Nutty Putty Cave Map
Surprisingly, the Nutty Putty Cave map may have contributed to the confusion. While accurate for its time, the map did not show every tiny offshoot or the subtle differences in passage size. In 2009, John Jones — an experienced caver but not a Nutty Putty expert — entered a section the map showed as passable, but which in reality had a sharp downward turn into a dead-end chimney. He descended headfirst and could not reverse.
Rescuers later noted that the map gave an impression of continuous passage where there wasn’t one. It wasn’t a bad map — but it wasn’t detailed enough to convey the three-dimensional trap hidden in plain sight.
The Nutty Putty Cave map is now a digital ghost. It serves three lasting purposes:
John Jones rests in the clay. His body is exactly where the map labels "Ed's Push," though today, that label is academic. The concrete that seals the cave does not just block the entrance; it buries the map's legend.
The next time you look at the Nutty Putty Cave map, don't see a puzzle to solve. See a warning that some doors, once opened, cannot be closed—and some arrows on a map are actually pointing to a grave.
If you are interested in safe caving, never explore alone, always tell someone your route, and stick to mapped, open systems like Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Nutty Putty is closed forever.
While the Nutty Putty Cave map accurately depicts the distances and directions, a 2D piece of paper cannot convey the physiological demands of the cave.
The critical detail missing from most public versions of the map is the orientation of the passages. Nutty Putty is primarily a fracture cave. The passages are mostly narrow, horizontal slots. To navigate, you must turn your body sideways, or flatten yourself into a "caterpillar crawl" (belly-down, pushing with toes).
The map shows the "Main Branch" as a relatively straight line. In reality, that line represents a passage that in some places is only 10 inches high and 30 inches wide.
The Nutty Putty Cave map is a reminder that in caving, a few meters and a wrong turn can mean the difference between adventure and tragedy. If you’re a caver, study maps carefully. If you’re an armchair explorer, respect that some places are best left sealed—and remembered.
Do not attempt to locate or enter Nutty Putty Cave. It is closed by landowner and law enforcement order.
Sources: Utah Geological Survey, Timpanogos Grotto NSS, official rescue reports. nutty putty cave map
Nutty Putty Cave , located west of Utah Lake, was a popular hydrothermal cave known for its tight, slippery, and clay-lined passages
. Formed by superheated water forced upward through limestone, it featured complex 3D structures including domes and extremely narrow squeezes. The cave was permanently sealed in 2009 following the tragic death of John Edward Jones
, who became stuck in an unmapped, vertical fissure. Today, the cave remains a sealed tomb and a memorial to Jones. The Cave Layout and Features
The cave spanned approximately 1,355 feet (413 meters) in length with a total depth of about 145 feet (44 meters). Key areas identified on historical maps include: The Entrance
: A 6-foot wide opening on Blowhole Hill with an initial 15-foot drop. The Big Slide
: A steep, slippery descent that cavers could take shortly after entering.
: A complex network of passages to the left of the main drop. Famous Squeezes : Notable tight passages included the Helmet Eater Scout Eater , and the notorious Birth Canal Hydrothermal Origins
: Unlike most limestone caves formed by surface water, Nutty Putty was a "hypogenic" cave created from the bottom up, resulting in its unique maze-like and vertical characteristics. The John Jones Incident Map
The most famous "maps" or diagrams of the cave today focus on the location of the 2009 accident.
The Legend of Nutty Putty Cave
Deep within the heart of Utah's rugged landscape lies the infamous Nutty Putty Cave, a massive underground network of tunnels and caverns. The cave system has been fascinating explorers and adventurers for decades, but its complex passages and hidden chambers have also led to many getting lost. Surprisingly, the Nutty Putty Cave map may have
One day, a group of brave spelunkers stumbled upon an ancient map that had been hidden away for years. The map, etched on a worn leather parchment, revealed the secrets of Nutty Putty Cave's vast underground world.
As they unfolded the map, they noticed that it was divided into several sections, each representing a different part of the cave system. The map showed:
The map also highlighted several Danger Zones, including areas prone to rockfalls, hidden pitfalls, and treacherous terrain.
Armed with the map, the spelunkers set out to explore the cave system, carefully navigating its twists and turns. As they made their way deeper into the earth, they discovered hidden wonders, including glittering crystals, ancient fossils, and even an underground waterfall.
But they also encountered unexpected challenges, such as navigating through the Maze of Reflections and avoiding the treacherous terrain of the Danger Zones.
In the end, the spelunkers emerged from the cave system, exhausted but exhilarated by their adventure. They realized that the map had been more than just a guide – it had been a key to unlocking the secrets of Nutty Putty Cave.
Here's a simple map to help you visualize the cave system:
+---------------------------------------+
| Entrance |
| Chamber --------------------------- |
+---------------------------------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------------------------+
| Squeeze Tunnel |
| ( narrow passage ) ------------------ |
+---------------------------------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------------------------+
| Great Hall |
| ( vast cavernous space ) ------------ |
+---------------------------------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------------------------+
| Maze of Reflections |
| ( mirrored tunnels ) ---------------- |
+---------------------------------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------------------------+
| Underground Lake |
| ( massive body of water ) ---------- |
+---------------------------------------+
The Nutty Putty Cave, located west of Utah Lake in Utah County, was once one of the most popular hydrothermal caves in the United States. Known for its smooth, slippery surfaces and tight squeezes, it attracted thousands of scouts and spelunkers annually. However, following a tragic accident in 2009, the cave was sealed permanently. Today, the Nutty Putty Cave map serves as a historical record and a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in extreme caving. A Geological Wonder
The cave was discovered in 1960 by Dale Green. It earned its name from the unique, clay-like substance found on its walls, which felt like "Nutty Putty." Unlike most caves formed by surface water dripping down, Nutty Putty was a hydrothermal cave, created by upward-moving hot water. This process resulted in a complex, three-dimensional maze of smooth, narrow tunnels that defied typical cave structures. Navigating the Maze: Key Landmarks
For those who explored its depths, the Nutty Putty Cave map was essential for navigation. The cave system was approximately 1,400 feet long and reached depths of nearly 145 feet. Key areas on the map included:
The Big Slide: A large, steeply angled room near the entrance that served as a staging area for explorers.The Birth Canal: A notoriously tight horizontal squeeze that required cavers to exhale and wiggle through a narrow opening.The Scout Eater: A deceptive passage that led to a dead end, often confusing inexperienced navigators.The A-Frame: A distinctive triangular passage located deeper in the system. The Tragedy of 2009 John Jones rests in the clay
The cave's legacy changed forever on November 24, 2009. John Edward Jones, an experienced medical student and father, entered the cave with his brother and friends. While attempting to find the Birth Canal, John accidentally entered an unmapped, vertical fissure known as "Ed’s Push."
John became stuck upside down in a space measuring only 10 by 18 inches. Despite a 27-hour rescue effort involving over 130 personnel and sophisticated pulley systems, the physical toll on John’s body was too great. He passed away in the cave. Due to the extreme danger of retrieving his body, the decision was made with the family’s consent to seal the cave permanently, leaving it as a final resting place. The Legacy of the Map
While the physical entrance to Nutty Putty Cave is now capped with concrete, the Nutty Putty Cave map remains a subject of intense study for geological historians and safety advocates. It is often used in caving workshops to illustrate the "mapping of danger."
The map highlights how easily a person can lose their orientation in a 3D labyrinth. It shows that even with a diagram, the physical reality of a cave can be vastly different from a two-dimensional drawing. Today, these maps are viewed with a mix of fascination and respect, serving as a cautionary tale for the caving community worldwide. Safety Lessons for Modern Cavers
The story of Nutty Putty Cave has led to stricter regulations and better education for amateur explorers. Experts emphasize that maps are only one tool in a caver's arsenal. True safety comes from proper training, never caving alone, and respecting the limits of one’s own physical and mental endurance.
Though the tunnels of Nutty Putty are silent now, the map of its passages continues to educate a new generation of adventurers on the importance of caution, preparation, and the unpredictable nature of the underground world.
The tragedy of 2009 revolves around a specific spot on the map: The Big Slide (also called "The Chute"). On the map, The Big Slide is a yellowish-tan line branching off the main route, leading to a room called "Bob's Way."
However, the map also notes a smaller, unnamed passage near the top of The Big Slide. This passage leads to "Ed's Push"—a vertical chimney that goes down to an area called "The Birth Canal."
Here is where the map became a weapon of ironic tragedy. In 2009, John Edward Jones (a 26-year-old medical student and experienced hiker, though not a technical caver) was exploring with his brother Josh. They were using a laminated copy of the map.
The map legend indicated that "The Big Slide" was a large, open (though steep) decline that eventually led to a large room. Jones believed he was in "The Big Slide." In reality, due to a navigational error in the dark, he had entered the unnamed vertical chimney leading to "Ed's Push."
Because the map does not clearly label this chimney as a distinct, separate, and vertical passage (it looks like a slight bulge on the line), Jones mistook a 10-inch-wide vertical tube for a 45-degree sloping slide. He entered head-first.
Because the cave is sealed, the map has taken on a quasi-morbid collectible status. You can find several versions online:
Warning: Do not attempt to use these maps to find the cave. The entrance is completely obliterated. Law enforcement actively patrols the area, and trespassing on the sealed site is a criminal offense.