Historic Colossal Cave Mountain Park in Vail, Arizona - Historic Cave, Ranch, Museums and More

Located southeast of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park has been a natural attraction since 1923 when the first tours of its underground caverns were arranged. The network of passages had actually been used for centuries by prehistoric tribes before they were "discovered'' in 1879. The park's main feature now is Colossal Cave, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places and was improved with flagstone walkways, handrails and electrical wiring in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Colossal Cave is "dry'' or "dormant,'' meaning a lack of water has halted the growth of formations inside, including a fascinating array of stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, flowstone, and boxwork. The basic tour through its depths of up to six stories takes a little less than an hour to complete, accompanied by a trained guide who relates the cave's history, legends, and geology.

Basic tours take place daily throughout the year and not pre-scheduled. Waiting time is typically no more than 30 minutes after purchasing a ticket. No special clothing is required in the cave, which is constantly 70 degrees and dry. Both flash photography and videotaping are permitted inside the cave.

Other tours take small groups of visitors through parts of the cave that were closed to the public until the 1950s. These include the Ladder Tour requiring hard hats and lights, the Wild Cave Tour through a quarter mile of unlit, unmarked, and rarely seen passageways, and the Candlelight Tour to experience the Cave in its original beauty.

Another big attraction at the park is its working ranch, the La Posta Quemada. It has been around since the mid-1870s, and today features riding stables and areas for group picnics and cookouts. Western trail rides are organized daily from the ranch, starting from the site of the historic Mountain Springs Hotel and Stage Station and following the old National Mail Stagecoach route through the unspoiled Sonora Desert. Hayrides and stagecoach rides can also be arranged by reservation.

The Ranch Headquarters House is home to a museum built by John S. Sullivan in 1967 to replace the original adobe structure that was lost in a fire. One room of the museum focuses on the human history of the area, starting with the Hohokam Indians who populated the region in the 10th century, while a second room takes up the history of the local environment.

A second museum located on the ranch is the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, opened in 2004. Set up like the Camp Commandant's office and open to the public every day of the year, it documents the work of the Corps. There is actual furniture built by the workers, a collection of historic photographs of the camp, copies of the camp newsletter, and a 1937 radio interview with Robert Fechner, the CCC's National Director.

Additional sites to be seen at Colossal Cave Mountain Park include "The Cowboy,'' a life-size sculpture by Buck McCain dedicated in 1997, the huge horizontal Analemmatic Sundial, and the Sluice, where children and adults can pan for gold the same way prospectors once did. Other points of interest are the park's Butterfly Garden and Desert Tortoise Exhibit, along with its Library and Archives. A caf, and a gift shop are also located on site.

Overnight camping is permitted in the park, although the sites are primitive without electrical or water hook-ups. Fees are charged for admission, starting at $3~$5 per automobile or $1 per person. Cave tours cost $11 for adults and $6 for children aged 5~12. One-hour trail rides cost $27 per person. Dinner tours, school tours, and birthday parties may also be arranged.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located at 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641. From Tucson, it can be reached via 22nd Street east to scenic Old Spanish Trail, then south about 17 miles. Alternatively, take I-10 east from Tucson to exit 279 (Vail/Wentworth), turn north and follow the signs for about 7 miles. The park hours are 9am~5pm from September 16 to March 15 and 8am~5pm the rest of the year.