Mantle's Cave, Archaeological cave in Moffat County, Colorado, US.
Mantle's Cave is a rock shelter located within Dinosaur National Monument in Moffat County, Colorado, positioned on a north-facing slope above the Yampa River. The formation contains multiple chambers and sections that reveal evidence of human occupation spanning several centuries.
Scientific excavation in 1939 first revealed the cave's extensive use from around 550 to 1000 AD by indigenous peoples. The investigation uncovered cultural layers and artifacts that documented how communities in the region managed their survival over many generations.
The cave served as a storage hub for the Uinta-Fremont people who lived in this region centuries ago. Visitors can see how this community organized its daily resources and what mattered most to them through what was left behind.
Access to the cave is carefully controlled and requires advance permission from local authorities due to its protected status. Plan your visit well ahead and contact the appropriate agency to understand current conditions and any restrictions for entry.
Within the cave are remnants of 50 distinct storage pits, each containing different types of preserved goods from ancient times. This arrangement reveals how carefully the inhabitants managed their supplies, separating foods and materials for organized survival.
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