Explore the Civil Defense Caves

The Civil Defense Caves are a great outdoor adventure option when you want something different—most other outdoor adventures in the area are hiking- or river-related. 

The marked location should take you right to the caves, but, as a heads up, the last 5 miles or so to the cave entrance is a dirt road. Right before you reach the marked location, pull off to the right side of the road and park in the large dirt field. Before you enter the caves, you'll see a cement plaque with information on the geology, modern history, and caving guidelines. It's always cold in the caves, so be prepared for ice at the entrance, even in the middle of summer. Once you get past the big boulders inside, though, you shouldn't have to worry about ice anymore.

Bring flashlights and headlamps so you can se where you're going. The cave is a pretty straightforward tube that you can follow all the way to the end. You'll know you've made it when you see more graffiti than usual.

The cave floor is pretty flat for the most part (watch your step for little ridges in the rock, though), but there are a few sections where you will need to scramble over some fallen boulders.