Garner’s Cave, conveniently located near the city of Ogden, attracts a significant number of visitors hiking along the Bonneville Shoreline trail. This is a quick trip that can be completed in a few hours.
Despite its popularity, caution should be exercised in a few areas to avoid injury, but overall, it is a relatively straightforward cave system. This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Ogden, Utah, offers an exhilarating experience. While considered moderately challenging, it remains a favorite among hikers, allowing moments of solitude during quieter periods of the day. The trail is best enjoyed from March to November, and dogs are welcome, with some areas permitting off-leash activities. However getting a dog up to the Cave would be challenging.
If you plan to explore the cave, remember to bring headlamps and gloves, especially if you intend to climb the 25 foot rock face to access it. In addition you should probably bring about 50 feet of rope. When we visited there were already fixed ropes in place.
Garner’s Cave, is a bit of a hidden gem, it offers a rewarding experience with approximately an hour-long hike with 1,200 feet vertical followed by a short but exhilarating climb up a cliff face. To facilitate access, a rope has been set up, as the cave attracts a substantial number of explorers.
Once inside, you’ll encounter a central passageway flanked by two smaller side passages. It’s important to note that most parts of the cave are wet and may present tight crawls, making it less suitable for those with larger physiques. Caution is advised in these areas to prevent any mishaps. The passage ways are fairly straight forward, some spots are very skinny so do not proceed if you aren’t comfortable. We spent about an hour exploring the inside of the cave.
Over the years, Garners Cave has unfortunately suffered from human impact, resulting in litter, graffiti, and broken formations tarnishing its natural beauty. As responsible adventurers, it is crucial to treat this unique place with respect and care. If you have the opportunity to explore the cave, please do your part by packing out any trash you come across, leaving it cleaner and more pristine for future visitors.
Remember, the joy of discovering this enchanting cave comes with the responsibility of preserving its splendor for generations to come.
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