloped band of cliffs to reach the caves, some will find this to be easy, but the slope can be unne...
realparklife
0 likes • 8.1K views

📸 Capture the Light

The cave photography, especially at sunset, is described as gorgeous. Plan your visit to catch the best natural light. TikTok

☕ Grab a Bite Nearby

A 'Cave Cafe' food truck with picnic tables is located next door, offering coffee and paninis. TikTok

🏞️ Let’s explore 5 incredible places near Kanab, Utah, that will leave you speechless 😲⁣ ⁣ ✨ Sand Caves (Moqui Cave):⁣ - Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip⁣ - Difficulty: Moderate⁣ - Location: from Kanab, 6 miles north on Highway 89 ⁣ - Important to know: Prepare for some light scrambling to see these unique sandstone formations. ⁣ ⁣ ✨ Great Chamber:⁣ - Distance: Less than a mile⁣ - Difficulty: Moderat...
hello_vikka
3.9K likes • 272.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Admission Fee is Worth It

Many visitors find the $7 admission fee well worth it for the unique museum collection and historical insights. Reddit

🚗 Parking & Trail Access

Park at the turn-off for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; the caves are visible from the road. A short, moderate hike up a sloped cliff leads to the entrance. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Light

The cave photography, especially at sunset, is described as gorgeous. Plan your visit to catch the best natural light. TikTok

☕ Grab a Bite Nearby

A 'Cave Cafe' food truck with picnic tables is located next door, offering coffee and paninis. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Thoroughly

Take your time inside; there's a lot to see. Double back as you might miss something on your first pass. Reddit

⚠️ Watch for Drop-offs

While family-friendly, be aware of sheer drop-offs inside and around the cave. Keep a close eye on children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find Moqui Cave to be a worthwhile and unique stop, praising its eclectic museum collection, historical significance, and the natural beauty of the sandstone formations. While some note it can be touristy and has experienced graffiti, the affordable admission and engaging exhibits make it a memorable experience for many.

"This place was a not to miss stop. Best gift shop in town. The history and the space was incredible. Took very good care of us. Worth every penny of the admission. Grabbed a cold drink there like John Wayne. Bought a couple of rocks. Highly recomend."

Karen Phillips

"Cool little shop and historic feature. Dinosaur prints, fossils, rock collections, old money from around the world. Overall inexpensive neat little place to have a quick rest and maybe lunch."

Joshua Watson

"Eclectic and disheveled is how I would sum it up. There's a little bit of this here, little bit of that there, and it all adds up for a delightful stop. Touristy? Sure, ig. But there is a bit of rich history and lore here as well. Take your time and read the stuff and look around. Double back as you may miss something on your first pass. A lot of geology throughout. Some Mormon stuff in the pictures by the gift shop. Yes, there is a large gift shop."

Kevin Werner

What People Like

Unique museum collection
Historical artifacts
Natural sandstone beauty

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Graffiti present

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moqui Cave is located about 5-6 miles north of Kanab, Utah, directly off Highway 89. Look for the turn-off near the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary sign. The caves are visible from the road. Instagram+1

Yes, there is paved parking available at the turn-off for Moqui Cave. Instagram

While the caves are visible from Highway 89, some visitors have noted a struggle in finding the exact trailhead and parking. Keep an eye out for signs. TikTok

Yes, Moqui Cave is about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a feasible stop on a Southwest road trip. Instagram

The hike is generally described as short (about a quarter-mile) and moderate, involving a scramble up a sloped band of sandstone cliffs to reach the cave entrance. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission cost is typically around $7 per person, which many visitors find to be a good value for the experience and the museum's collection. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Moqui Cave. You can pay the admission fee upon arrival. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Many visitors report it being open when they arrive, especially during tourist seasons. TikTok

No, Moqui Cave has an admission fee, typically around $7 per person, to access the museum and its collections. Instagram

It's a museum located inside the cave, featuring a collection of dinosaur tracks, Native American artifacts, glowing rocks, and historical items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

The natural light filtering through the sandstone formations and the unique museum exhibits offer great photo opportunities. Sunset is particularly recommended for its gorgeous light. TikTok

The cave itself is a natural sandstone erosion cave. However, it has been adapted to house a museum and gift shop, and its history includes use as a speakeasy and sand mining operation. TikTokInstagram

The cave houses a diverse collection including dinosaur tracks, mammoth teeth, shark teeth, Native American artifacts, and a collection of naturally glowing rocks. Reddit

Yes, Moqui Cave is considered family-friendly, but parents should be mindful of sheer drop-offs inside and around the cave. Instagram+1

Historically, it's believed to have been used by Anasazi people, later served as a speakeasy in the 1920s, and was a sand mining operation. It now functions as a museum. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Moqui Cave itself is a museum and gift shop, there is a 'Cave Cafe' food truck with picnic tables located right next door, offering coffee and food items. TikTok

Yes, there are picnic tables available next to the 'Cave Cafe' food truck, making it a good spot for a casual meal. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moqui Cave offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The museum inside is packed with fascinating items like dinosaur tracks and glowing rocks that will capture children's imaginations. Reddit The short hike up to the cave is manageable for most kids, though parents should be extra vigilant due to sheer drop-offs inside and around the cave. Instagram+1 The nearby 'Cave Cafe' food truck provides a convenient spot for snacks or a casual lunch with picnic tables. TikTok

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Moqui Cave is an ideal quick stop for those on a road trip through Southern Utah. Located just off Highway 89, it's easily accessible and doesn't require a significant time commitment. Instagram+1 The combination of a short hike, a unique museum, and nearby amenities like the 'Cave Cafe' makes it a perfect place to stretch your legs and break up a long drive. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Moqui Cave offers a unique blend of natural light play within the sandstone formations and intriguing indoor subjects. TikTok Visiting during the late afternoon or sunset can yield dramatic lighting effects within the cave. TikTok The eclectic museum exhibits also provide interesting compositional opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the artifacts and other visitors while capturing your shots. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Museum Experience

Moqui Cave is far more than just a natural hole in the rock; it's a fascinating, albeit eclectic, museum. Visitors rave about the diverse collection, which includes genuine dinosaur tracks and imprints, mammoth teeth, shark teeth, and various Native American artifacts. Reddit The collection of naturally glowing rocks, particularly those containing uranium, is a standout feature that even impresses those not typically interested in minerals. Reddit The presence of a preserved 1950s bar adds a quirky, speakeasy-era charm, hinting at the cave's past as a clandestine drinking spot during Prohibition. TikTokInstagram

Reviewers often describe the museum as 'quirky,' 'eclectic,' and 'disheveled,' but in a way that adds to its charm and makes for a delightful stop. Reddit The enthusiastic staff and ownership contribute to the unique atmosphere, making it a must-see for those exploring the Kanab area. Reddit It's recommended to take your time and explore thoroughly, as you might miss something on a quick first pass. Reddit

Navigating the Hike and Access

The journey to Moqui Cave involves a short, moderate hike. After parking at the designated area (often near the turn-off for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary), you'll embark on a hike of about a quarter-mile. Instagram+1 This trail involves a scramble up a sloped band of sandstone cliffs, which some visitors find a bit challenging but manageable. Instagram The caves themselves are visible from Highway 89, making them relatively easy to spot once you're in the vicinity. Instagram

While the hike is generally considered accessible, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. There are sheer drop-offs within and around the cave, so extra caution is advised, especially for families with young children. Instagram The effort is rewarded with unique geological formations and the intriguing museum inside. TikTok

Moqui Cave's Historical Significance

Moqui Cave boasts a rich and varied history that predates its current museum status. Archaeological evidence suggests it was utilized by the ancient Anasazi people, likely as a shelter or food storage site. Instagram Later, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, the cave gained notoriety as a speakeasy, a clandestine spot for patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages. TikTokInstagram In the mid-20th century, it was also involved in sand mining operations. TikTok

Today, this historical depth is preserved within the cave's museum, which showcases artifacts from these different eras. Reddit The blend of natural wonder, ancient history, and more recent quirky past makes Moqui Cave a compelling stop for travelers interested in more than just scenic landscapes. Reddit

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