What is Bloomington Cave?
Bloomington Cave is a limestone cave system in the Beaver Dam Mountains about 15 miles west of St.
Caves
Bloomington Cave
Large limestone cave system near St. George, permit required
At a glance
- Elevation
- 3,692 ft · Limestone
- Drive time
- ~2 hr from the inn
Bloomington Cave is a limestone cave system in the Beaver Dam Mountains about 15 miles west of St. George. It is the fifth longest cave in Utah, with 1.43 miles of surveyed passage and six distinct levels. The BLM manages it as the only publicly accessible cave in the St. George Field Office area. The cave involves crawling, squeezing through tight spaces, climbing, and slippery surfaces—it is for experienced cavers. Temperature is a constant 58°F with high humidity.
The walk in
What the last half mile is really like, traced from the mapped footpath. Tap a line for the surface underfoot, or a pin for what you pass.
A short approach trail from the BLM lot to two gated entrances. The free permit has to be arranged with the St. George Field Office before you arrive; the BLM warns that people who are not experienced cavers routinely find this cave harder than they expected.
- Path
BLM trailhead
Signed lot in the Beaver Dam Mountains, about 15 miles west of St. George. An information board at the trailhead sets out the rules.
North entrance
Gated. Permit required to pass it. It is free, but it has to come from the St. George Field Office in advance.
South entrance
The second gated entrance, 60 m south. Five marked routes run between them through 1.43 miles of surveyed passage on at least six levels.
Coordinates37.05960, -113.73491Elevation3,692 ft
Highlights
- 1.43 miles of surveyed passage; six levels; maze-like
- Free BLM permit required before entering the cave; submit the application in advance
- Five marked routes with narrow, steep, and slippery passages
- Permits are available from the BLM St. George Field Office
Tips
Bring three independent light sources (hands-free preferred), helmet, map, water, and a basic first-aid kit. Only go with experienced cavers. Get your permit from the BLM before your visit.
When to go
Year-round by permit. High elevation and desert access, so check road and weather conditions.
| Cave | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington CaveThe cave holds 58°F all year. The desert approach is what shifts, and high summer makes the drive and the walk in unpleasant. | January: Open | February: Best | March: Best | April: Best | May: Open | June: Depends | July: Depends | August: Depends | September: Open | October: Best | November: Best | December: Open |
- Best
- Open
- Depends
- Closed
Stay planning
Once this stop is on your list, use Plan Your Days for itinerary ideas or compare our rooms and cabins to match the style of trip you want.
May 2026
Why trust this guide
Cave access, forest roads, and shoulder-season weather can change faster than people expect around Duck Creek. We use guest trip-planning experience here, but always recommend checking the official sources below before you commit to the drive.
Questions: Bloomington Cave
Cave basics, driving distance, and what to know before you go.
How far is Bloomington Cave from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Bloomington Cave is about ~2 hr from Duck Creek Village Inn in the current cave guide.
What should I know before visiting Bloomington Cave?
BLM permit required before entering the cave; submit the application in advance. For experienced cavers only.
Go up one level
Start from the cave hub if you want the broader set of lava tubes and cave stops before picking one route.
Related stops
Sideways links to other caves and nearby stops that match this kind of adventure.
Next steps
These next-step guides help you connect a cave stop to a bigger Duck Creek or park day.
Choose your stay
Keep the planning moving with room, cabin, and comparison options that fit the pace of the trip.
Stay Here, Explore Bloomington Cave Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn - ~2 hr from Bloomington Cave.