COLOSSAL CAVE

Colossal Cave was established in 1954.   Listed on the National Historic Register, the 2,400-acre Park showcases crystal-filled Colossal Cave .  The temperature in the Cave is always a cool 70°F.

Entrance to Colossal Cave

Colossal Cave Center, Gift Shop and Cafe

The cave is a large cave system in southeastern Arizona near the community of Vail, about 22 miles southeast of Tucson. It contains about 3.5 miles of mapped passageways.

Three different cave tours are currently being offered. 

CLASSIC CAVE TOUR

This half-mile long guided walk takes about 45 minutes to complete. It’s the perfect family-friendly introduction to the Cave. You’ll learn about the Cave’s history, its legends (like train robbers and ghosts), and its unique geology. As you descend approximately six stories down (363 stair steps) you’ll see some amazing cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, box work, and helictites that were sculpted by millions of years of geological activity.  Also watch closely for wildlife. Coatimundi are spotted frequently.

Tours are given daily on the hour, year-round. No special gear is needed on this tour, just comfortable walking shoes. This is their most popular tour with limited space.  I didn’t make a reservation and couldn’t a tour on my first visit because all tours were full for the day.  I had to return the next day so be sure you make your reservation early.

 

**NOTE: No Children under 5 are allowed on the tour

 

• Adults: $20
• Children (5-12 yrs): $10
• Active Military Adult with ID: $16
• Active First Responders: $16

THE LADDER TOUR

This tour will find you climbing ladders, squeezing through narrow passages, and clambering across rock bridges. The Ladder Tour takes you exploring through crazy, seldom seen sections of the Cave that have been limited to the public since the 1950s. This 1.5-hour tour gives you a unique perspective on the cave system while teaching you about some of the more unusual geological features. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a bat or spider along the way. 

 

This tour is restricted to those 12 and older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will be provided hard hats and lights. Full-fingered gloves are required but not provided.  You may bring your own or purchase gloves at the gift store.  This tour requires participants to be physically fit, able to scale obstacles and negotiate tight squeezes. 

 

Ladder Tour: $40 (reservations required) 

THE WILD CAVE TOUR

If you’re feeling really adventurous, this would be the tour for you. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the early 19th century explorers and outlaws through rugged, unlit, unmarked, and rarely seen passageways that extend into the deepest, darkest corners of the Cave. This 3.5-hour exploration is absolutely down-and-dirty caving! 

 

This tour is restricted to those 16 and older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You will be provided hard hats and lights. Full-fingered gloves are required but not provided. You may bring your own or purchase a pair at the gift shop. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended. Participants must be physically fit, able to scale obstacles and negotiate tight squeezes. This tour is limited to 6 people with a 2-person minimum. 

 

Intermediate Wild Cave Tour: $85 (reservations required)

 

Advanced Wild Cave Tour: $125 (reservations required)

 

I selected the Classic Tour and was accompanied by a handicapped friend. We managed the tour but some places did not have hand rails. This would have helped us maneuver through the caves a little bit easier.  Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgable.  She was very sensitive to us and always waited to be sure we were with the group before starting her talks at the various cave stops.

 

Colossal Caves are dry limestone caves and worth a visit for sure. Before or after your cave tour be sure to try one of the prickly pear marguaritas. The first sip was a little surprising but the rest of the drink went down quite easily. 

Cafe for your prickly pear marguarita

You may want to bring a small flashlight. Your guide has a light but if you want to explore little "nooks and crannies" and perhaps a little help negotiating the paths and stairways, a small light would really help.