Mt Youth - Snow Caves, White Pine Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Cyn 3/13/26

Itinerary:

Trailhead - 4:00 pm

Hike to Cave Area - 4-430 pm

Build Snow Caves - 430-630 pm

Drive: White Pine Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Cyn

Cost: $10 day pass or free with National Parks Pass (pay with card at kiosk at parking lot)

Activities: 

Hike to snow cave area - The snow was deep and warm when we were digging out the caves and the approach needed snowshoes, otherwise people got stuck up to thier waists in snow.

Dig out snowcaves. Best place was to the west of the parking lot in a meadow next to a stream (be aware, some kids went down to the stream and got their feet wet). Build snow mounds 6x6 ft the previous to activity. (We dig them the day before to let them settle) Youth will learn how to build thier own "Quinzee" snow cave.

• Dig out entrance about 3 ft x 3 ft at the bottom and go about 4 ft in

• Dig out the sides

• Dig out the top (if you see light blue snow, the wall is too thin)

• Dig out the rest of the inside until you can sit inside

• Punch out several breathing holes with shovel handle

• If you are sleeping in them, pile up or dig benches about 2-3 ft above the entrance on each side of the door along the cave to keep cold air down.

Tips -

• we always have an adult present at each snow cave

• don't jump or climb on the snow caves while others are digging

  
  

Bathrooms - yes

Cell Phone Service - patchy

Dogs - no

Gear: Snowshoes, Snowshovel (metal and small to medium size - avlanche shovels are best - write your name on them), gaiters (optional - can rent), (NO COTTON) thermal top and bottom, wool socks or just not cotton socks, snow pants, long sleeve fleece, light waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, 1-2 Liters water, snacks, WATERPROOF boots or non-waterproof boots/shoes and also rent "overshoes", sled (optional)

Rentals:

Snowshovel ($5 - BYU Outdoors Unlimited; $5 UVU Adventure Center)