Touring Underground at Grand Canyon Caverns

If you're out getting your kicks driving on historic Route 66, stop at Grand Canyon Caverns for a change of scenery. Not only can you get a meal or hotel room, take a horseback ride, and camp (full hookups), the guided underground cavern tours (three to choose from) are actually the highlight here, even though it's 210 feet underground. And it's rare, too--most caverns in the world are wet and their formations are still growing, but this natural limestone cavern is the largest dry cavern in the United States, and stays 56 degrees year-round.

Although Mother Nature formed the cavern millions of years ago, it was Walter Peck who literally stumbled upon a hole in the ground in 1927 and eventually made the cavern famous. After exploring the 150-foot cavity, Mr. Peck was sure he'd found a vein of sparkly gold, so he excitedly purchased the surrounding land in preparation for gold mining. Unfortunately, the assay report showed only iron oxide (rust). Hugely disappointed, but thinking like an entrepreneur, the young man began charging 25 cents to anyone wanting to bring their own lantern and be lowered by rope into the cavern. The price of admission increased years later to 50 cents after a wooden staircase, followed by three ladders and a swinging bridge, allowed easier access into the cavern. In 1962, the original entrance was sealed, a new shaft was blasted, and since then tourists ride a modern elevator down 21 stories and pay in dollars instead of cents.

The "Regular Tour" is the most popular and takes about 45 minute. Although it covers only three-quarters of a mile on foot, the stories told by the tour guides and everything around you, covers centuries and centuries of history. You'll see a furry model of "Gertie" an 11,000-year old, 2,000-pound, 15-foot tall ground sloth whose skeletal remains were found in the cavern, as well as a mummified bobcat that died about 160 years ago. You'll learn about the Hualapai Indians buried here in the early 1900s, and discover why food, water, and medical supplies are stored in huge quantities. You'll be surprised how many weddings have taken place this far underground, and be impressed by delicate selenite crystals and the "snowball palace." And if you really like being underground, you can even stay overnight in the cavern-- in the world's deepest, darkest, quietest motel suite, which you'll see on your tour.

If you're looking for a fun and interesting stop along Route 66, slow down around mile marker 115 for the Grand Canyon Caverns--you can't miss the huge green dinosaur out front!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Grand Canyon Caverns
Mile Marker 115, Route 66
Peach Springs, Arizona
Phone: 928-422-4565