Hiking Belly Of The Dragon - Outside Kanab, UT
A short walk through a manmade tunnel is the highlight of this unique, family-friendly trail located just 20 miles east of Zion National Park. The cave-like tunnel/Belly of the Dragon was originally created as a water culvert under HWY89.
Over time drainage from upper canyon water flow has carved the sandstone walls and created a beautiful rippling tunnel prime for exploring. This is such a great adventure with kids so bring the whole family and have some fun!
This is the perfect adventure when visiting Kanab, Zion National Park, Orderville, or Bryce Canyon.
If you are staying in Kanab and heading to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon this is a great stop to do on your way to or from.
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.
LENGTH
This is super short .5 mile round trip hike.
DIFFICULTY
This an easy, family-friendly hike. A 5 foot drop down to the tunnel in the very beginning is the hardest part of the trail. There is no elevation gain but the floor of the tunnel is rocky and uneven so make sure to bring a flashlight or use your cell phone to shine some light in the middle of the tunnel so that no one trips.
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.
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. Scroll down for tips and additional information.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Hardest part of the hike
GOOD TO KNOW:
No bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead.
FAVORITE LODGING IN ZION - CLICK FOR MORE INFO
TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
There is no cost or fees to hike the tunnel
Since this is a drainage tunnel be cautious and do not enter under rainy conditions. You never know how much water could be coming from the canyons above.
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!
To get the best light in the tunnel go in the early afternoon.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
