Caving - Goshute Cave 11/18/23

Itinerary:

Carpooling - 8:00 am

Trailhead - 12:00 pm (adjust for Nevada time so also 11:00 am)

Hike to Cave - 11:00 am - 11:30 am

Explore Cave - 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Head Home - 11:00 pm

Directions: Goshute Cave Trailhead, Cherry Hill, Nevada

Google maps may try and take you through farmer fields for the last 5-7 miles. DON'T go that way. At the junction of hwy 93 and alt hwy 93 go north about 12 miles to the Cherry Creek turn off on the left. Dirt road. Follow this road about 7 miles past the big tractor tire on the rt and farm house on your left. Dirt rt on rt takes you up to the trailhead (may need high clearance here)

Activity:

Optional Stop - Salt Flats Exit (rest stop before the Bonneville Race Way exit) for a quick break with a cool view

Gas - in Wendover

Hike to cave - Hiking from the parking area to the cave entrance is a steep 30-45 minute hike. You can see a huge black grotto north west from the parking area. The cave entrance is down left of the grotto behind the juniper tree. There's a small rock about 20 ft climb at about 45 degree slope at the very end of the hike. You will need to bring a handline or rope in case the current one is gone. First member will need to free climb up and then anchor off a juniper at the top. At the start of the hike, there's a map of the cave, which is extremely helpful because the cave is extensive. It's important to note that there's no cell service or bathrooms at the cave.

Once in the cave, the first chamber is very dusty. Masks recommended. Head left to the Ballroom and explore. The second left will take you to the **rappel/rock climbing area that ends in the Grand Room. There are bolts at the top and sometimes an old rope. About 50 ft up and 65 ft down the other side. The rest of the cave is a main chamber heading downhill with small offshoots. Mostly standing room with occasional crawl-throughs. Beautiful formations - wear gloves and don't remove anything from the cave!

Tips:

DO NOT SHINE LIGHTS DIRECTLY AT BATS if you see them.

DO NOT TAKE ANY PARTS OF THE CAVE OUT OR BREAK ANY FORMATIONS.

DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME OR HANDPRINTS EVEN IN MUD AS THIS DEFACES THE CAVE. WEAR GLOVES AT ALL TIMES IN CAVE.

Gear: Helmet, harness, headlamp, small flashlight, extra batteries, (3 sources of light) knee pads. Clothes you are ok to get dirty - Hiking pants or old jeans, synthetic t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, light waterproof jacket (optional), camelback or regular back pack, 2 Liters water, 3-4 snacks, brown bag lunch, first aid kit, hiking boots/running shoes, face mask for dust when entering cave, gloves (leather is best), change of clothes, baby wipes, $ for dinner in Wendover, $ for gas chip in, knee pads

Rentals:

Harness: $5/day (BYU Outdoors Unltd); $17 (BYU Outdoors Unltd)

Helmet: $4/day (BYU Outdoors Unltd); $4/day

(UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

Rappel