In this day and age when everybody has pretty much seen and heard it all, it’s impressive when something as basic and natural as the Wyoming wilderness can retain its secrets — especially when the things that it’s hiding are enormous. Take the case of Horsethief Caves in Wyoming in the Bighorn Mountains. You would never know that it’s there unless you’re looking for it and know where to find it. Yet, it’s a massive cave so immense that it extends into two states and is actually part of the largest cave system in Wyoming and Montana.

The Bighorn Mountain Range is a relatively small chunk of the Rocky Mountains.
Joanna Poe/Flickr
Though small in comparison to the bigger range they're part of, the Bighorns are expansive, extending about 200 miles on their own, and even running across the Wyoming/Montana border.
Google Maps
It's there at the base of the Bighorn Mountains less than 70 miles from where the two states meet that you'll find Horsethief Cave, almost obscured by bushes and trees.
T Robinson/YouTube
The mouth of the cave is actually located at the foot of Little Mountain. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, and you might even pass right by it if you weren't specifically looking for it.
How the cave got its name is no mystery — it was used in the late 1800s and early 1900s by horse rustlers. Its semi-hidden location offered a convenient place for thieves to hide huge animals, plus lookouts stationed near the cave could easily see when someone was approaching their hideout.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
The first 700 feet were likely the part of the cave that was used the most during that time, but today cavers and spelunkers have gone much deeper than that.
Emily Marcus/YouTube

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The entire cave system has more than 20 miles of passages that have been explored, and countless more yet to discover.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
There are no lights or handrails in Horsethief Cave, making it a "wild" cave, and an exciting one to explore.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
In the early 1990s, this particular cave was actually designated as the first underground recreation trail in the country.
Even though it's wild, Horsethief Cave has seen a lot of traffic over the centuries. Some of the rock formations inside are obviously man-made. Bones found in the cave have been estimated to be more than 600 years old— some may even be from more than 3,000 years ago.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
Shells and coral have even been found embedded in the rock walls of this cave, leftover from prehistoric times when the area was the location of an inland sea.
The cave twists and winds through the mountain, sometimes opening up into enormous chambers and at other times narrowing to little more than a crawl space.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
Water flows through parts of Horsethief Cave, and the temperature can get as low as 37 degrees. Although it's cold and wet, you'll see many interesting and beautiful formations created by eons of mineral water seeping and dripping through crevices in the rock.
There are walls and chimneys to climb over and through, and it seems like every path leads to more and more cave.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
It's definitely not the typical tourist attraction but, if you're up for an adventure (and if you don't mind getting a little dirty), Horsethief Cave has wonders still being discovered every day.
Emily Marcus/YouTube
Just take a look:

Have you been to the Horsethief Cave Wyoming before? What other Wyoming caves do you enjoy exploring? Don’t forget to bring the proper hiking gear. If you’re looking for great equipment, we encourage you to check out REI. They offer a wide selection of the best hiking gear.

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Horsetheif Cave Wyoming

Christy Articola | July 09, 2022

What else is there to do near Horsethief Cave in Wyoming? 

Horsethief Cave is in a very special part of the state. It's right near Bighorn Canyon and the town of Lovell. Both of them are great places to visit. Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area is managed by the National Parks Service and has incredible scenery and great opportunities for boating and hiking. Lovell is a small town that is very welcoming and has fine folks and great dining and accommodations options. This is a great part of the Cowboy State to visit!

What other caves in Wyoming can I visit and explore?

Anytime you visit and explore caves, it's crucial that you are prepared and that you know what you are doing. Caving can be very dangerous if you are inexperienced. If you need help, hire a guide. With that said, there are lots of caves in Wyoming to explore. Here's a great post that will tell you about five of them: Going Into These 5 Caves In Wyoming Is Like Entering Another World

Most caves are underground but you might enjoy this above-ground cave in Wyoming as well: Hiking To This Aboveground Cave In Wyoming Will Give You A Surreal Experience

What are some fun and recreational experiences I should try in Wyoming that don't involve crawling around in the dark?

Ahhh, if you aren't into caving, there are so many other great things that you can do in the state of Wyoming. You can visit national parks and state parks and go on scenic drives. You can hike, bike, fish, swim, and horseback ride. In the winter you can ski and snowshoe. Any time of year is great to meet new people and enjoy the excellent food and hospitality that everyone knows you can expect and receive in Wyoming. Wyoming is a special place and it can't wait to welcome you!

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