Exploring Crystal Ball Cave makes a great, kid-friendly adventure, out in the middle of nowhere on the Utah/Nevada border.

Crystal Ball is a limestone cave system with beautiful calcite decorations. It is undeveloped (no smooth trail or electric lights). It is located on BLM land and is managed by the nearby Bates Ranch. Public exploration is allowed with a guide from the ranch. Metal gates with locks have been installed to control access.

The cave consists of several large rooms connected by narrow passages. In some spots the passages have low ceilings and so adults must stoop low to get through. The tour follows an established route and there are no tight or dangerous spots.

People exploring the cave are asked not to tough the formations, with just a couple exceptions. Toward the end of the tour a “throne chair” formed from calcite is impressive and people are allowed to sit in it.

Crystal Ball Cave is on Gandy Mountain, north of US Hwy 50 just on the Utah side of the border. It is only about 40 miles from Great Basin National Park, which includes impressive Lehman Caves. A great trip includes touring both caves. Lehman is larger and has more decorations. But Crystal Ball feels more intimate and adventurous.

Reservations are required. The Bates ranch offers a few cabin rentals.

Nearby, Gandy Warm Springs offers a couple refreshing pools. Some of the warm spring water comes out of a small cave that can be entered by swimming. We have enjoyed the pools but don't have enough information to recommend exploring the cave.

Directions

From Hwy 50 near the border, drive north on the Gandy Road for about 46 miles to the Bates ranch, which is located west of Gandy Road. Signs show the route.

http://www.batesfamilyranch.com/crystal-ball-cave.html

GPS: Latitude 39.458684°, Longitude -114.013984°