Caving Crystal Ball Cave

Snake Valley

Overview

( Rated 5.0 / 2 Ratings )

3 Todo Lists / 1 Ticks

RATING: Easy

LENGTH: 1-2 hours

Sun

49 | 34

Mon

51 | 31

Tue

50 | 29

Wed

43 | 26

Thu

44 | 25

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SEASON: Any

GEAR: Flashlights

NOTES: This cave requires a guided tour from a cave steward. See details in the description below.

Sun

49 | 34

Mon

51 | 31

Tue

50 | 29

Wed

43 | 26

Thu

44 | 25

View Full Weather Details

cave

family friendly

access: 2wd

Crystal Ball Cave

The discovery of the cave by George Simms in 1956 marked the beginning of a fascinating journey into what is now known as the Crystal Ball Cave. Intrigued by a hole in the ground he stumbled upon while searching for lost sheep on Spring Mountain, Simms witnessed a breathtaking sight as the early morning sun illuminated the depth of the cave. Recognizing its potential significance, he enlisted the help of his nephews to explore the underground wonder. What they found surpassed all expectations. The cave is heavily decorated with cave popcorn, cave coral, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other features.

Jerald and Marlene Bates originally managed the cave and gave tours under a mining claim. The claim lapsed, and the Bates now work with the BLM as cave stewards. The cave is a locked cave, and requires a tour scheduled in advance to visit. I have been on many different cave tours over the years, and would say the Crystal Ball Cave tour was hands down one of the best. The cave is beautiful, and the Bates have excellent knowledge of the history of the cave and area. It is a tour I highly recommend.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, see the family website: https://www.batesfamilyranch.com/crystal-ball-cave.html

Note: If in the area, I also highly recommend visiting Gandy Warm Springs

Raft Cones - A very rare formation not seen in many caves in Crystal Ball Cave.

Getting There

Reaching the trailhead involves over 30 miles of dirt road one way. Make sure you have plenty of fuel, water, and supplies. There are no services available one you leave pavement.

From the Nevada/Utah stateline on US-6, go east into Utah and turn left (north) at mile marker 0.7 on the Gandy Road. This is about 88 miles west of Delta Utah on highway 6 if coming from that area.The Gandy Road is dirt, but typically very well graded and relatively fast to drive.

MP 0.7 on US-6 ( 11S 756419mE 4327195mN / N39° 03' 22" W114° 02' 12" )
27.5 miles from US-6 - Go left toward the signed Bates Ranch. Reset your odometer. ( 12S 242045mE 4370257mN / N39° 26' 36" W113° 59' 51" )
1.1 miles - 4-way junction - Go straight. In less than a quarter of a mile, turn left into the Bates Ranch tree lined driveway. It is signed Crystal Ball Cave. ( 11S 757106mE 4371534mN / N39° 27' 18" W114° 00' 43" )

Very featured Crystal Ball Cave

Route

The tour meets at the Bates Family Ranch. From there, they will lead you on a short drive to the parking area, followed by a short hike to the entrance and do the tour. Our tour was about two hours total.