Attractions & Parks

Belly of the Dragon

Point of Interest in Kanab / Mt. Carmel Junction. A man-made water culvert under US-89 that erosion has sculpted into a wavy, rib-walled tunnel resembling the inside of a dragon.

A man-made water culvert under US-89 that erosion has sculpted into a wavy, rib-walled tunnel resembling the inside of a dragon. The short walk-through 'slot canyon' glows amber when light bounces in, making it a five-minute stop that photographs like a backcountry canyon.

Details
CategoryPoint of Interest
Nearest townKanab / Mt. Carmel Junction
Top activitiesWalking the sculpted tunnel (about 100 yards), Photography of the light and rock texture, Continuing up the sandy wash beyond the tunnel
Best time to visitYear-round; midday light reaches deepest into the tunnel. Avoid during rain — it is an active drainage and can flood.
Entrance feeFree
PermitsNone. Short graded dirt spur off US-89 about 16 miles north of Kanab near Mt. Carmel Junction; passenger-car friendly when dry. Never enter during flash flood risk.

Visitor tip: There's a short ladder/step down at the entrance and the floor can hold puddles after storms — bring a flashlight for the middle section and skip it entirely if rain threatens.

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