Colossal Cave (Arizona) facts for kids
.jpg)
Colossal Cave is a very large cave system in southeastern Arizona, United States. It is located near the community of Vail, about 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Tucson. The cave has about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of mapped tunnels and rooms. Inside, the temperature stays around 70°F (21°C) all year long.
This cave is an ancient karst cave. Guides often call it "dry," which means its rock formations are no longer growing. This happens because the water that helped form the cave and its features has moved to other places. For example, a nearby cave called Arkenstone Cave is still "active" and growing new formations. Colossal Cave was used by Hohokam, Sobaipuri, and Apache Indians from about 900 to 1450 AD.
Contents
Exploring Colossal Cave's Past
The Mountain Springs Ranch and Early Discoveries
In 1876, a man named Sidney H. Ramsey owned the Mountain Springs Station. This was a stop for stagecoaches about 22 miles east of Tucson, in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains. The station had plenty of fresh water from a spring, good grass for animals, and wood for campers. It also offered meals and supplies.
A few years later, E.H. “Hank” Bridwell took over the Mountain Springs Ranch. This ranch then included the Mountain Springs Hotel and the stagecoach station. Around 1879, Solomon Lick, a former soldier, and his partner took charge of the ranch. They advertised it as a great place for families in summer and for hunters in winter. The ranch even had its own dairy for fresh milk, butter, and eggs.
First Explorations of the Cave
In January 1879, Solomon Lick and some friends found what they thought was an old mine or a cave. They explored this large opening for about 500 feet (150 meters). Soon after, another team explored the cave using candles to light their way. A local newspaper reported what they found. They saw an entrance about three feet wide and four feet high. The air inside was bad because of large amounts of bat droppings.
They also found ashes and signs of old fires, which suggested the cave was used by the Apaches. Many animal bones were scattered around, including over 500 deer antlers. The explorers brought out beautiful stalactites and deer antlers. In 1884, the local paper said that "The Mountain Springs Cave" was still mostly unexplored. The farthest anyone had gone was about half a mile.
Train Robbers and Further Discoveries
A few years later, people believed this underground cave was used as a hideout by train robbers. These robbers held up the Southern Pacific Express train twice. The first time, they stole $3,000 in money. The second time, they took gold and silver Mexican coins.
By 1890, William Shaw was running the Mountain Springs Ranch. That year, he explored the cave for five hours with soldiers from Fort Lowell. They used candles and magnesium wire to light their path. They were amazed by the many finger-shaped and kidney-shaped stalactites and stalagmites. They also found deep holes where they could barely hear a rock hit the bottom.
In the early 1900s, a company started digging for bat guano (bat droppings) in the cave. This was used as fertilizer. They dug a 75-foot (23-meter) tunnel to reach it. It is believed they shipped seven carloads of guano to Los Angeles before it ran out.
In the 1910s, a group wanted to develop the cave for tourists and even build a railroad line to it from nearby Vail. However, this plan did not happen.
How Colossal Cave Got Its Name
In December 1917, Jim Westfall and Alfred A. Trippel claimed the cave and the land around it. They wanted to create a tourist attraction. Trippel asked Lynn Hodgson, who was an amateur cave explorer, to explore the cave. After his survey, Hodgson told Trippel that "the cave was colossal." Hodgson later said this is how the name "Colossal Cave" came to be.
Another idea for the name comes from Mr. Leighton. He said that Byron Cummings from the University of Arizona might have named it. Cummings had explored the cave around the same time.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park Today
Today, Colossal Cave is a popular place for tourists. It is part of the Colossal Cave Mountain Park. The park also has two other caves, named Arkenstone and La Tetera. These caves are protected and studied by scientists. Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation owns the park.
Other fun things to do at the park include:
- La Posta Quemada Ranch Museum – This museum shows the history of people and nature in Colossal Cave Mountain Park. It especially focuses on the park's caves.
- Civilian Conservation Corps Museum – This museum tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and their work in the park.
- "The Cowboy" – This is a bronze statue of a cowboy by Buck McCain. It reminds visitors of the park's history as a ranch.
- Horseback trail rides – You can ride horses on trails in the park.
- Picnic and camping facilities – There are places to have picnics and go camping.
- Butterfly garden – A special garden where you can see many beautiful butterflies.
See also
