93 Trip Reports for 62 Activities.
Springville Cave
2-3 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 Caves
1-2 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 Prospect
5-10 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. 
Moqui Caverns15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalMoqui Caverns 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, Moqui Caverns are free and wild.
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.
Moqui Caverns15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalMoqui Caverns 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, Moqui Caverns are free and wild.
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.
Little Brush Creek Cave0+ Hours | Length: 5.93 miles | Depth: 653 ftCave Type: HorizontalLocated high in the Uintah Mountains, Little Brush Creek Cave is a popular destination for cavers. It can be accessed year round, but entrance into the cave in not feasible from the first spring melt to the end of summer, as the entire Little Brush Creek, along with thousands of acres of snowmelt, flows into the cave. The cave sees an average of 250 visitors per year, January being the most popular time to visit. It is the longest cave in Utah at 5.93 miles and 658 feet deep. It is the 37th deepest cave in the US. The cave is part of a larger caving system, and is similar to its brother, Big Brush Creek Cave. Ice crystal formation up to a foot long, and ice structures over 10' long, make this cave an amazing winter wonderland. Inside the cave, passage ways are narrow and cold. Many tunnels are plugged with logs and debris forced into it in past floods. Much of the cave is spent crawling and winding over very tight passages. 
Goblin's Squeeze20-30 minutes | Length: 150 feet | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalGoblin's Squeeze is a 150-foot-long tunnel in Goblin Valley. The cave is located in Goblin's Lair; the entrance is actually inside the Lair, and the exit is at the base of the debris pile outside the lair. Goblin's Squeeze is very tight in several places, and the rock is very unstable, so please exercise extreme caution when exploring Goblin's Squeeze. People who weigh more than about 150 pounds probably won't be able to make it all the way through. Almost the entire length requires army crawling or belly scooting.
Red Baron Cave3-6 hours | Length: 973 ft | Depth: 181 ftCave Type: VerticalThis cave is one of the most decorated caves in Utah. Anchor your rope to a tree that is split in half. Rappel down about 25 feet into the entrance room. At the back of the room, there is a gate. Past the gate, it gets very tight, but it opens up after about 20 feet. You may want to take off your helmet at this point and push it ahead of yourself. As there are hundreds of delicate formations throughout the cave, please step lightly and watch your head. Formations include calcified roots, stalagtites, and helectites. The most decorated passage is off limits for recreational trips. Red Baron Cave is quite cool year round, so long sleeves are recommended.
Little Brush Creek Cave0+ Hours | Length: 5.93 miles | Depth: 653 ftCave Type: HorizontalLocated high in the Uintah Mountains, Little Brush Creek Cave is a popular destination for cavers. It can be accessed year round, but entrance into the cave in not feasible from the first spring melt to the end of summer, as the entire Little Brush Creek, along with thousands of acres of snowmelt, flows into the cave. The cave sees an average of 250 visitors per year, January being the most popular time to visit. It is the longest cave in Utah at 5.93 miles and 658 feet deep. It is the 37th deepest cave in the US. The cave is part of a larger caving system, and is similar to its brother, Big Brush Creek Cave. Ice crystal formation up to a foot long, and ice structures over 10' long, make this cave an amazing winter wonderland. Inside the cave, passage ways are narrow and cold. Many tunnels are plugged with logs and debris forced into it in past floods. Much of the cave is spent crawling and winding over very tight passages. 
Kaumana CavesVaries | Length: 25 miles | Depth: NegligibleCave Type: HorizontalVisitors to this tropical park can descend into a massive 1881 lava-tube cave formed by Mauna Loa.
Kona Lava Tube0-1 hours | Length: 900 ft | Depth: NegligibleCave Type: HorizontalThis lava tube was created in the eruption of 1801. You can access the lava tube by parking on the shoulder of highway 19 a few miles north of the Kona Airport.
Red Baron Cave3-6 hours | Length: 973 ft | Depth: 181 ftCave Type: VerticalThis cave is one of the most decorated caves in Utah. Anchor your rope to a tree that is split in half. Rappel down about 25 feet into the entrance room. At the back of the room, there is a gate. Past the gate, it gets very tight, but it opens up after about 20 feet. You may want to take off your helmet at this point and push it ahead of yourself. As there are hundreds of delicate formations throughout the cave, please step lightly and watch your head. Formations include calcified roots, stalagtites, and helectites. The most decorated passage is off limits for recreational trips. Red Baron Cave is quite cool year round, so long sleeves are recommended.
Bloomington Cave3-12 hours | Length: 1.3 miles | Depth: 240 ftCave Type: HorizontalBloomington Cave is the fifth largest cave in Utah, at a length of 1.30 miles and a depth of 240 ft. Bloomington Cave is a fault cave. The cave trends north and south with a western plunge of about 40 degrees. This plunge allows the cave to be descended to its maximum depth without ropes. The cave is three-dimensional fracture maze. The cave’s floor consists of large steps that are pinched off by a consistently sloping ceiling. Many of the walls turn up to be low connecting passages. At many locations the walls are indefinable. And many passages overlie each other. Many of the passages appear as if they were carbon copied at hundred of locations throughout the cave. 
Professor Buss Cave2-4 hours | Length: 1,000 ft | Depth: 100 ftCave Type: HorizontalThis cave is named after Fred Buss, a geology professor who taught at BYU from 1907 to 1927. He regularly took his students up to the cave as part of their class work. When Nutty Putty was discovered, students lost interest in Professor Buss Cave and started going to the more accessible Nutty Putty Cave. This cave has signatures as far back as 1886. Because of the historical value of the cave, the Timpanogos Grotto is attempting to gate the cave. Access should be fairly easy to acquire once the gate is put in place.
Mammoth Cave Lava Tubes1-3 hours | Length: 2,100 ft | Depth: 15 ftCave Type: HorizontalMammoth Lava Tubes are a series of lava tubes over 2,100 feet long. They are well known and easy to get to, which makes them extremely popular. The largest lava tube is closed in the winter to protect hibernating bats. 
Batty Pass Caves5 min - 1 hour | Length: 20 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalBatty Pass Caves were carved out of the rock by two brothers, Bill and Cliff Lichtenhahn in the 1950s and 1960s. The brothers created table tops checkerboards, and other articles out of petrified wood, jasper and other stone. Of the three caves, two were used as workshops and one as living quarters. Today, the caves contain the remains of old beds, a boat, shelves, and machinery. An old, rusted out car sits in front.
Main Drain Cave10-18 hours | Length: 10,750 ft | Depth: 1,127 ftCave Type: VerticalAt 1,127 feet deep, Main Drain Cave is the deepest cave in Utah. 
Duck Creek Ice Cave15 minutes | Length: 80 ft | Depth: 25 ftCave Type: HorizontalDuck Creek Ice Cave is a one-room limestone cave near Duck Creek Village, Utah. Portions of the cave floor have ice year round. This cave is fun to visit if you are already in the area but it's not worth a special trip. 
Mammoth Cave Lava Tubes1-3 hours | Length: 2,100 ft | Depth: 15 ftCave Type: HorizontalMammoth Lava Tubes are a series of lava tubes over 2,100 feet long. They are well known and easy to get to, which makes them extremely popular. The largest lava tube is closed in the winter to protect hibernating bats. 
Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes1 day | Length: Varies | Depth: VariesCave Type: HorizontalThe Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes near Fillmore, UT are a lot of fun to explore. The whole area is riddled with collapsed lava tunnels and pits. This is a popular destination for scouts.
Moqui Caverns15 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 120 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalMoqui Caverns 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, Moqui Caverns are free and wild.
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. 
Mammoth Cave Lava Tubes1-3 hours | Length: 2,100 ft | Depth: 15 ftCave Type: HorizontalMammoth Lava Tubes are a series of lava tubes over 2,100 feet long. They are well known and easy to get to, which makes them extremely popular. The largest lava tube is closed in the winter to protect hibernating bats. 
Hole on the West Cave1 hour | Length: 40 ft | Depth: 110 ftCave Type: VerticalHole on the West Cave is a large sandstone sinkhole. The rappel from the entrance is about 110 feet and involves rappelling down a waterfall. We got completely soaked on the way out.
Blowhole Cave5-6 hours | Length: 1,165 ft | Depth: 340 ftCave Type: VerticalBlowhole cave is a fun Utah cave where you can spend a full day exploring underground. The cave is very muddy, so plan accordingly.
No Thanks Cave30 minutes - 1 hour | Length: 20 ft | Depth: 100 ftCave Type: VerticalNo Thanks Cave is a fun little cave in Utah County. You rappel from the south entrance almost 100' to the bottom of the cave. Once you get off rope, you only travel about 15' horizontally to the end of the cave.
No Name Cave1-2 hours | Length: 400 ft | Depth: 100 ftCave Type: HorizontalThe No Name has very little karst. Most of it is boulders that you climb in and around. There are quite a few passages going a few directions. There are some good drops that require some skilled downclimbing or a rope. There is some popcorn and a little bit of flowstone.
Batty Pass Caves5 min - 1 hour | Length: 20 ft | Depth: 0 ftCave Type: HorizontalBatty Pass Caves were carved out of the rock by two brothers, Bill and Cliff Lichtenhahn in the 1950s and 1960s. The brothers created table tops checkerboards, and other articles out of petrified wood, jasper and other stone. Of the three caves, two were used as workshops and one as living quarters. Today, the caves contain the remains of old beds, a boat, shelves, and machinery. An old, rusted out car sits in front.
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.
Spanish Moss CaveUnknown | Length: 613 ft | Depth: 203 ftCave Type: VerticalThis cave is very well decorated. The spanish moss, for which this cave gets its name, is located at the bottom of the subway passage. Spanish Moss is accessible almost year-round.
Leviathan Grottos10 minutes | Length: 10 ft | Depth: 10 ftCave Type: HorizontalThese small caves are located on the right side of the trail to Leviathan Cave. There are half a dozen small holes in a natural ledge. Most go in only a few feet. One opens up into a small room.