Who can resist a hike into the belly of a dragon? This is more a tourist attraction than an actual hike for the majority who pause along Highway 89 to check it out. If you and your crew are only interested in the “belly,” this can be a 30 minute scenic detour. If you would like a longer adventure, the trail does extend beyond the tunnel for just under two miles out and back. Most people check out the tunnel and move on to their next destination. Belly of the Dragon can easily be done on the way to/from Zion for anyone staying in Kanab. When you get home, your kids will enjoy telling everyone they went into the belly of a dragon when hiking in UT!

If you are simply stopping to see the tunnel, you will not need much more than appropriate footwear and a light source. Appropriate footwear includes: hiking boots, trail shoes, tennis shoes, Tevas, Keenes, or Chacos. Basically, any shoe that can handle loose sand and uneven rocky surfaces while protecting your feet. We always carry water bottles in the desert no matter how short the hike, so I would recommend a water bottle as well.

A headlamp or light source is helpful on this hike as the tunnel is rocky and dark. You can use the flashlight on your phone, but a headlamp leaves hands free and is easier to use. The tunnel is accessed by clambering down a 5ft concrete embankment which means older adults and young children may need assistance. Our golden retriever was able to hop down and scramble back up by himself. Once in the tunnel, watch your footing while you make your way under Highway 89. This tunnel is actually used for drainage, and you can see the ripples in the stone walls from years of water wearing down the rock. Please resist the urge to add to the graffiti and markings. It is disappointing to see so many permanent markings on this hike.

• Belly of the Dragon is 1/2 mile outside of Carmel Junction, UT on HWY 89.
• Belly of the Dragon hike is 16 miles north of Kanab, UT on HWY 89.
• Access the parking area by turning onto Elephant Gap Rd which is a dirt road found between two guardrails off HWY 89. Drive 1/3 of a mile to the parking lot.
• The gravel parking area can accommodate many cars and, if the lot happens to be full, it would be short wait to find a space. This is a very quick “hike.”
• There are no restroom or water facilities.

For your convenience, I have a single page printable with all this information available in one concise spot. Save the Belly of the Dragon Adventure Guide to your files for easy digital access or print and take with you. Enjoy!