Mitchell Caverns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mitchell Caverns |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
| Location | San Bernardino County, California, United States |
| Elevation | 4,300 feet (1,300 m) |
| Geology | Permian limestone |
| Access | Show cave, open Fri-Sun |
| Visitors | 15 people per tour |
| Website | http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=615 |
| Designated: | 1975 |
The Mitchell Caverns are amazing underground caves in the Mojave Desert, California. They are part of the Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve. These caves are made of limestone and sit high up on the east side of the Providence Mountains. You can find them in San Bernardino County, California, within the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Only two of the three caves are open for people to explore.
Contents
How Mitchell Caverns Were Formed
The Mitchell Caverns are found inside very old limestone rock. This rock formed a long, long time ago in the Permian period. Before the Pleistocene Ice Age, rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide from the air. This created a weak acid called carbonic acid. This acid slowly dissolved the limestone, carving out the caves we see today.
Over many years, water dripping through the caves left behind calcium carbonate. This mineral created beautiful stalactites (which hang from the ceiling) and stalagmites (which grow up from the floor). Other cool cave formations also grew, making the caverns look like a natural art gallery.
A Look Back in Time: History of the Caverns
The Mitchell Caverns have a rich history, with many interesting discoveries.
Ancient Life and People
Scientists have found bones of ancient animals in and around the caves. One exciting find was the remains of a Shasta ground sloth, a huge, furry creature that lived long ago. The caves were also very important to the Chemehuevi Native American people. They called the caves "the eyes of the mountain" because the two main entrances were easy to spot. Many tools and other items from their culture have been found here.
The Mitchell Family's Legacy
The caverns are named after Jack and Ida Mitchell. They owned and managed the caves from 1934 to 1954. During this time, the caverns were a popular tourist spot. They also served as a rest stop for travelers on the famous Route 66. The Mitchells also searched for minerals in the area. You can still see some of the holes and tunnels they dug.
Becoming a State Park
In 1956, the area around the caverns became a state park. Later, in 1994, the surrounding lands became part of the National Park Service's Mojave National Preserve. However, the Mitchell Caverns themselves are still managed by the state of California.
Exploring the Caverns: Tours and Reopening
Today, you can take guided tours of the "Tecopa" and "El Pakiva" caves. These two caves are connected by a tunnel that people made. California State Park rangers lead these tours. These are the only limestone caves in the entire California State Park system!
What You'll See on a Tour
When you visit, you enter the caves at about 4,300 feet (1,300 m) above sea level. This is about 1,000 feet (300 m) higher than the desert floor. From the Visitor Center, you get an amazing view of the desert below. Inside the caves, you'll see beautiful cave coral, stalactites, and stalagmites. The chambers might not be huge, but they are full of strange and wonderful formations.
The Caverns' Reopening Story
From January 2011, the Mitchell Caverns were closed to the public. This happened because of budget problems in California. Sadly, during this time, the visitor center and other parts of the park were damaged.
After a long time, major improvements were made to the park's facilities. The Mitchell Caverns and Providence Mountains State Recreation Area finally reopened on November 3, 2017. This was great news, as the caves had been closed for almost seven years. Now, visitors can once again explore these incredible underground wonders.
See also
- Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
- Mojave National Preserve
