Utah
The Best List of Caves in Utah

The Best List of Caves in Utah

We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at DannelleGay@gmail.com

Sharing is caring!

“Are there any caves in Utah?” Did you ask that? Everybody knows that Utah is known for its majestic mountains, but some of the most beautiful views are several hundred feet below the ground. Caves are natural wonders that are filled with beautiful formations and lots of untold stories.

The Top Caves in Utah

There is no imminent danger in exploring these caves, but it is always a good idea to carry proper spelunking equipment and at least two to three sources of light for your safety. 

Are you looking for a popular destination? A cave with a guided tour? A walk through the longest cave? Utah is a lot more than just sand dunes – it is a great place to escape to during the winter months if you are a Wisconsinsite like me, and look for a great spot with a short hike to see the delicate formations and colorful cave features that Mother Nature planted for us thousands of years ago.

The Top Caves in Utah

Caving in Utah is not a dreadful experience, although many people like to believe that way. The reality is that there are many guided caves and lots of ‘safe’ caves that would not require any special equipment except the lights, and there is no chance of you getting dirty.

Here is our collection of the top caves in Utah – 

  • Timpanogos Cave – in the American Fork Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains of Utah
  • Nutty Putty Cave
  • Neff’S Cave – is Utah’s deepest cave in Neffs Canyon on the north side of Mount Olympus.
  • Moqui Cave
  • Mammoth Cave
  • Hogup Cave
  • Danger Cave
  • Blowhole Cave
  • Bechan Cave
  • Duck Creek Ice Cave
USA Cave list

The caves mentioned above mentioned in the list are just a few of the many caves in Utah. For your convenience, let’s break this down a bit…..

Best Caves in Utah

Let us check out the most frequented caves in the state. 

First of all, we have to talk about Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave is a lava tube located on the Markagunt Plateau in the Dixie National Forest of Southern Utah and is one of the largest lava tubes in Utah. The cave has over 2,200 feet of passage and is about a quarter-mile long. There are no cave tours here, but you will still want a light jacket. You will want good traction while exploring this, so make sure you have decent shoes along with a great light source.

link to article on white nose disease in bats
Learn about White Nose Disease and what you can do to help!

Hidden Caves in Utah

Moqui Cave

Moqui Cave (some people call it Moqui Caverns) is a sandstone erosion cave that is in Kane County. The temperature inside the cave remains at 65 degrees F, even during the hottest summer days. The Moqui Sand Caves are regarded as one of the neatest sand caves in the state. There is a collection of North American artifacts that were found in Southern Utah.

These things belonged to the ancient people that frequented the area more than 1200 years ago. The interior of the cave has more than 180 dinosaur tracks and a large fluorescent mineral display. Make sure you check out that Moqui Cave Museum.

Hidden Caves in Utah

Ice Caves in Utah

TThese form on glaciers, due to constant freezing and thawing cycles. The caves are generally not very large but ice sculptures often decorate their walls. These make for pretty cool caves – literally.

Duck Creek Ice Cave

The Duck Creek Ice Cave, in the quaint town of Duck Creek Village, is one of the most frequented limestone caves in Utah, and it maintains a cool temperature throughout the year. If you are coming here during summer, you can expect the cave temperature to be around 40 degrees F.

However, if the temperature outside is very high, you might not find ice inside the cave. There is signage here that states that Pioneers used caves like these to keep their food to last for a long time. The cave entrance is not impressive, and you might feel a bit jerky as there is a steep climb down over many rocks.

There is a rope which you can cling to, but children will need assistance for this. The inside is dark but not entirely black as it is one large cavern. The corners, though, are very dark, and you would need a flashlight to see around. 

Ice Caves in Utah

Paris Ice Cave

Another cave in Utah that should give you a chilly experience is the Paris Ice Cave. It has been named an ‘ice cave’ as the ice never melts here, even in the hottest weather conditions.

But if you plan to visit the cave during spring, it might require more effort from your side due to the expected heavy snow. The cave is popular as it gives lots of beautiful sights such as stalagmites and stalactites

Sand Caves in Utah

Kanab Sand Caves

The Kanab Sand Caves, located to the south of Moqui Caves, are man-made, and it was created when people began mining for sand in the area. The mining process was short-lived, but today we have these spectacular sandstone caves which we can explore.

It would be best if you hiked a little to arrive at the sand caves, but you will find multiple tunnels and caves to explore when you come here. The temperatures inside the caves are cooler, and you will love it if you are hiking in the summer. We think that is the best time to visit so plan your road trip accordingly. 

Sand Caves in Utah

Wind Caves in Utah

The Wind Caves are one of the best sights that you can see in Northern Utah. 

Wind Caves, Logan

The Wind Caves are natural formations that are made from limestone deposits that have dissolved over the years. There are now three natural arches, and, contrary to what the name suggests, the caves were formed because of water erosion and not from the wind! Although there are many caves in the Logan region, the Wind Caves are the most picturesque of them all.

The best way to access these caves is by a 2-mile-long hike that gains a maximum of 1000 ft in elevation. Once you reach the site of the caves, you can walk into them, but you need to watch your step as the caves are located at the edge of a cliff that slopes downwards. There are three limestone formations at the Wind Caves, but one faces directly onto the Logan Canyon. 

Wind Caves in Utah

Mormon Caves in Utah

The Mormon Caves, Moab

A small family of fundamentalist Mormons – polygamist families – have created an enormous home for themselves, carved into the side of massive sandstone rock in the desert near Moab. It was created with a vision to provide a safe environment for Christians who believed in plural marriage.

Dynamite blasts were used to build large houses in the sandstone cliff. Then modern houses were developed with all the facilities such as running water, electricity, and access to the internet. 

.

Caves with water in Utah

The Homestead Crater, Midway

The Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring in Midway and housed within a 55 ft tall limestone cave that looks like a beehive. The crater was formed when the melting snow from the Wasatch Mountains seeped deep into the earth, and it took around 10,000 years for the crater to take shape. 

Caves with water in Utah

As you can see, the state of Utah has some pretty great offerings to cave lovers! Make certain to always be safe and prepared before entering any cave so you can make your cave experience a good one!

Other articles you may find helpful or interesting:

1 thought on “The Best List of Caves in Utah

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *