Nutty Putty Cave

Nutty Putty Cave, a hydrothermal cave west of Utah Lake, was first explored in 1960 and became a popular destination for amateur and experienced cavers, Boy Scout groups, and college students despite its narrow, hazardous passages. Formed upward by superheated water in limestone, it contained about 1,400 feet of tunnels and chutes entered through a small opening. Heavy use and a series of accidents raised safety concerns, leading to restrictions and a permit system in 2009. That same year, John Edward Jones died after becoming trapped upside down in a tight crevice, and the cave was permanently sealed, leaving it both inaccessible and deeply remembered.

Utah · United States