Home to one of the largest dry caverns in the nation, Grand Canyon Caverns are 200 feet below the surface. Located along historic Route 66 in northern Arizona, this natural limestone cave has been a popular roadside attraction since it was first discovered in 1927.
Visitors take an elevator down to the caverns, descending 21 stories into the earth. The elevator is the only way to enter and exit the caverns. The original natural cave entrance is closed off because the Hualapai Indians consider this cave area a sacred burial place. The caverns feature two main chambers, the ‘Chapel of the Ages’ and the ‘Halls of Gold.’
Grand Canyon Caverns Tours
There are four different tours to choose from, each differing in duration, location, and content. All the tours are guided, so you’ll come away with a wealth of information about the caverns. The quick tour lasts 25 minutes and is designed for visitors in a hurry. The Regular Tour lasts 45 minutes and goes into more detail than the introductory tour.
Wild Tour and Explorer Tour
Both of these tours last 2½ hours and begin with a ride down the elevator, followed by a hike through the main chambers of the cave. From there, you’ll head to the seldom-seen lower caverns and check out the unique rock formations before returning to the surface.
Ghost Walk Grand Canyon Caverns
If you’re up for s spooky evening, sign up for an hour-long nightly walk around the caverns. Oozing suspense, thrill, adventure, and great fun, these tours are a must if you enjoy anything to do with the paranormal. The Caverns are believed to be haunted, with several deaths and burials reported in and around the property.
Cavern Cave Restaurant
Eating a meal 200 feet below the earth’s surface is not something you would expect. But the Cavern Grotto lets you do just that. This unique dining experience takes you 21 stories underground to the Cavern Grotto restaurant, where you can enjoy a memorable meal. The Grand Canyon Caverns also have a topside restaurant and gift shop adjacent to route 66.
Stay in the Cave
This motel room is unlike any other motel room in the world. For starters, it’s in a cave over 65 million years old! You’ll be staying at the oldest, largest, darkest, and most quiet motel room in the world at a depth of 220 feet. This isn’t for the faint-hearted, as there is only one way in and out. The room is fully furnished with all your creature comforts, but you won’t have any company, and there is no room service.
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
If you’re not up for sleeping in a cave, you can always opt for a motel room above ground at the Cavern Inn. While not too fancy, the inn is convenient to Route 66. Also on site is a 48-site RV campground and a 3-bedroom ranch house that can be rented out. Finally, Grand Canyon Caverns features a 5,100-foot airstrip if you want to fly in.
Getting There
The Caverns are midway between Kingman and Flagstaff, Arizona, along Historic Route 66 just outside Peach Springs’ town. Check out the Caverns website for more information and reservations.
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