Danger Cave State Monument and Juke Box Cave Tours
,Join professional archaeologist Ronald Rood for a tour of Danger Cave and Juke Box Cave. Danger Cave has been designated as Utah’s first State Monument and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Archaeological data from Danger Cave demonstrates indigenous people used this cave as a home repeatedly for more than 12,000 years. Nearby, Juke Box Cave has a similar archaeological history and was used prior to WWII by the Army Air Corps training at Wendover. You can see historic period Native American rock art in Juke Box Cave along with a cement Dance Floor used by the Army Air Corps.
This tour will focus on the archaeology of the Great Basin and how these two sites and the surrounding environments were used by pre-contact Indigenous people for thousands of years prior to Euroamerican settlement. We’ll talk about the science of archaeology, what archaeology can teach us about the past, examine real and replica artifacts, and you can try your hand at using an atlatl.
TOURS ARE LIMITED TO 18 PEOPLE PER TOUR
Upcoming Fall 2024 Tours
- Saturday, October 12 – 10:00 AM
- Sunday, October 13 – 10:00 AM
- Saturday, October 19 – 10:00 AM (International Archaeology Day Tour!)
- Saturday, November 2 – 10:00 AM
- Saturday, November 16 – 10:00 AM
Tour Reservations and Cost
Space is limited and reservations are required. We are limiting each tour to a maximum of 18 people until further notice. To reserve a spot, email Ron at rrood@metcalfarchaeology.com with DANGER CAVE in the subject line.
COVID protocols will be in place during these tours so social distancing and masks are required. Masks are important as both caves can become very dusty during tours. Once your reservation has been made and confirmed, we’ll send you details on the meeting place, and required forms. You must provide your own transportation. Payments can be made at the meeting place on the day of the tour.
It is a short and easy hike to Danger Cave. The hike to Juke Box Cave is short but steep. To tour both caves, allow for 3 hrs.
Adults (16 and older) – $20.00
Children (8 – 15 years old) – $15.00
Children under 8 are free but must be accompanied by an adult
Payment will be accepted at the tour meeting place. Only credit and debit cards are accepted.
SPECIAL TOURS FOR YOUR GROUP – Metcalf Archaeology can offer specialized tours for your group or club outside of our scheduled tours (10 people minimum) Contact Ron at rrood@metcalfarchaeology.com for details.
Can’t Make the Tour?
Explore Danger Cave, Juke Box Cave, and the Historic Wendover Airfield Museum virtually from home or in the classroom with FactorEarth™ Explore:
FAQ and What to Expect
How long does the tour last?
A typical tour of both caves is about 4 hours.
How far is it to Wendover from Salt Lake City?
Wendover is about 110 miles from Salt Lake.
Am I allowed to take photographs?
Of course and please do!
Are kids allowed in the caves?
Yes. Kids under the supervision of a parent or adult are welcome on the tours. Youth under the age of 18 must have a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Can I bring my dog?
Well, as much as we all love dogs….dogs are not allowed in the caves. However, Danger Cave has some of the oldest dog remains from North America. They are dated to roughly 9,300 years ago.
Is transportation provided?
No. However, car-pooling from the meeting area is encouraged.
Is Danger Cave safe?
Yes, it is safe. Before the tour we’ll discuss cave safety and while inside the caves, hard hats (provided) must be worn. Everyone who enters the caves must sign a liability waiver. There is a short hike to Danger Cave and a short but steep hike to Juke Box Cave. WEAR GOOD SHOES FOR WALKING!
Can I arrange for a separate tour for my church, club, organization, school, class, or special event?
Yes indeed. Just contact Ron at rrood@metcalfarchaeology.com or give me a call at 801-243-1306.
Are there bathrooms at the caves?
No. There are no restroom facilities at the caves. The closest facilities are at the Sinclair truck stop near the sites.
What shall I bring?
At a minimum, bring water and snacks. Some items are available at the truck stop. Wear shoes appropriate for hiking and clothing appropriate for the day. Remember it can be very hot (or cold) out there.
Will we need any special equipment likes ropes or lights?
No. These caves are large openings in the limestone and are not the spelunking types of caves.
Meet Your Guide
Tours of the Danger Cave State Monument are led by me, Ron Rood. I am an archaeologist who has been working in the field for more than 35 years. I’ve conducted field research in the Great Basin, Great Plains, Colorado Plateau, and Rocky Mountains. For 15 years, I was the Utah Assistant State Archaeologist. I now work as a archaeological project director at Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc. and spearhead our Danger Cave tours. As the Utah Assistant State Archaeologist, I was fortunate to have been part of continued research into Danger Cave.
I earned a BA in Anthropology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and a MA in Anthropology from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. I am a specialist of sorts in the identification of animal bones from archaeological sites and in making archaeology come alive for the public. I’ve been conducting tours of these sites for nearly 20 years and I hope you can join us.
It was a great tour and a fun day and lots of great information… Thank you!
Loved this entire experience. Thank you so much for presenting all of the information is such a clear and understandable way. Thanks to the other participants too for being respectful and excited about the whole day.
Amazing archaeological sites and a really educational and enjoyable day. Thanks Metcalf!