Belly of the Dragon

Belly of the Dragon ranks among Southern Utah's most photographed and visited free roadside attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year who travel Highway 89 between Kanab and Mount Carmel Junction. This unique geological feature sits just minutes from the east entrance to Zion National Park, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the region's spectacular canyon country.

What Is the Belly of the Dragon?

The Belly of the Dragon is a massive concrete culvert tunnel that passes beneath Highway 89, originally built for water drainage. The tunnel stretches approximately 200 feet in length and stands tall enough for adults to walk through comfortably. As visitors pass through the dark interior, they emerge into a breathtaking sandstone wash framed by towering red rock walls. The dramatic contrast between the dark tunnel and the sunlit canyon beyond creates one of Southern Utah's most iconic photo opportunities.

Location and Directions

The Belly of the Dragon is located along Highway 89, approximately 7.5 miles east of Kanab, Utah, near mile marker 52. Visitors traveling from St. George can reach the site in approximately 90 minutes via Interstate 15 and Highway 9 through Zion National Park, or via Highway 59 through Hurricane and Hildale. From Cedar City, the drive takes roughly two hours. A small pulloff area on the south side of Highway 89 provides parking, and the tunnel entrance is visible just below the highway grade.

Visiting Tips and What to Expect

The Belly of the Dragon is completely free to visit with no permits required, making it an ideal stop during any Southern Utah road trip. The walk through the tunnel takes only five to ten minutes, though many visitors spend additional time exploring the sandstone wash beyond. A flashlight or phone light helps navigate the darkest section of the tunnel. The site is best visited during daylight hours when the emerging canyon is brilliantly illuminated by natural light. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the tunnel floor can be uneven, and the wash beyond may contain loose sand and rocks.

Nearby Attractions

The Belly of the Dragon sits in a corridor rich with Southern Utah destinations. Zion National Park's east entrance at the Mount Carmel Highway is just minutes away, while Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park lies 20 minutes to the south. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, the Moqui Cave, and the stunning White Pocket formation in the Vermilion Cliffs are all within easy driving distance. Many visitors combine a Belly of the Dragon stop with a full day exploring the Kanab area's extraordinary landscape.

Photography and Best Times to Visit

Photographers favor mid-morning to early afternoon visits when sunlight streams into the canyon wash beyond the tunnel, creating dramatic lighting contrasts. The site is accessible year-round, though summer temperatures in the Kanab area regularly exceed 100 degrees. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions with mild temperatures and excellent light quality for photography.