Colossal Cave

One of the many fine attractions around Tucson, Arizona is Colossal Cave. Of course, the nature of the cave and its surroundings might also classify it as an activity, as well as an attraction. In either case, it's surely unique, and interesting. So much so, you'll find Colossal Cave Mountain Park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Colossal Cave is called a dormant or dry cave. This means, obviously enough, that Colossal Cave is dry inside – it lacks water. The lack of water inside the cave prevents the cave from continuing to "grow." Cave formations are, after the initial excavation, created by water. Stalactites, for example, are created as water drips slowly from the top of the cave's insides towards the floor of the cave. The drips of water carry with them minerals. Over long periods of time, the minerals are deposited in a spot, and then more and more minerals accumulate to create the intriguing stalactite formations.

Visitors to Colossal Cave can choose from options as to how they wish to tour the cave. In 1923, when the first people toured the cave, they entered with lanterns by climbing down ropes. In the 1930's, electrical lighting and suspended walks were constructed inside the cave by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Then, as now, the temperature inside Colossal Cave remains a constant 70°F.

Today, there are several daily 'basic' tours for adults. These take less than an hour, and do not require any specific skills or physical prowess – though visitors need to be able to deal with the 350 flagstone steps going down, and then back up. Tour participants get to travel about one half mile, and descend about 60 or so feet down into the cave. During the tours, the guides tell of the geological wonders and historical significance of the cave. There are numerous interesting types of geological formations in the cave, including stalactites and flowstone.

For those who are in good physical condition, there are two additional touring options at Colossal Cave. The first is the "Ladder Tour." This tour allows its participants to get a deeper, and more thorough look inside the cave. This tour of the cave will require that you fit into some tight spots, and climb up and down some narrow metal ladders. This tour is more demanding than the basic tour, and takes almost twice as long.

Colossal Cave also offers, by appointment and reservation only, the "Wild Cave Tour." This tour is about twice as long as the Ladder Tour. It requires that participants be in good physical condition, and, as with the Ladder Tour, be comfortable climbing narrow, vertical metal ladders. This tour will place its groups into even tighter spots than the Ladder Tour, and it's not suggested for the inexperienced, or those who have difficulty with small, tight spaces or utter darkness. All tours are guided by highly experienced Colossal Cave staff members. Participants are required to wear helmets with headlamps, which are supplied by the park.

Colossal Cave also offers its visitors desert trail rides, an unusual tortoise exhibit, a butterfly garden, places to enjoy a picnic, a bat exhibit, a museum, gift shop, and food. Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open all year round.

You can take pictures inside the cave – and you'll likely want to. Set your digital camera (still or video) for extremely low light. Use at least an 800 speed film, if you shoot using film. Hold your camera still – maybe even rest it on the shoulder of another member of the tour.

The Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open Mondays through Saturdays all year around. The hours do vary based on the time of year. Be sure to call ahead for current hours and costs. There is a fee to enter the park, and to take a tour of the cave.

End Notes:
Colossal Cave is located at 16721 Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641 • (520) 647-7275 www.colossalcave.com. To get to the cave from downtown Tucson take I-10 east to exit 279 (Vail/Wentworth) and then follow the signs for about 7 miles to the park's gated entrance. Back to Article

More reading about Colossal Cave Mountain park:
— Burned Stage Station
— A Tucson Treat