• A water drop clings onto the edge of a orange stalactite, surrounded by white stalactites.

    Timpanogos Cave

    National Monument Utah

George Heber Hansen and Wayne Hansen

Black and white portrait of George Heber Hansen wearing a hat and overalls.

Portrait of George Heber Hansen.

NPS

On October 15, 1921 Middle Cave was discovered by Heber (son of Martin Hansen) and Wayne Hansen (eighteen-year-old nephew of Heber Hansen). The Hansens started their day in American Fork Canyon hunting amongst the canyon ledges across from the caves. At lunch Wayne peered through field glasses and noticed what appeared to be another entrance between the two known cave entrances.

Finding no game, they decided to cross the canyon and explore the area where they had spotted this new entrance. After confirming it was a new entrance, Heber and Wayne explored as far as they could using matches until they were stopped by a pit. They dropped several rocks to estimate the depth, noting they would need a rope for further exploration. After finding the cave, they reported their discovery to the family, including Martin Hansen, who at age 74 accompanied the group on their next visit.

 
Black and white portrait of Wayne Hansen wearing cap.
Portrait of Wayne Hansen.
NPS

Did You Know?

frost cave formation

Frostwork, like it's name depicts, resembles hoarfrost growing outside on a foggy winter day.  Most frostwork found in Timpanogos Cave is formed from aragonite, an unstable form of calcite.  The delicate nature of these tiny crystals makes them particularly susceptible to damage and vandalism.