Nutty Putty Cave Map May 2026
You can still find the Nutty Putty Cave map in old caving guidebooks, online archives (like the Wayback Machine’s cache of Utah caving sites), and in accident analysis reports from the NSS. It’s often shared alongside a diagram of the rescue attempt — a somber pairing of cartography and consequence.
Would you like a simplified or annotated version of the map description — or a separate piece on the rescue timeline?
The Nutty Putty Cave map is more than a guide; it is a blueprint of a tragedy that changed caving in Utah forever. Originally known as an "easy" cave for Boy Scouts and families, the map details a 1,400-foot network of hydrothermal tunnels—warm, slick with clay, and deceptively tight. The Geography of a Tragedy
In November 2009, 26-year-old medical student John Jones entered the cave with his brother Josh. The official map, drafted by cartographer and rescuer Brandon Kowallis, shows the route they took toward the infamous "Birth Canal."
The Wrong Turn: John believed he was entering the Birth Canal, a tight but traversable squeeze. Instead, he entered an unmapped, downward-sloping fissure known as "Ed’s Push".
The Trap: As the passage narrowed to just 10 by 18 inches, John became wedged upside down at a 70-degree angle, 400 feet into the cave and 100 feet below the surface.
The Rescue Effort: For 27 hours, over 135 rescuers struggled to free him using a complex pulley system. A pulley failure caused John to slide further into the crevice, and he ultimately passed away from cardiac arrest and positional asphyxia. A Sealed Memorial
Because his body could not be safely removed, the cave was permanently sealed with concrete on December 3, 2009. The map now serves as a historical record of his final resting place.
Today's Access: While the physical cave is closed, a digital restoration has been created by 3R Games in the VR game "Cave Crave." This allows for a respectful, authentic exploration of the cave's layout using Kowallis's original data.
Safety Legacy: The incident led to stricter regulations and a shift in how "easy" hydrothermal caves are perceived by the caving community.
Exploring the Nutty Putty Cave Map: A Spelunker's Guide
Located in the heart of Utah, the Nutty Putty Cave is a popular destination for spelunkers and adventure-seekers. This extensive cave system offers a unique and thrilling experience, with its vast network of tunnels, passageways, and underground wonders. To help you navigate this subterranean world, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the Nutty Putty Cave map.
Overview of the Cave System
The Nutty Putty Cave is a massive limestone cave system that spans over 1,500 acres. The cave features a complex network of tunnels, shafts, and passageways, with over 6 miles of mapped routes. The cave's unique geology is characterized by its volcanic-ash-filled passages, stunning formations, and narrow crevices.
Key Features of the Nutty Putty Cave Map
Navigating the Nutty Putty Cave Map
To get the most out of your visit to the Nutty Putty Cave, it's essential to understand how to navigate the map. Here are some tips:
Tips and Safety Reminders
Conclusion
The Nutty Putty Cave map is an essential tool for anyone looking to explore this incredible cave system. With its vast network of passageways, stunning formations, and unique geological features, the Nutty Putty Cave offers an unforgettable adventure. By understanding the map and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and exhilarating experience in this natural wonder. Happy spelunking!
Nutty Putty Cave is permanently sealed and closed to the public
It serves as the final resting place for John Edward Jones, who became fatally trapped in a narrow, unmapped passage in 2009. This guide is for historical and educational purposes regarding the cave's layout and the 2004 map updates. Overview of the Nutty Putty Cave
The cave's mapping history is critical to understanding its complexity and the risks it once posed to explorers: The 2004 Update nutty putty cave map
: A revised map was released in 2004 to help cavers navigate more safely. Intentional Exclusions
: Interestingly, the section where John Jones eventually lost his life was intentionally excluded
from the updated 2004 maps. This was done to discourage cavers from entering the most dangerous, tightest fissures. Hydrothermal Origins
: As a hydrothermal cave, its passages are uniquely smooth and "nutty" (slippery), caused by warm water dissolving the rock from the bottom up. Key Locations on the Map
Before its closure, several notorious sections were marked on the Nutty Putty Cave Map The Big Slide : A steep, slippery descent near the entrance. The Birth Canal
: One of the most famous tight squeezes, requiring cavers to exhale to fit through. The Corkscrew
: A winding, vertical passage that challenged even experienced explorers. Bob’s Push : A section of the cave featuring extremely narrow crawls. The Unmapped Fissure
: The site of the 2009 tragedy, located beyond the "Birth Canal," where Jones took a wrong turn into an 18-inch wide, 10-inch tall vertical crevice. Brandon Kowallis Historical Access Information : The cave is located on Blowhole Hill west of Utah Lake in Utah County.
: Following the failed 27-hour rescue attempt in 2009, the entrance was sealed with concrete Virtual Exploration : Because physical entry is impossible, many now use VR simulations or 3D models to understand the cave's structure. Climb Utah Critical Safety Legacy
The maps and historical records of Nutty Putty Cave now serve as a cautionary guide for the caving community: Never Cave Alone : Always have a partner who can call for help. Know Your Limits
: Do not enter passages that appear smaller than your own body's chest size. Map Reliance
: Always use the most current map and acknowledge that "off-map" exploring is extremely high-risk. specific diagrams
illustrating the "Birth Canal" or the section where the 2009 rescue occurred? The Nutty Putty Cave Rescue & the Death of John Jones 23-Feb-2024 —
The Nutty Putty Cave map is a detailed representation of approximately 1,355 to 1,400 feet of complex, hydrothermal tunnels located west of Utah Lake. Created primarily by cartographer Brandon Kowallis in 2003, the map captures a maze of tight squeezes and vertical drops that characterized this popular spelunking destination before its permanent closure in 2009. Key Layout and Passages
The cave's structure is often described as a capital "L" on its side, split into two primary routes after a 15-foot initial drop from the entrance:
The Maze (Left Route): A series of overlapping passages and unusual forms sculpted by rising superheated water. It is recommended to use a map here to avoid looping back to the start.
The Big Slide (Right Route): A long, 45-degree sloping chamber that leads deeper into the cave.
The Birth Canal: One of the most famous and tightest sections, known for its extreme narrowness before widening into larger rooms.
The Aortal Crawl: A grueling, body-tight crawl spanning 115 feet, located past the Big Slide.
Ed's Push: A remote area where the tragic 2009 incident occurred. Reading the Map
The official survey map utilizes specific symbols to convey the cave's challenging topography:
Plan View: The map provides an overhead "top-down" look at the system. You can still find the Nutty Putty Cave
Cross-Sections: Small diagrams illustrate the specific shape and height of passages at various points.
"TT" Markings: These denote passages that are "too tight" for further exploration.
Underlined Passages: Indicate where one tunnel passes directly beneath another. The John Jones Accident Location
The map gained global attention following the death of John Edward Jones in 2009. While he intended to find the Birth Canal, Jones mistakenly entered an unmapped, 70-degree downward chute in the Ed's Push area. He became wedged upside down in a crevice measuring only about 10 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Because the area was too narrow for recovery equipment and human intervention, the cave was permanently sealed with Jones' remains still inside, serving as a natural memorial. The Nutty Putty Cave Rescue & the Death of John Jones
The map of Nutty Putty Cave serves as both a historical record of a popular caving destination and a somber memorial to the tragic events of 2009. Originally drafted in 2003 by cartographer Brandon Kowallis, the map covers 1,355 feet of the cave's surveyed length, reaching a depth of approximately 145 feet. Understanding the Layout
The standard map is a plan view, showing the cave as if seen from above. Because the cave is "hypogenic"—featuring complex, three-dimensional passages that loop and overlap—the map uses specific markings to guide the viewer:
Dotted Lines & Gray Areas: Indicate where passages overlap on different vertical levels.
Cross-Sections: Small diagrams showing the physical shape of a passage at a specific point.
"tt" Markings: These denote passages that were too tight for surveyors to explore further.
The Legend: Explains symbols for various formations and survey stations used to measure the cave. Critical Locations on the Map
The map highlights several notorious tight squeezes that gave the cave its reputation:
The Big Slide: A steep descent near the entrance leading to the "Maze."
The Birth Canal: A famous, very tight horizontal squeeze that many cavers used as a rite of passage.
Ed's Push: The area where John Edward Jones tragically became trapped in 2009. Contrary to some early reports, he was not in the Birth Canal but in an unmapped, vertical fissure near Ed's Push. Accessing the Map Today
Since the cave was permanently sealed with concrete following the rescue attempt, the physical location is no longer accessible. However, historical and educational resources remain available:
High-Resolution Versions: Official high-res PDF maps can still be purchased from Brandon Kowallis's website.
3D Models: For those wanting to see the vertical extent not captured in the 2D plan, 3D reconstructions provide a rare view of the cave's steep, 45-to-70-degree drops.
Virtual Reality: Modern VR experiences like "Cave Crave" allow users to explore the layout digitally.
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.
The Nutty Putty Cave Map: A Comprehensive Guide Would you like a simplified or annotated version
The Nutty Putty Cave system, located in Utah, USA, is a vast and complex network of underground tunnels and caverns. The cave map is a crucial tool for explorers, researchers, and adventure-seekers, providing a detailed representation of the cave's layout and features.
Overview of the Cave System
The Nutty Putty Cave system spans over 1,600 acres, with more than 25 miles of mapped passages. The cave is a type of lava tube, formed as a result of volcanic activity in the area. The cave's unique features include its extensive network of narrow passages, large caverns, and intricate formations of lava and minerals.
Components of the Cave Map
A comprehensive Nutty Putty Cave map typically includes:
Types of Nutty Putty Cave Maps
Several types of maps are used to represent the Nutty Putty Cave system:
Importance of the Nutty Putty Cave Map
The Nutty Putty Cave map is essential for:
In conclusion, the Nutty Putty Cave map is a vital tool for anyone interested in exploring, researching, or simply learning about this incredible natural wonder. Its detailed representation of the cave's layout and features provides a foundation for safe exploration, scientific research, and conservation efforts.
On November 24, 2009, John Jones squeezed into the narrow fissure. He was 400 feet from the entrance. Because he thought the passage widened out, he kept moving forward until he reached a tight "S-curve" in the rock. Unable to turn around, he attempted to go head-first through the curve.
He became wedged upside down at a 70-degree angle. His feet were above his head.
The rescue operation is now a legendary case study in extreme rescue failure. Over 100 rescuers tried for 27 hours to extract him. They drilled anchors, set up rope systems, and even tried a "slide-board" technique.
At one point, the rescue team did free his arms and upper body. But when they pulled, his legs jammed tighter. The map showed that the passage narrowed to a "V" shape. The clay acted like a Chinese finger trap: pulling only made it worse.
Because he was upside down, blood pooled in his lungs and heart (orthostatic intolerance). His heart stopped due to cardiac arrest. The official cause of death was listed as asphyxiation/hypoxia due to chest compression.
Once he was declared dead, the rescuers faced a horrific ethical choice: recovering his body would require dismemberment, or blasting the rock. The Jones family decided the body should remain.
On December 3, 2009, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the private landowner, the Jones family (no relation to the victim), made the unprecedented decision to permanently seal the cave.
Crews drilled holes and pumped concrete into the entrance. Then, they backfilled the entrance pit with dirt and rocks. A small memorial plaque was placed at the site, but the cave itself is now inaccessible.
Why seal it? Because the map still existed.
Officials realized that even with the entrance closed, cavers would eventually dig it open or find a secondary entrance. The only way to prevent another death was to destroy the cave's geometry. By filling the entrance with concrete, they rendered the map useless. No matter how detailed your Nutty Putty Cave map is, you cannot enter a solid block of concrete.
Nutty Putty Cave was discovered in 1960 by a group of geologists from Brigham Young University (BYU). Unlike the massive vertical pits or crystal cathedrals found in other caving systems, Nutty Putty was discovered to be a hypogenic cave—formed not by surface water erosion, but by hot, acidic hydrothermal fluids rising from deep within the earth.
Because of its unique "slickenside" clay (smooth, polished clay that looks and feels like chocolate frosting, hence the name "Nutty Putty"), the cave required extensive surveying. Over the next 40 years, the Timpanogos Grotto of the National Speleological Society (NSS) took on the Herculean task of mapping the complex.
The resulting Nutty Putty Cave Map is a masterpiece of by-hand surveying. Unlike a standard tourist map, a caving map uses a "plan view" (a top-down layout) and multiple "profile views" (side-cut diagrams) to show vertical stacking of passages.