As this goes to press, it is relatively difficult to get a permit to hike here. Nevertheless, it is worth the effort. At press time, it involves a lottery, so if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again every day you’re there in Kanab. Worse comes to worst, even if you don’t score a permit, there are a number of different noteworthy excursions in this area. Be aware that if you do garner a hiking permit, the permit will be for the following day, so you need to plan your visit accordingly.
Seeing this attraction is a quick, fun trip that veteran visitors confirm is “perfect” for one of those hot summer days. Not only can you actually see this popular tunnel from the actual parking lot, but the hike through the actual tunnel is easy and short too. On the other hand, if you’re up for a longer hike, you can extend your hike by roughly four miles by hiking through the wash as well.
You will, however, need headlamps if you decide to venture into the cave in the evening. It’s actually more challenging in the dark. One final tip: don’t plan on doing this hike if it is at all rainy because the tunnel serves as a water drain for the upper canyons here.