Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Vail, Arizona

Colossal Cave Mountain Park in Vail Arizona is filled with a rich history and abundant wildlife. The park offers educational facilities, resources, and special events for locals and tourists to learn more about the area. The park houses one of the best caves in Arizona for a person to visit. The temperature of the cave stays at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The cave is called "dry'' which means it is dormant from growing right now. The lack of water stops any of the formations from growing larger.

Colossal Cave is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The cave was first discovered in 1879, but prehistoric individuals used the cave before that. As a point of interest Colossal Cave has attracted train robbers and presidents of the University of Arizona. In 1923 the first tours of the caves were given. At the time the cave had not been improved for better walking. Ropes and lanterns helped the visitors move through the cave.

The Civilian Conservation Corps decided to help build walkways, buildings around the cave, and wiring to help get power inside. By the 1930's the walk was much more comfortable. Flagstone walkways and handrails were even installed at certain parts. Today the cave has had an upgrade with better lighting which is energy saving in design.

The Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located in the Sonoran Desert. They are open during the summer from 8am to 5pm, and in winter from 9am to 5pm. Park fees are $5 for an automobile or $1 per person when over six people. A motorcycle is charged $2. School buses are able to visit the park for free. There are also annual passes for residents to purchase.

Cave tours are an additional charge. Adults are $11, Children $6, and children under 4 are free to tour the cave. Camping in the park is allowed for $3 to $5 depending on the time of year. There are ladder tours of the park which are $20 for adult. They also have a night time tour with dinner for the ladder tour. This is $45 per person. Intermediate and advanced tours of the wild caves are $55 and $75 respectively. Other options at the park include candlelight tours for adults that can include dinner, horseback riding, and trail rides.

The tour of Colossal Cave is a 45 to 50 minute walk. The tour guide will explain the history of the cave, legends associated with it, and the geological formations. Guests on the tour will walk six and a half stores up and down to view the stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, boxwork, and helictites. Guests can take photos inside the cave, even with flash.

At Colossal Cave Mountain Park is the La Posta Quemada Ranch Museum. In 1967 the ranch was built by John S. Sullivan. Today the museum has historical artifacts about human history and natural history. The first room is the history room discussing 900 AD, when the Hohokam Indians first built their farm at the base of the cave.