Cave tours and roadside oddities often go hand in hand. In the case of the Colossal Cave near Tucson, Arizona, it is both a curiosity and roadside oddity. The one thing for sure is – you get your money’s worth. The Colossal Cave tour is a fun excursion that sparks interest in the cave itself and the history behind its discovery.
Created by geologic forces and water, the cave system is described as a three-dimensional maze. Over two miles of passageways have been mapped, and more are waiting to be discovered so it’s believed.
Early explorers repelled using ropes to drop into the abyss, which includes deep crevices, stalactites on the ceiling and stalagmites punching up from the floor. Without artificial lighting, the cave would be pitch black.
They soon noticed that Hohokam Indians had sheltered deep in the caves, bringing with them pottery that would last the centuries underground. One large ceramic pot is on display nearby at the La Posta Quemada Ranch Museum. Also, two skeletal remains identified as Hohokam were found in the cave.
Credit for the discovery of Colossal Cave goes to a hotel owner by the name of Solomon Lick who wandered into it while looking for some stray cows. The date was January 15, 1879. News of his find spread quickly and within a month parties were arriving to launch explorations into the cave system.
Besides evidence of Indian habitation, they found the cave a haven for bats. So many bats were living in the cave that a 75 foot tunnel was built to harvest the guano in 1905.
Tourism continued to grow but access was limited due to the many hazards associated with the cave. It wasn’t until the Great Depression and the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was this problem solved. The CCC setup camp nearby and built the rock-walled administration building along with the half-mile trail system used today for the tours.
Recently the park property expanded to include the neighboring La Posta Quemada Ranch. Activities include camping and horseback riding.
Tours of the cave take 45 to 50 minutes. There is no wheelchair access, and strollers are difficult to maneuver through up and down the stairs and passageways. The cost of the tour is $8.50 for adults and $5.00 for children. Children under 5 are admitted free. The park is opened every day of the year.
To get to Colossal Cave Mountain Park, take I-10 east from Tucson to exit 279 (the Vail/Wentworth exit), turn north, and follow the signs for about 7 miles.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E. Old Spanish Trail
Vail, AZ 85641 (520) 647-PARK (7275)
For more information:
www.colossalcave.com
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