Here in Utah, incredible discoveries have been made. Some of these give us a clear look into the past, while others leave archeologists and other experts scratching their heads. Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area in Utah is one of these unique discoveries and while providing clues into what life was like hundreds of years ago, it also remains a bit of a mystery.

Danger Cave Utah was actually formed by the waves of Lake Bonneville thousands of years ago. When the waters receded, the cave was accessible and people began living in the cave. You can find it in the western region of the state in the Bonneville Basin.
Mark Lee Earl/Google
This unique cave is more than just an opening on the side of a mountain. It is actually one of the most significant archaeological sites in the entire country.
Tim Gittins/Google
This cave gives experts a glimpse into the lives of the Native Peoples who lived in North America. In fact, it is believed that this cave was home to Native Americans more than 11,000 years ago. Today, the area around the cave is known as Danger Cave State Historical Monument and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It's also is one of the 45 state parks in Utah, protected and monitored by the State Park Services.
Archeologists first visited the cave in the 1930s. They called this cave Hands and Knees Cave because of its small and low opening.
Mark Lee Earl/Google
However, while crews were working on the cave, a large rock fell off the cliff face, barely missing the archeologists. This led to the cave being renamed Danger Cave and delaying excavation work.

Then, in the 1940s and 1950s, students attending the University of Utah began the work again and discovered quite a treasure.

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Inside the cave were layers upon layers of artifacts dating back thousands of years. Items discovered included weapons, baskets, leather scraps, bones, and more.
Nicole B/Google
Experts believe that the cave was used by different groups of Native Americans over the years and that they lived in small groups.
While the cave is typically closed to the public and bars have been placed on its exterior, occasional tours are held each year, giving you a look into this remarkable excavation site.
Ashlyn Leppink/Google
Work is continually done in Danger Cave year after year to learn just a little more about the Native Americans who called this area home. There are still many mysteries that are waiting to be solved and questions that need answers.
Laura Proctor/Google

Have you ever heard of Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area in Utah? Have you taken a tour of this remarkable place in Utah’s western desert? Be sure to share them with us — we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Do you love to explore caves? While you may not be allowed in Danger Cave, there are many other caves around the state that deserve to be on your bucket list, including the Wind Caves in Logan Canyon.

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Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area

Beth C. | March 09, 2023

What are the most beautiful state parks to visit in Utah?

If you enjoy state parks, you'll find that Utah is home to some of the very best in the country! Of course, Utah is famous for its national parks, but we'd argue that the state parks are just as stunning. Below is a list of some of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Utah:

  • Camp Floyd State Park
  • Gunlock State Park
  • Anasazi State Park
  • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
  • Wasatch Mountain State Park
  • Goosenecks State Park
  • Frontier Homestead State Park
  • Red Fleet State Park
  • Palisade State Park
  • Snow Canyon State Park

 

For more information, be sure to check out our previous article outlining some of the most underrated state parks in Utah.

What is the most popular national park in Utah?

Zion National Park.

Utah is famous for its five national parks: Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park. Of all of these, Zion National Park is the most popular. Each year, Zion gets approximately 4 million visitors!

What are Utah's best natural wonders?

Some of the very best natural wonders in Utah include the following:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Wasatch Mountain Range
  • Arches National Park
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes
  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument
  • The Great Salt Lake
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Rainbow Bridge
  • Zion National Park
  • Goblin Valley
  • Bear Lake

 

How many of the natural wonders in Utah have you visited?

 

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Danger Cave Complex, Wendover, UT, USA