Silly Putty Cave
Provo-Orem, UT, Utah
Keep Out
Permanently closed. This is Nutty Putty Cave, which was sealed shut with concrete in 2009 after a caver died trapped inside; the cave is now his memorial and is completely inaccessible to the public.
Cave
Salt Lake caver Dale Green was the first to explore Nutty Putty Cave in 1960. Nearby ranchers were the original discoverers and they directed Dale Green to the top of a nearby hill where a small pit had been found that housed several snakes. Though the cave location was known to the ranchers, it had yet to be entered.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Keep Out
Permanently closed. This is Nutty Putty Cave, which was sealed shut with concrete in 2009 after a caver died trapped inside; the cave is now his memorial and is completely inaccessible to the public.
Other Caves Nearby
Nutty Putty Cave
Provo-Orem, UT, Utah
1.4 miles NWCLOSED. The body of caver John Jones could not be recovered without risking injury to rescue personnel and the decision was made to make the cave the permanent resting place with assurances to the family that the cave would be closed and that his body would never be disturbed. A naturally formed thermal cave on Utah Lake's west side with many rooms connected by narrow tunnels — great for beginners seeking a manageable underground adventure.
Cave
Pink Lime
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6.3 miles WA versatile rope work spot with multiple bolts and natural anchors near Provo — up to 10 ropes rigged at once for traditional or static rappelling, and a high anchor for practicing bolt passing.
Cave 1.5 mi
Timpanogas Cave
Provo, Utah
29.5 miles NEColorful cave formations — cave bacons, columns, flowstone, and drapery — inside a Timpanogos mountain cave, reached by a 1.5-mile paved trail; tours run May through September.
Backpack, Cave, HikeNearby Campsites
Y-Mountain Summit Trail
Provo, Utah
24.0 miles NEA 1.2-mile climb east of BYU leads to a massive block Y on the hillside and sweeping panoramas over Provo, Orem, Utah Valley, and Utah Lake below.
Camp, Hike 1.6-14.1 mi
Mount Timpanogas
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Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim 4.7 mi
Fifth Water Hot Springs
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34.8 miles EA scenic 2.5-mile riverside hike to the famous Diamond Fork rock pools and waterfall, with soaks up to 108°.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs, Mountain Bike, Swim
Maple Canyon
Fountain Green, Utah
40.8 miles SEMaple Canyon's one-of-a-kind cobblestone conglomerate cliffs host 140+ bolted routes from 5.4 to 5.14, making it one of the most unique climbing destinations in the US.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb
Spruces Campground
Salt Lake City, Utah
43.0 miles NEA fee campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City — check USDA.gov for current rates and seasonal availability.
Camp, Sled
Mill Creek Canyon
Salt Lake City, Utah
45.2 miles NAn out-and-back canyon trail with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain — the lower ski trail sees heavy traffic while the upper section above Elbow Fork stays quiet, with a reservable Yurt at the top December through April.
Camp, Cross-country Ski, Snowshoe
