![]() ![]() This desert refuge has sheltered people for over a thousand years. The deposit was soon exhausted, and the tunnel was abandoned. The cave was then used as a guano source, and a tunnel, 82 ftlong, was built in 1905, and a total of seven train cars of guano were filled. He was searching for stray cattle when he discovered the entrance to the cave. The cave was rediscovered in 1879 by Solomon Lick, the owner of the nearby Mountain Springs Hotel. It instead feeds the “active” nearby Arkenstone Cave that continues to grow formations.Ĭolossal Cave was used from 900 to 1450 AD by the Hohokam, Sobaipuri, and Apache Indians. This is because the cave was formed by water depositing limestone, but this source has disappeared. The meaning of this is that its formations are completely dry, or “dead”, and do not grow. ![]() The cave is an ancient karst cave, classified as “dry” by guides. Temperatures inside average 70 ☏ year-round. It contains about 3.5 miles of mapped passageways, and was discovered by Soloman Lick in 1879. Campground at a GlanceĬolossal Cave Mountain Parkis a large cave system in southeastern Arizona, United States, near the community of Vail, about 22 miles southeast of Tucson. Note that the cutting of trees and branches in the Park is strictly prohibited. Signs will be posted if fires are prohibited. For emergencies, there is a 911 phone located in the campgrounds near the “Y” intersection where the road branches to El Bosquecito and La Selvilla picnic areas.įires are allowed in barbecues and established fire rings only, if we are in a fire-safe condition. Please refer to the Park hours below before making your trip plans. For the safety and security of the Park we lock the front gates at night. Note this is primitive dry camping-water and restrooms are limited, there is no electricity or RV hook-ups. Water and restrooms are available in El Bosquecito and La Selvilla. Most areas have tables and barbecue grills. These consist of two large areas-El Bosquecito and La Selvilla-and a number of smaller ones, totaling about 30 individual sites. The Campgrounds, tucked in the mesquites in Posta Quemada canyon, were built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps – CCC. The park encompasses over 2,400 acres and includes the magnificent Colossal Cave, the historic La Posta Quemada Ranch, Western trail rides, camping, and picnicking. Other campgrounds in the area include Molino Basin, Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Area and Spencer Canyon.Click image to view more pictures Campground Overiew:Ĭolossal Cave Mountain Park located in Vail, AZ is a popular attraction in the Tuscon Area. The area also has some pretty cool hiking trails. In addition to the cave tours, you can tour the old ranch house and grounds, as well as go on (horse) trail rides and visit a real life petty zoo. There is also a gift shop and small cafe located at the entrance of the cave. Colossal Cave Tours range from about 1 to 3 hours depending on what you’d like to see and do deep inside the earth. The main attraction at Colossal Cave Mountain Park is the colossal cave! It was discovered in the 1940s by the landowner and soon after he developed the site as a tourist attraction. Colossal Cave Mountain Park Area Recreation The campground is first-come, first-served. Campsites also have a table, fire ring and grate. Two wheel drive vehicles can make it, but the clearance may be tight in a few spots.Ĭampground amenities include drinking water and vault toilets. The campground road is also a bit rough (rocks and holes). The campground was originally built in the 1930s by the CCC and offers smaller campsites best suited for tents and small trailers/RVs. ![]() All campsites are first-come, first-serve. Colossal Cave Mountain Park campground has 38 campsites among the mesquites in a secluded valley about 40 miles from Tucson. ![]()
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