Overview

Hype:

In 1914, Freddie Crystal rode in to Kanab with a map that indicated that Montezuma had secreted his treasures to a cave in this canyon. Locals pitched tents and began digging. They discovered multiple chambers, side passages, artifacts and petroglyphs but alas, no gold in those White Cliffs. Today, explorers with four-wheel drive and a bit of determination can visit this small cave/mine and explore several passages.

Cave Type: Horizontal

Time: 1 hour

Length: 100 ft

Depth: 20 ft

Gear: Headlamp

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Permits: Open

Links: https://visitsouthernutah.com/blog/the-wild-100-year-search-for-montezumas-treasure-in-kanab-utah/

Route

Approach

From the parking area, head northwest to get around the gully then turn north and go straight up the rock slope to the base of the cliff. 

Cave/Mine

The cave/mine has several passageways that require belly crawling and 3 pits that can be dropped. The main passage is big enough to walk through.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Kanab, Utah

Coordinates: 37.214102, -112.347109

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

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Printable Maps

April 8, 2021 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Greg Dye, Marci Parker, Shawn Parker, Callie Parker, Wade Parker, Aria Parker, Lillian Parker,

Logistics

Start: 11:45

End: 1:00

Story

This was one of my favorite activities and the favorite for others as well. We all explored the main passage, but only Tara, Savannah, Madi, Marci, and I explored the passage that went to the right. Then Tara, Savannah, and I were the only ones that explored the connecting passage that ended at the pit. We got really dirty and had a great time!

Pictures