99 Trip Reports for 99 Activities.
Morrison Knudsen Tunnels
Cave Type: HorizontalThe Morrison Knudsen Tunnels were part of a Cold War era program by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Army. The tunnels are Located in the Buckhorn Wash area of the Rafael Swell in Utah. The contractor Morrison-Knudsen built horizontal tunnels in the Navajo Sandstone beginning around 1948, with the purpose of studying underground structures and how explosives detonated on the surface affected them. The tests reportedly included multiple blasts, ranging from hundreds of pounds of explosive to up to 320,000 lbs in the largest detonation. The goal was to evaluate the effects of disturbances on underground structures for military-engineering purposes. Today, the site is accessible to view along Buckhorn Draw Road. There is a pull-out with an informational panel and a short walk to one of the tunnel entrances. The tunnel is gated for safety.
Buckhorn Cave5 minutes | Length: 20 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalBuckhorn Cave is a small sandstone cave located in the Buckhorn Draw within the San Rafael Swell of central Utah, between Green River and Emery. The walk to the cave is short (approximately 600 ft from the 2WD parking area or 100 ft from the 4WD road) and easy, making it suitable for visitors wanting a quick taste of canyon country archaeology and scenery. The most compelling aspect of Buckhorn Cave is not so much the cave itself but that the cave walls are coated in soot from old fires. The ceiling has been heavily vandalized with etchings and with chalk.
Sorrel Mule Mine
1 hour | Length: 2,000 ft | Depth: NegligibleCave Type: HorizontalThe Sorrel Mule Mine is an old copper mine located along the San Rafael River in the San Rafael Swell of central Utah. Access to the mine is via the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail. The mine is noted for its deep shaft, which is reported to go almost 2,000 feet into the rock. The mine is open to visitors and is quite cool compared to the outside, so a jacket is recommended. The mine shaft stays generally straight with only a couple forks. Although it is quite long, tt would be difficult to get lost inside.
Bower's Cave
1 hour | Length: 948 ft | Depth: NegligibleCave Type: HorizontalBower’s Cave is located near Duck Creek Village, Utah, on the Markagunt Plateau within Dixie National Forest. It is not a typical limestone cavern but a lava-tube style cave, formed when molten lava flowed, then drained, creating a hollow passage in the rock. The elevation is fairly high (around 7,000+ ft) so interior temperatures remain cool. Bower's Cave has a total of 948 feet of mapped passages. 
Sand Caves15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalSand Caves is a sandstone cave located about 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah along highway 89. Not to be confused with Moqui Cave, which is a paid attraction, the sand caves are free and wild. The man-made Sand Caves are a product of the short-lived sand mining industry in Kanab. The trail is less than a mile long round trip, and it can be slippery at times.
Roadside Cave
10 minutes | Length: 15 ft | Depth: 10 ftCave Type: HorizontalThis little cave doesn't even require a flashlight (although one is recommended) because it's so short. It has a couple of little rooms and is fun to play around in.
Springville Cave2-3 hours | Length: 350 ft | Depth: 60 ftCave Type: HorizontalThis cave is mostly horizontal for about 300 feet, at which point the only direction to go is up. Chimney up for about 20-30 feet then there is another horizontal passage. There's a really tight spot that blocks most cavers, but continuing through opens up to a room that splits off into a few different passages. All of them dead end relatively quickly except for one that goes straight up. Unfortunately the walls are too far apart for chimneying, and the rock is too slick to climb, so there may be more we don't know about.
St Anthony Ice Caves
1-2 hours | Length: not sure, probably a couple thousand feet | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe ice caves north of Rexburg, Idaho, are a fascinating natural wonder that offers a cool and refreshing escape, especially during the summer months. These caves are nestled in the hillside and feature ice formations that persist year-round due to the unique volcanic terrain. One of the highlights of the cave is the "ice hill" at the back, which visitors can slide down for a fun and thrilling experience. The caves are easily accessible with a short hike and provide a great opportunity for exploration and photography. With their cool temperatures and natural beauty, the ice caves are a must-visit for adventurers seeking something a bit different in Idaho’s outdoor offerings.
St Anthony Ice Caves1-2 hours | Length: not sure, probably a couple thousand feet | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe ice caves north of Rexburg, Idaho, are a fascinating natural wonder that offers a cool and refreshing escape, especially during the summer months. These caves are nestled in the hillside and feature ice formations that persist year-round due to the unique volcanic terrain. One of the highlights of the cave is the "ice hill" at the back, which visitors can slide down for a fun and thrilling experience. The caves are easily accessible with a short hike and provide a great opportunity for exploration and photography. With their cool temperatures and natural beauty, the ice caves are a must-visit for adventurers seeking something a bit different in Idaho’s outdoor offerings.
Civil Defense Caves1-2 hours | Length: not sure, probably a couple thousand feet | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe Civil Defense Caves in Idaho offer a unique underground adventure for explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Located near Rexburg, these lava tube caves were once considered potential fallout shelters during the Cold War era, lending them their distinctive name. Today, they are known for their fascinating rock formations and cool, dark interior. As you explore the caves, you'll notice a large collection of graffiti on the walls, left by past visitors, which adds an interesting layer to the cave’s history. The caves are popular among families, explorers, and those intrigued by Idaho's underground landscapes. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight, as the caves are dim and can be slippery in places.
Cueva Del Indio and Sea ArchesCave Type: Cueva del Indio (Spanish for "cave of the Indian") is a seaside cave located along limestone cliffs in Islote, Arecibo along Puerto Rico's Atlantic coast. The cave and its surroundings are protected by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) as the Cueva del Indio Nature Reserve. The cave gets its name after the numerous petroglyphs created by the Taínos. In addition to the cave, there are several sea arches along the beach within walking distance.
Ape Cave Interpretive Site1-2 hours | Length: 2.5 miles mapped length | Depth: NegligibleCave Type: HorizontalApe Cave is a lava tube located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest just to the south of Mount St. Helens. Its passageway is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States and the third longest (in total mapped length) lava tube in North America at 2.5 miles. The cave was formed approximately 1,900 years ago, is situated at an average depth of 50 feet below ground, and the air temperature remains a constant 42 degrees throughout the year. The cave system takes its moniker from a local Boy Scout troop, named the Mount St. Helens Apes, who undertook subsequent explorations of the tube after its discovery. Ape Cave is a popular hiking destination with beautiful views of the Mount St. Helens lahar region. Ape Cave Trail No. 239, which runs along the interior of the cave, is a National Recreation Trail receiving 170,000 visitors each year.
Ruakuri Cave1.5 hours | Length: Unknown | Depth: UnknownCave Type: HorizontalRuakuri Cave is one of the longer caves in the Waitomo area of New Zealand. The name Te Ruakuri, or "The Den of Dogs" was given to the surrounding area when wild dogs were discovered living in the entrance of the cave. One of the cave entrances was used by M?ori as a burial site. As a sacred area, it is no longer used for tourism, however the cave is now accessed by a spiral drum entrance built some distance away from the sacred site where tours now run. Major features of the Ruakuri Cave include Holdens Cavern (named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public), The Drum Passage, The Pretties and The Ghost Passage. The cave was open to the public from 1904 until 1988, when it was closed due to a legal and financial dispute. It was reopened in 2005. Inside there is a dynamic natural environment, with glowworms, limestone formations, underground rivers, and hidden waterfalls.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves45 minutes | Length: Unknown | Depth: UnknownCave Type: HorizontalThe Waitomo Glowworm Caves attraction is a cave at Waitomo on the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found exclusively in New Zealand. This cave is part of the waitomo streamway system that includes the Ruakuri Cave, Lucky Strike, and Tumutumu Cave. There are organized tours that include a boat ride under the glowworms.
Piripiri Cave10 minutes | Length: 100 ft | Depth: 100 ftCave Type: HorizontalPiripiri Cave offers the chance to soak in the majesty of a cave in one of the few free caves open to the general public in the area. A short walk takes you up through native bush and past some limestone outcrops, and then descends a short stair case to the cave entrance. A platform at the bottom allows you to stand and marvel at the size of the cave and the fragile ecosystems within.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument2-4 hours | Length: 5,600 ft | Depth: 185 ftCave Type: HorizontalTimpanogos Cave National Monument offers tours through Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave. The 1.5 mile trail to the cave is steep but paved. Tours usually run from May through October.
Minnetonka Cave90 minute tour | Length: 1,800 ft on tour; 6,420 ft total | Depth: 323 ftCave Type: HorizontalMinnetonka Cave is a guided tour cave near Bear Lake on the Idaho-Utah border. Tours are 90 minutes and climb 444 steps each way. 
Hush Hush Cave1-4 hours | Length: Several hundred feet | Depth: 100 ftCave Type: HorizontalHush Hush Cave is a great little cave near Goshen, UT. The approach is awesome because you can drive right to the entrance, although a high clearance vehicle is required. The first rappel is about 30 feet down the entrance pit to a nasty dusty room full of pigeon poop. This is followed by a slither down a hole in the floor to a drop where a steel ladder is hanging. The ladder can support weight, but the drop is long and exposed, so we recommend using a rope on the decent and ascent as a backup. From the bottom of the big drop, there are several passages that spread out, but none of them go much more than a hundred feet. At the few minor drops and climbs, someone has placed wood ladders that are still sturdy. The cave is not particularly decorated, but it is a fun cave to explore.
Big Brush Creek Cave1 hour to a full day, depending on how deep you go | Length: 4.92 miles | Depth: 858 ftCave Type: HorizontalAt almost 5 miles of passages, Big Brush Cave is the second longest cave in Utah. The cave is amazing, and you can drive to within a half-mile of the cave, which makes this cave very popular for both cavers and the casual visitor. The entrance room has amazing ice columns year round. If you decide to explore deeper into the cave, be prepared for long sections of tight belly crawling and scrambling around and through log jams. Big Brush Creek Cave gets its name from Big Brush Creek, which flows into and through the cave. Do no enter the cave when the stream is flowing or when rain is in the forecast.
West Mountain Prospect5-10 minutes | Length: 20 ft | Depth: 10 ftCave Type: HorizontalThis prospect on West Mountain is about 20 feet long and 10 feet deep. You can drive within about 600 feet of it. This prospect was likely an attempt to mine gold in the late 1800s, possibly the same mine mentioned in the May 7, 1896 newspaper article from the Provo Daily Enquirer.
Cave of the Chocolate Drop5-20 minutes | Length: 10 ft | Depth: 40 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe Cave of the Chocolate Drop (also sometimes called Black Window Cave) is a small cave on West Mountain, Utah. The cave blows a high volume of hot, humid air and can consequently attract rattlesnakes. The cave has a nearly vertical entrance pit that can be slippery. The cave continues down a small crack that is barely big enough for a 2nd grader, but some small adults have squeezed through. Total depth is about 40 feet before it gets too tight to continue. 
Sand Caves15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalSand Caves is a sandstone cave located about 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah along highway 89. Not to be confused with Moqui Cave, which is a paid attraction, the sand caves are free and wild. The man-made Sand Caves are a product of the short-lived sand mining industry in Kanab. The trail is less than a mile long round trip, and it can be slippery at times.
Montezuma Mine1 hour | Length: 100 ft | Depth: 20 ftCave Type: HorizontalIn 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.
Sand Caves15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalSand Caves is a sandstone cave located about 5 miles north of Kanab, Utah along highway 89. Not to be confused with Moqui Cave, which is a paid attraction, the sand caves are free and wild. The man-made Sand Caves are a product of the short-lived sand mining industry in Kanab. The trail is less than a mile long round trip, and it can be slippery at times.
Caves at Rifle Falls10-30 minutes | Length: Up to 50 ft | Depth: Up to 10 ftCave Type: HorizontalThere are half a dozen caves near Rifle Falls in Rifle Falls State Park. The largest cave has multiple rooms and is about 50 feet deep. One cave just west of the falls has an extremely narrow entrance that requires a tight squeeze to enter. Most are big enough to warrant a flashlight.
Grandpa's Cave5-15 minutes | Length: 150 ft | Depth: N/ACave Type: HorizontalGrandpa's Cave is a short cave on West Mountain that you can basically drive right to. Because of this, the cave is heavily vandalized and littered. The cave appears to be at least partially manmade.
Springville Cave2-3 hours | Length: 350 ft | Depth: 60 ftCave Type: HorizontalThis cave is mostly horizontal for about 300 feet, at which point the only direction to go is up. Chimney up for about 20-30 feet then there is another horizontal passage. There's a really tight spot that blocks most cavers, but continuing through opens up to a room that splits off into a few different passages. All of them dead end relatively quickly except for one that goes straight up. Unfortunately the walls are too far apart for chimneying, and the rock is too slick to climb, so there may be more we don't know about.
Lucky Star Mine2-4 hours | Length: 490 ft | Depth: 30 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe Lucky Star Mine is a silver and lead mine located in Cache county, Utah. It was in production from 1908-1920. Historically the site has been associated with the Paradise Mining District which is now part of the Cache National Forest. The subsurface shaft extends to 490 feet.
Hobbit Caves1-2 hours | Length: 10 | Depth: 0Cave Type: HorizontalHobbit Caves is a collection of very small caves in a rock outcropping next to a small stream. There are about 5 caves that go up to 10 feet deep. They are a ton of fun for kids to explore.
Crystal Cave2-4 hours including 45 minute guided tour | Length: 2.42 miles | Depth: Cave Type: HorizontalCrystal Cave is a marble karst cave within Sequoia National Park, in the western Sierra Nevada of California. It is one of at least 240 known caves in Sequoia National Park. Crystal Cave is in the Giant Forest area, between the Ash Mountain entrance of the park and the Giant Forest museum. The cave is a constant 48 °F. It is accessible by Park Service guided tours only. Tickets are not sold on-site, but must be bought at the Foothills or Lodgepole Visitor Center.