Caves in Utah – Exploring 11 Coolest Caverns & Caves

Want to explore caves in Utah? Utah features the world’s longest cave and so many other cool caves & caverns! 

Jennifer and I love exploring all that Utah has to offer.

We have visited hot springs and rock arches, but now want to share the coolest caverns and caves in Utah! 

11 Coolest Caverns & Caves in Utah 

The following outlines the best caves in Utah that you do not want to miss!

And put these on your list to read too – 11 Magical Caves in the US and an Off The Beaten Path Report: Three Missouri Caves.

1. Mammoth Cave

Located just east of Duck Creek Village, Utah, Mammoth Cave is one of the largest lava tubes in all of Utah. It is the world’s longest cave system! Its elevation is 8,050 feet and offers over 2,220 feet of passages. 

Mammoth Cave is part of the Markagunt Plateau and was formed over time by flowing water and cooling lava. In fact, the cooled lava is only several thousand years old. That is young when it comes to geology timespans!

At first glance, the cave appears to be a large hole in the ground. But be sure to bring a good light! It is very fun to explore but becomes pitch black after the first turn. 

A final note for claustrophobic visitors. The exit is a small tube at the very end, requiring you to slide on your belly. If this is not comfortable for you, turn around and exit the cave the way you entered. 

2. American Fork Canyon

Located near Highland, Utah, American Fork Canyon is more popular than ever for its excellent camping, fishing, rock climbing, and biking. It even features one of the coolest caves in Utah! 

The main highlights to see are Cascade Springs, Mount Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. 

Mount Timpanogos Cave National Monument contains Timpanogos Cave, Middle Cave, and Hansen Cave. All three chambers are connected through man-made tunnels. They are known for their crystal-filigreed walls, which are pink and white in color. 

The three caves also feature stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, and underground pools. 

3. Moqui Cave

This sandstone erosion cave located in Kane County, Utah, maintains a cool 65 degrees Fahrenheit, even on the hottest summer days! Moqui Cave is one of the neatest sand caves in Utah!

The site features a collection of Native American artifacts that have been found in Southern Utah. They are from the inhabitants that frequented the area over 1,200 years ago. 

The interior of the cave features over 180 dinosaur tracks, as well as a large fluorescent mineral display. 

4. Bloomington Cave

Situated in the Beaver Dam Mountains, in Washington County, Utah, is the Bloomington Cave. The mountains are made mostly of Permian Age limestone, making for interesting cave systems.

Bloomington Cave is the most well-known, and extensive, cave in the St. George area. It consists of six different levels, and narrow, steeply dipping floors. 

The length of the cave is 1.43 miles, which makes it the fifth longest cave in Utah. 

5. Zion National Park

Made of spectacular cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs, Zion National Park is a sight to behold! You will not get bored exploring the park’s deep chasms and unique features. 

History buffs will love learning about the ancient people and pioneers that walked to the very same park.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the access to backpacking, cycling, canyoneering, hiking, river trips, seeing canyons, and rock climbing. 

Small House Big Yard T-Shirts & Sweatshirts

These caves show that small spaces can lead to wonderous places– just like your RV. To celebrate living small in this big world, we made a “Small House Big Yard” clothing line. Check them out here!

6. Main Drain Cave

Main Drain Cave near Logan Canyon, Utah, is on my list for the coolest caves in Utah because it is the deepest. It is a vertical cave, bottoming out at 1,127 feet deep!

It sits in the Alpine Karst Glacier basin, at over 9,000 feet in elevation.

7. Nutty Putty Cave

This is a hydrothermal cave sitting in Utah County, Utah, that features very tight passages

While it is a geological wonder, it is no longer open to the public following a fatal accident in 2009. It is still one of the most interesting caves in Utah, if and when they reopen it.

8. Duck Creek Ice Cave

Situated in the quaint town of Duck Creek Village, Utah, Duck Creek Ice Cave is one of Utah’s limestone caves that remains cool all year round.

If you visit during summer, you can expect the cave to be about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There is not always ice present inside when temperatures are high outdoors. 

The cave itself is a small, one-room limestone cavern. There are no amenities, but it’s only a short hike to the cave.

Walking round trip from the parking lot to the cave entrance only takes about a half-hour. Despite being a small cave, it is still one of Utah’s interesting ice caves!

One interesting fact about this cave is how it was used during the pioneer days. When traveling through, they would store their food inside to preserve it. 

Check and call ahead as many months they are only open on the weekend.

9. Kanab Sand Caves

Outside of Kanab, are some of the more unique caves in Utah. That’s because they are man made! 

They were created when people began mining in the area. Although the mining was short-lived, it left behind these cool caves. 

10. Crystal Ball Cave

Crystal Call Cave is a natural limestone cavern located in Gandy, Utah. The cave is surrounded by desert, and not far from the Great Basin National Park. 

Although it is under control of the Bureau of Land Management, Crystal Ball Cave is managed by Jerald and Marlene Bates. That means there is no fee charged for entry, but donations are appreciated. 

You might also want to check out the Bate Family Ranch. The site offers rustic camping, and is a short drive from Mt. Moriah Wilderness, Deep Creek Mountain Range and Wild Horses. 

11. Little Brush Creek Cave

Located high in the Uintah Mountains, in the east part of the state, Little Brush Creek Cave is the longest cave in Utah. This cave is 5.93 miles long and 658 deep. It is considered the 37th deepest cave in the United States. 

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