Moqui Cave in Utah

During our trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park this summer we decided to make a quick stop at a quirky little tourist spot called Moqui Cave. Moqui Cave is actually three small rooms made into a natural history museum about life in southern Utah and houses all sorts of interesting things such as Native American artifacts, rocks and fossils, fluorescent minerals and rocks from around the world, and even a large display of dinosaur tracks! Thinking that it might be a cheesy tourist trap, we were surprised to find it quite fascinating.

Ancient Native American Artifacts

Also on display is a surprisingly large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico and more than 1,000 arrowheads. The museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts found in Southern Utah and the surrounding areas. These remnants are from the ancient civilizations that inhabited the southwest around 1,200 years ago. There are centuries-old ceremonial pots, jugs, bowls, and working tools that provide some anthropological clues into the early lives of the Anasazi and Navajo Indians. There are Moqui artifacts, wood carvings, neon paintings, and even Steelers memorabilia. Not sure what the Steelers have to do with Indians though.

Dinosaur Tracks

Inside there are over 180 dinosaur tracks, most of which were found within a 10-15 mile radius of Moqui Cave. All have been classified by world-renowned Paleontologist, Jim Jenson.

Flourescent Minerals

200 feet inside the cave there is one of the largest fluorescent mineral displays in the United States. They have the display under an ultraviolet light, which makes the minerals glow in astonishingly bright colors.

History of Moqui Cave

We also learned of more recent history from the collection of records relating to the original United Order and the early day communal system proposed by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The word Moqui is an ancient term, and is now commonly used to refer to the Hopi tribe of Native Americans that inhabited the region which now includes parts of Arizona and Utah.

Originally a Saloon

The late Garth and Laura Chamberlain purchased the cave in 1951 and turned it into Southern Utah’s first dance hall and bar. During the week, patrons could grab a bite to eat and something cool to drink at their fully functional bar, and people enjoyed a live band on Friday and Saturday nights. Evidently, many early western movie stars frequented the establishment, and lots of movies were filmed in and around the place.

A museum was always in the back of their minds, as Garth studied Geology, Archaeology, and Paleontology. The exhibits on display are his personal findings after years of his studies and collecting. Most of the dinosaur tracks and fossils were found in the surrounding area, and their fluorescent mineral displays is one of the largest in the U.S. 

Gift Shop

Moqui Cave also has a gift/rock shop where visitors can purchase items such as Native American arts and crafts, rugs, pottery, and turquoise. The rock shop has a wide variety of fossils, rocks, and minerals found locally and throughout the world.  Both the museum and the gift shop are open during the summer season from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday.

Snack Shop

There was also a cool little eatery at the entrance with good looking food (we didn’t try any of the food, so I can’t tell you what it tasted like). You can sit outside at picnic tables in the shade and enjoy the weather.

Guided Tours

Owned and operated by the Chamberlain family for over 50 years, the late Lex Chamberlain currently served as a tour guide for the cave. He told stories and shared historical accounts designed to familiarize visitors with the experience of the inhabitants of southern Utah. His granddaughter runs it now, and as you can see from my video of her giving the tour she is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Location & Admission Fee

Moqui Cave is located on scenic Highway 89, just 5.5 miles north of Kanab, and less than one mile from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. There is a large parking area that can easily accommodate RVs or buses. At the time we went (July 2020) the admission fee was $7 per adult.