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Caves Near Duck Creek Village

Lava tubes, ice caves, and day-trip caverns - from the Markagunt Plateau to Kanab and beyond

Duck Creek Village sits on the Markagunt Plateau, part of an ancient volcanic field. That is why Mammoth Cave, Bower Cave, and Duck Creek Ice Cave are all within about 20 minutes - they are lava tubes and cold caverns formed in the same landscape. Farther out, you will find popular stops like Mossy Cave at Bryce, the Kanab Sand Caves, and Moqui Cave, plus technical or historic sites for experienced cavers and history buffs. Use this page to see them by distance and pick the right cave for your trip.

Near Duck Creek

The three caves most visitors combine - Mammoth Cave, Bower Cave, and Duck Creek Ice Cave.

Mammoth Cave

Over 2,200 feet of undeveloped lava tube, closed October 1 to April 30 for hibernating bats. Full access rules, directions, and what to carry.

Duck Creek Ice Cave

A cold-trap sinkhole at 8,820 feet where ice lingers into summer. When to go for the best ice, and how to get down safely.

Mammoth Cave main entrance in lava rock and pine forest near Duck Creek Village

~20 min from the inn

Mammoth Cave

One of Utah's largest lava tubes — closed October 1 to April 30 for hibernating bats

Dark lava tube passage in the Mammoth Cave lava tube field near Bower Cave, Dixie National Forest

~20 min from the inn

Bower Cave

Lava tube near Mammoth Cave—ladder entry and bat habitat

Rocky entrance to Duck Creek Ice Cave surrounded by forest

~20 min from the inn

Duck Creek Ice Cave

A classic cold-trap ice cave — one chamber that holds ice into summer

Day-Trip Caves

Popular stops within about an hour - Mossy Cave, Sand Caves, Moqui Cave, and Belly of the Dragon.

Mossy Cave grotto and Bryce Canyon hoodoos along the Mossy Cave Trail

~60 min from the inn

Mossy Cave

Bryce Canyon grotto and waterfall—easy family hike

Red sandstone arches at the Kanab Sand Caves along Highway 89

~60 min from the inn

Sand Caves (Kanab)

Man-made sandstone caverns from sand mining—popular hike

Roadside entrance to Moqui Cave museum north of Kanab, Utah

~60 min from the inn

Moqui Cave

Roadside cave museum—fluorescent minerals and dinosaur tracks

Light at the end of the Belly of the Dragon drainage tunnel near Mount Carmel, Utah

~60 min from the inn

Belly of the Dragon

Man-made drainage tunnel—short, quirky walk under Highway 89

Farther or Technical

Bloomington Cave, Bechan Cave, and Dance Hall Rock - permits, archaeology, or a long scenic drive.

Interior passage in Bloomington Cave, a BLM-managed limestone cave west of St. George

~2 hr from the inn

Bloomington Cave

Large limestone cave system near St. George—permit required

Red sandstone canyon walls in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Bechan Cave, Kane County

~2 hr from the inn

Bechan Cave

Kane County rock shelter—mammoth fossils and archaeological site

Natural sandstone amphitheater bowl at Dance Hall Rock, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

~2 hr from the inn

Dance Hall Rock

Historic sandstone amphitheater—pioneer gathering place

More to Explore

For hiking, lakes, scenic drives, and day trips to Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Cedar Breaks, see the Duck Creek Guide and Lakes pages. Duck Creek Guide.

Ready to Explore?

Book your stay and use Duck Creek as your base for Southern Utah.

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