Danger Cave

Danger Cave is an archaeological site near Wendover, Utah, containing preserved materials that span over 11,000 years of human settlement in the Great Basin. The collection includes stone tools, grinding implements, woven textiles, and organic remains that document daily life and survival practices.

Major excavations in the 1950s led by Jesse D. Jennings revealed continuous human habitation spanning thousands of years, fundamentally changing our understanding of prehistoric North American settlement patterns. The findings demonstrated that the region supported stable communities far earlier than scholars had previously believed.

The site reveals how people adapted to life in the Great Basin over many centuries through hunting, gathering, and crafting tools from natural materials. These activities shaped how communities understood and used their landscape to survive.

Access to the site is restricted and requires permits from the Utah Division of State History, as it is a protected archaeological property. Visitors interested in research or educational access should contact the appropriate authorities in advance to arrange permission.

The cave's exceptionally dry conditions preserved delicate organic materials like textiles that would normally decompose over time, offering rare insights into ancient craftsmanship and daily habits. This natural preservation allowed archaeologists to recover details about clothing, basketry, and food preparation that typically vanish from the archaeological record.

Location: Tooele County

GPS coordinates: 40.75190,-114.01600

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40