Belly of the Dragon Tunnel Hike (Kanab, Utah) – Easy Family Adventure Near Zion
- Aug 15
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 16
A short walk through a man-made sandstone tunnel is the highlight of this unique, family-friendly trail located just 20 miles east of Zion National Park.
***UPDATED AUGUST 13, 2025
Known locally as the Belly of the Dragon, this cave-like tunnel was originally built as a water culvert beneath Highway 89 — and has become one of Southern Utah’s most fun and easy roadside adventures. As a local, it’s a stop I make often with friends and family when we’re passing through Kanab or Orderville, and it never gets old.
What is Belly of the Dragon
Carved originally as a drainage tunnel beneath Highway 89, the Belly of the Dragon has become a quirky roadside hike and photography hotspot. Over the years, flash floods have smoothed and rippled the sandstone walls into shapes that look like scales — giving the tunnel its whimsical name.
Unlike many slot canyons in Southern Utah, this one doesn’t require ropes, long hikes, or technical skills. Instead, you get a short, atmospheric walk through a cool, shaded tunnel that opens into a sandy wash surrounded by desert views.
This is the perfect adventure when visiting Kanab, Zion National Park, Orderville, or Bryce Canyon.
If you are visiting Zion National Park and heading to Bryce Canyon it is only a 5 minute detour to visit Belly of the Dragon. Also check out MOQUI CAVERNS/KANAB SAND CAVES for another fun detour.
LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE
Belly of the Dragon is located just 16 miles north of Kanab, Utah, or 14 miles east of Zion National Park’s east entrance.
From Kanab:
Head north on US-89 for about 16 miles.
Look for a small dirt pullout on the west side of the highway just before the Mount Carmel Junction.
You’ll see a culvert entrance under the road — that’s the start of the hike.
GPS Coordinates: 37.2406° N, 112.6864° W
You can also type Belly of the Dragon into Google Maps
Parking: There’s a small dirt lot and a decent about of parking. It’s free, but there are no restrooms or amenities.
LENGTH
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy, with one short scrambleTime Needed: 15–20 minutes (plus photo stops)
Elevation Change: Minimal
The Belly of the Dragon trail is short and beginner-friendly, making it a great stop for families, photographers, or anyone who wants a quick adventure on their Southern Utah road trip.
The only slightly tricky part is the 4–5 foot drop from the parking area into the tunnel entrance. Most adults can step or scramble down easily, but young kids might need a hand or a quick boost. Once inside, the tunnel is tall enough for most adults to stand comfortably, though the floor is uneven in places.
LOCATION
Located 16 miles north of Kanab or 1/2 mile south of Carmel Junction along HWY89. The dirt road is on the west side of the road between two guard rails. Drive a well-maintained dirt road 1/4 a mile to a small parking area on the left. Click here for map and directions.
TRAIL DETAILS
From the parking area, a short walk on a dirt road will take you to the tunnel. A quick climb down a 5-foot drop (kiddos will need a little help here) and you will be at the entrance to the tunnel. The tunnel is short so spend some time exploring and checking it out.
Depending on the time of day and how light it is outside you will most likely need some extra light in the tunnel so that you don't trip on the rocky, uneven floor. Past the tunnel, you will hike through a wash until you reach a dead end.
Once out of the tunnel you will continue along the dry bed 1/4 of a mile. The rock wall at the end is interesting and this is a great spot to stop for a snack break, have a picnic, or let the kids run around.
BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT
For photography, mid-morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic light, when the sun is low enough to send golden beams into the tunnel.If you want to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on a weekday. Because it’s quick and easy, this spot can get busy in the middle of the day during peak season.
INSIDE THE TUNNEL
Once you drop into the tunnel, you’re immediately surrounded by warm, curved sandstone walls shaped by years of water flow. The light changes as you walk, shifting from shadowy cool tones near the entrance to glowing orange and gold where sunlight filters in.
The tunnel is about 100 yards long and opens into a sandy wash on the far side. You can continue exploring the wash for a short distance, but most people turn back after emerging to take more photos from the inside looking out.
Photography Tips:
Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you want to capture detail in the darker sections.
Use the tunnel walls to frame your shots — silhouettes against the light at either end can be stunning.
A tripod can help in low-light, but the space is narrow, so be courteous to other hikers.
Safety & Planning Tips
While Belly of the Dragon is short and easy, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your visit safe and enjoyable:
Avoid visiting during or right after rain. The tunnel acts as a drainage culvert for the highway, and flash flooding is a real risk.
There is no cost of fees to hike the tunnel
Wear sturdy shoes. The tunnel floor can be uneven, rocky, and sandy.
Bring a light. A flashlight or headlamp helps navigate the darker middle section.
Mind the drop at the entrance. Kids may need assistance, especially on the way down.
No facilities on site. Use restrooms in Kanab or Mount Carmel Junction before arriving.
Please be respectful and DO NOT add to the carvings in the sandstone walls. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it!
If you want to make a full day out of it… here are two nearby towns worth stopping in....
Explore Orderville, Utah — Your Nearby Adventure Hub
Just a short drive from the Belly of the Dragon, Orderville, Utah, is a peaceful and picturesque small town nestled between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon — the perfect base for a quick getaway in southern Utah.
Quick Nearby Attractions
Red Canyon – A short and scenic slot canyon hike right in town (under 1 mile), perfect for families. You can also explore it by horseback with guided options available.
Rock Shops – Browse local gem and rock collections at charming shops like The Rock Stop and Orderville Mine. Treat yourself with coffee and ice cream at the same time.
Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum – A peaceful, self-guided museum walking tour through the preserved home and studio of famed Western artist Maynard Dixon, free for kids under.
The Shop Coffee Co. – A local favorite for excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and locally crafted gifts — ideal for a sweet mid-adventure pick-me-up.
Explore Kanab, Utah — Nearby Adventure Hub
Just a short drive south of Belly of the Dragon, Kanab, Utah is one of my favorite small-town base camps for exploring Southern Utah. With easy access to both Zion and Bryce Canyon, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch, stretch your legs, or turn your visit into a full day of adventure.
Quick Nearby Attractions
Sand Caves – A short scramble leads to man-made sandstone caves with epic views just outside Kanab.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – The largest animal sanctuary in the U.S., offering tours, scenic drives, and a fun “angel village café” (it’s a great stop with kids).
Brown Box Kanab – A delicious local spot serving fresh salads, the worlds best grilled cheese sandwiches, baked goods & ice cream— perfect for a post-hike lunch.
Squaw Trail – A short but rewarding hike right from town that climbs above Kanab and offers awesome red rock views without needing to drive anywhere.
Pro tip: combine Belly of the Dragon + Sand Caves + Brown Box lunch for an easy and super fun half-day road trip from Zion.
Visiting the Belly of the Dragon is quick, easy, and unforgettable — the perfect roadside adventure between some of Southern Utah’s biggest parks. If you’re planning a trip to the area, check out my [Zion National Park Guide] for insider tips, hidden gems, and must-do adventures to make the most of your vacation.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
