The Discovery and Survey of Nevada's Liberty Cave

Bill Christy (VP, Southern Nevada Grotto) presented his new cave discovery at a grotto meeting — at 8,500ft on a Nevada limestone range with a large room, formations, and moonmilk-covered white walls. We borrowed a Suunto Tandem from Ron Davis and brought two DistoX units for an efficient survey. Survey team: Tom Madsen and John Leonard on instruments. Adam on photography.

Cave rests in a cliff corner near the mountain top — impressive valley views from the entrance. Entrance pit: ~40ft. Total depth: 62ft ending in a chimney downclimb to a small dome. Main room: colorful columns, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and one of the largest ribboned drapery formations ever seen. An unmapped upper level had more rooms and two additional passages.

The survey was completed the following weekend. Contact the Southern Nevada Grotto to learn about safe caving activities, Nevada cave discoveries, or to participate in future survey trips.