Indian Shaft Cave

After a day out in the desert and surviving temps in the teens, we woke up to the third and final cave of the trip — Indian Shaft. Andy Zellner showed up late the night before and we were glad he made his way around the desert to find us. We rigged two ropes to the car and redirected one into the middle of the drop. The DistoX measured 96ft to the bottom of the initial drop.

The cave was much bigger and deeper than the initial drop — it belled out into a massive room at the bottom. Like being inside a temple — the blocks on the walls along with the expanding room made it look like a pyramid of sorts. We worked into the breakdown and found additional drops and the watercourse, with leads going in all directions. I believe the cave is around 300+ feet deep with the main room around 150-170ft.

Knowing that these three caves are made in similar dynamics, I believe there are more out there — but they might become harder to find. We ascended without incident and de-rigged without leaving any trace, also helping clean up the surrounding area to bring the cave back to pristine condition.

🎒 Gear for this: Petzl Tikka Headlamp · Petzl Vertex Helmet · Sterling Caving Rope · Petzl Stop Descender