 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
- Helmets
- Key & Permit
- 4 people
- 3 sources of light
- 4 wheel drive
- Map
- Compass
- Experienced Leader
- 100' static line
- Belay device
- ascenders
- Harnesses
- Carabiners
- 20' webbing
To veiw gear descriptions here |
|
| |
Advised Equipment |
|
| |
- Carbide Lamp
- Dust mask
- Knee Pads
- Gloves
- Camera
- Candle/Glow Stick
- Tarp & Bungees
|
|
| |
Permits and Key Requirments |
|
| |
Download permit here |
|
| |
What to Expect |
|
| |
- Long, bumpy drive
- Rats, in the Arm Pit
- Waiting for party to ascend
- Freezing wind (if winter)
|
|
|
|
|
Larry rappeling into pit | |
|
Formation: |
|
Madison Limestone |
|
|
|
| Length: |
|
8+ miles - veiw map |
|
|
|
| Challenge: |
|
Expert - Challenge Levels |
| |
|
|
|
Location: |
|
Bighorn Mountain area - Montana |
|
|
|
| Owner: |
|
USFS Bighorn Canyon Recreation Center, Lovell, WY. |
|
|
|
| Description: |
|
Bighorn cave system (connected to horsetheif) crosses under the border of Montana and Wyoming. Bighorn cave's entrance (which is in Montana) is a solution fissure, that drops vertical for 78'. Technical gear is required to enter.
Bighorn cave was discovered in 1961 and gated in 1972. The cave seems to be formed by an artesian aquifier, but there are solution dolines that have formed red clay crystals, known as buddas, or chimineys (also found in horsetheif). The major passages run east/west, with minors running norh/south.
A connection point exists between Horsetheif and Bighorn, but was permantly plugged with concrete for the reason of the connection being before Horsetheif's gate.
Horsetheif and Bighorn Caves both contain high readings of radon gas, which has been known to cause lung cancer. An allowable amount of time in the caves is 180 hours of exposure a year.
The key and permit can be obtained from the Bighorn Canyon Recreation Center in Lovell, WY. |
| |
|
|
| Tips: |
|
In my experiences desending into Bighorn cave with a large party seems to be a slow, slow, process. During the winter, this can be agonizingly cold. I recieved a tip from Mr.Adolf (part time grotto), that has proved to be genius. The cage on the entrance makes a perfect wind block when wrapped with a tarp.
When you rig up to ascend out of the cave, I usually burn a candle, or snap a glow stick on the bottom to conserve batterys and supply a heat source for the group waiting to ascend (carbide lamps work great too).
The best ascension system I have used consists of a petzl croll, chest harness, and petzl ascenders, right and left. On the left ascender I attach a peice of webbing with two foot loops for the frog system.
Click here for more gear tips. |
| |
Web Site design by 