Caves in Utah attract visitors and spelunkers of any skill level. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or something more challenging, you are sure to have an adventurous time exploring the interiors. In addition, each of them offers a unique experience, from ice caves like Paris Ice Cave to lava tubes such as Mammoth Cave. The hiking trails to reach most of them are also pretty scenic, with varied landscapes like hoodoos, canyons, and valleys to admire.
This cave is a part of Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon. To reach it, you will have to be a part of the guided tour and hike a 1.5-mile steep trail. As it leads to the beautifully adorned cavern, you will be able to treat your eyes to unique formations like stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and calcite crusts. However, remember that these tours are available only from mid-May to mid-October, allowing 14 people per trip. Also, it is advisable to carry a light jacket as the cave temperature remains below 50° F.
Other activities: Besides the cave tour, you can enjoy picnicking, go for a short nature walk, or be a part of a ranger program.
Hours of operation: 7 am to 5:30 pm
The 2-mile Wind Cave Hiking Trail, located north of Logan Canyon, is well-traversed, leading to the stunning Wind Caves. It starts near Logan Canyon Scenic Byway across Guinavah-Malibu Campground. Treading along the moderately-rated trail will reward you with sweeping views of the canyon and its picturesque surrounding. As you near the end, you can witness and even walk to the cave roof. It has an opening here on top, making way for sunlight. You can see it open on both ends as you get inside the cave, with pillars dividing the limestone formation into two rooms.
If hiking in summer, don’t forget to start early to avoid the heat and crowd. In addition, do carry sufficient water and some snacks. Your dogs can also accompany you here.
Other activities: You can enjoy camping, picnicking, and a fulfilling photography session, especially during fall.
Hours of operation: Anytime during the day
This cave sits at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Ledgemere Picnic Area in north-central Utah. It has a small entrance that requires a crawl to get in. Many walk past it without even noticing the tiny opening. Once you’re inside, you can stand on your feet. It is kid-friendly and fun to explore, but remember to carry a flashlight or headlamp and put on waterproof shoes.
Other activities: You can enjoy picnicking here or hiking the several trails in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Hours of operation: 6 am to 10:30 pm
For a bit of adventure in Ogden, you can consider visiting the Garner Cave. You will have to hike along rugged terrain to reach it. It is an uphill climb, exposed in many sections. But, once you manage to make your way to the cave, you will have a fun time exploring the passages. Some even require squeezing in or tight crawls to go through it. There are ropes to help you get past the trickier parts. Don’t forget to bring your gloves and headlamps. The cave is ideal for those in perfect shape and health. Frequent use of the cave by visitors has led to broken formations.
Other activities: You can spend time visiting and exploring the other nearby scenic sites in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Located north of Garden City and Bear Lake, this ice cave at Paris Canyon is an excellent spot for a family adventure. It remains covered in ice all year long due to the water running down into it from the encompassing mountains. Visiting it during summer or fall when the water dries out is ideal for easy access into the cave. Once you reach it, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the ice formations. However, some chambers require creeping through tiny cracks to enter them. It is not very challenging but be careful of the slippery paths in some sections.
Other activities: You can spend overnight camping in the canyon area and hiking the surrounding trails.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Hobbit Caves are excellent for a family-friendly adventure in Logan Canyon around Cache Valley. It is near the parking area where kids can enjoy exploring its inside once they reach the spot. You can also stop by the small yet impressive Right Fork Waterfall on the way while crossing the creek. There are wooden board planks across it to help you come to the other side without wetting your feet.
Other activities: You can camp at the nearby Logan Campground. Also, the Logan River here provides excellent fishing opportunities. Apart from these, you’ll find several hiking trails and other natural beauties to treat your eyes.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
This hydrothermal cave sits in Utah County in the north-central part of the state. It was earlier popular among spelunkers, featuring several narrow sections. However, with the fatal accident of a 26-year-old visitor, it has been closed to the public since 2009. He was stuck inside a tight passageway named Birth Canal for about 28 years, and no rescue team could save his life.
Neffs Cave is one of the deepest caves in the nation with 1,165 feet depth, located in Neffs Canyon on the northern side of Mount Olympus. It is an underground cave, requiring rappelling, scrambling over muddy and rocky sections, and squeezing through narrow slots. However, it is presently gated to protect the delicate resources inside and to prevent any fatal accidents.
Blowhole Cave is a geological cave having some incredible geological formations making it fun to explore. It is warm and moist inside with a constant temperature of around 80° F. One of the most notable formations includes a wall formed by multi-colored rocks. Don’t forget to carry a rope of about 400 feet to explore 340 feet deep cave.
Other activities: You can enjoy picnicking or exploring the surrounding areas.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Among the many caves in St. George, Bloomington Cave is one of the most significant ones. It maintains a temperature of about 57° F throughout the year. The extensive cave system with six definite levels and narrow passages requires strenuous rappelling. You will need to squeeze and crawl to get through some sections. Despite the challenges, the exploration is worth it. You will see many fascinating geological formations inside the limestone structure like stalactites, stalagmites, and soda straws. Many uniquely shaped calcite deposits also beautify the cave walls and ceilings.
If planning to visit the cave, do remember to apply for permits from St. George Field Office. Only three groups of 10 people are permitted to access it per day.
Other activities: There are several neighboring parks and hiking trails within the city of St. George that you can enjoy exploring.
Hours of operation: 6 am to 10 pm
Mossy Cave is within Bryce Canyon National Park in south-central Utah, requiring a short and easy hike to reach. Along the way, you will witness stunning hoodoos and a waterfall. The cave is a sheltered overhang covered in moss in summer and snow and icicles in winter, boasting impressive views throughout the year. Do start your hike early morning as it becomes crowded after 10 am.
Other activities: There are many more natural wonders like rock formations and streams nearby that you can visit.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Known to be one of the biggest lava tubes in the entire state, Mammoth Cave features 2,200 feet of passage on the Markagunt Plateau. It was gradually formed by the flowing water and the cooling down of lava. Don’t forget to put on your headlamps to explore the wonders inside the dark cave. While its entrance resembles a hole on the ground, the exit point is through a small tube requiring a belly crawl to get out. If claustrophobic, you can turn back to return from the entry point.
The cave remains closed to public use from October until April to not disturb the hibernating bats. Wearing proper hiking shoes is advisable as there are slippery rocks towards the end due to water seepage.
Other activities: The surrounding picnic spots invite visitors to have a break to enjoy their meals here after exploring the caves and surrounding areas.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
You can easily access Scout Cave via a 2.2-mile trail outside Snow Canyon State Park. It traverses along diverse terrains from lava flows to creek beds to breathtaking Navajo Sandstone rocks. At the trail’s end sits a sandstone cave that is not too deep. Though there’s not much to explore in it, you can enjoy taking in the splendid views of the surrounding valley from there. It is also pretty cool inside the cave, where you can rest for a while after the tiring hike.
Other activities: Do not miss visiting Snow Canyon State Park for additional activities like camping and hiking. You can also explore the other main attractions within the city of St. George.
Hours of operation: 6 am to 10 pm
This ancient cave in Kanab also houses a museum. However, it is not a natural cave but an old sand mine from where the sand was obtained for glass-making. The ancestral Pueblo people made it their shelter and storage place that was later used by the early 19th century settlers. Many fascinating displays of artifacts, fossils like dinosaur tracks, and fluorescent minerals adorn the cave interiors at present. With a constant temperature of 65° F, it remains pretty cool throughout the year.
Other activities: You’ll find a little gift shop and a local food truck called The Cave Café within the cave area to explore.
Hours of operation: 9 am to 7 pm
Bower Cave is closer to Mammoth Cave, making it ideal for exploring two caves in a day. A few minutes’ walk from the parking lot will bring you near the cave from where you will have to descend a metal ladder to get to its entrance. You will reach a big room with a tube branching off for about 1000 feet as you get down. As the inside of it has minimal light, you will have to bring your flashlights. Also, to tread along the rocky, uneven cave floor, wearing proper footwear is necessary. Many bats species inhabit here, so make sure not to make any noise or disturb them while you are here.
Other activities: There are many nearby scenic trails within Dixie National Forest to hike.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Duck Creek Ice Cave is a small limestone cavern located at Cedar Mountain in Dixie National Forest. Despite the absence of ice throughout the year, it maintains a chilly temperature. The early settlers used it to store their food. You can know more about it by going through the informational sign nearby. It is a few feet away from the parking lot but requires a steep descent to access it. There are ropes to give you support during the climb down. Once you are inside the cave, you can easily explore it within a few minutes.
Other activities: You can visit the adjoining Duck Creek and the gorgeous Cascade Falls after enjoying your time here.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
The Red Caves of Sand Wash near Zion National Park comprises two different slot canyons, upper and lower. Both of them are breathtakingly beautiful, formed by red Navajo sandstone. Sitting at an elevation of 5,500 feet, they are wet with muddy sections and pools flowing within them. Though no technical rappelling is required, there are some steep drop-offs, particularly while accessing the lower Red Cave. Despite the obstacles, exploring and witnessing the rock walls are indeed rewarding.
Other activities: You can visit Zion National Park to view more spectacular geological wonders.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
These are a series of underground tubes in Meadow near Filmore formed by the lava flow. Located in west-central Utah, this spot is also known as Tabernacle Hills. Bring your flashlights to explore the interiors, and if lucky, you might even spot a bat. You can also see the cave roof being collapsed in some sections, allowing light to pass through them. As some tubes are highly rocky, you will have to be extra careful.
Other activities: You can enjoy overnight camping right beside the lava tubes.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Wild Horse Window is a spectacular open cave-style natural bridge formation in San Rafael Reef in east-central Utah. A moderate-rated trail of less than a mile near Temple Mountain will take you to the spot. Also known as the Eyes of Sindbad, it comprises two openings that appear like a massive pair of eyes overlooking the valley. You can take your time exploring the area, including around the reef and through Temple Wash. However, keep in mind that this trail lacks shaded spots and can be extremely hot in summers.
Other activities: Be sure to visit the nearby Goblin Valley State Park to witness the marvelous rock formations like the mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles. It also provides opportunities for hiking and camping.
Hours of operation: 24 hours
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