Onyx Cave (Arizona) facts for kids

Onyx Cave is a cool underground place, also known as a solutional cave. It has about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of tunnels and rooms! This cave formed inside limestone rock that is very, very old, from a time called the Permian period. You can find Onyx Cave in the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona. It's part of the huge Coronado National Forest. Because it's so special, it was named a National Natural Landmark in 1974.

What is a Solutional Cave?

A solutional cave is a type of cave that forms when water dissolves rock. Imagine rainwater mixing with carbon dioxide from the air and soil. This creates a weak acid. When this slightly acidic water seeps into cracks in certain rocks, like limestone, it slowly dissolves the rock away. Over thousands or even millions of years, this process carves out amazing underground passages and chambers. Onyx Cave is a great example of how nature can sculpt the Earth from the inside out!

Why Onyx Cave is Special

Onyx Cave is not just any cave; it's a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a place that shows off the best examples of America's natural history. The formations inside Onyx Cave are unique and important for scientists to study. Protecting places like Onyx Cave helps us learn more about our planet's past and how it changes over time. It also keeps these natural wonders safe for future generations to appreciate.

Protecting the Cave's History

In the 1940s and 1950s, Onyx Cave was a popular spot for people to explore. However, some visitors did not respect the cave. They damaged the beautiful rock formations and even painted on the walls. This kind of damage can take thousands of years to form, and once it's broken, it's gone forever.

To protect Onyx Cave, its entrance was closed off with a gate in 1962. This was done to stop further damage and help the cave recover. Even after the gate was put up, some people tried to force their way in. The entrance was damaged again, but it was quickly re-gated in 1974.

Today, a group called Escabrosa Grotto, Inc. helps manage access to the cave. They are a caving club dedicated to exploring, studying, and protecting caves. By controlling who enters, they make sure Onyx Cave stays safe and healthy for a long, long time. This helps preserve its natural beauty and scientific value.