9/12/2023 0 Comments Colossal cave mapThat same entrance has been enlarged within a modern setting that overlooks the panoramic views of La Posta Quemada Ranch into over 2,000 acres of Colossal Cave Mountain Park. While searching for stray cows on the vast ranch, he accidentally came upon its narrow opening. Officially, Colossal Cave was discovered by Soloman Lick in 1879. There are even “candlelight tours” where each visitor is given a lighted candle to experience the cave as the Hohokam did over a thousand years ago without electric-powered lights. Visitors can choose from ongoing daily “generic tours” or can arrange more adventurous tours through darkened more narrow passages requiring hardhats and good physical fitness. Although there are an estimated 39 miles of cave tunnels, it took over two years to map just two miles of passageway where tours penetrate six stories deep into the cave. Interestingly, although outside summer temperatures can become quite high in the desert area, the temperature inside Colossal Cave is always a cool 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.Ĭolossal Cave has never been fully explored. As arid conditions evolved, Colossal Cave became totally dry, stopping the growth of new formations. The stalactites, stalagmites and majestic columns were created by slow-seeping ground water through the limestone ceilings. Today the cave and ranch are united as Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a historical destination and educational outreach for school children.Ī tour through Colossal Cave is by itself an attention-grabbing experience where natural formations were formed over millions of years. The peaceful Indians farmed the valley below the cave, which about a thousand years later became known as La Posta Quemada Ranch. Artifacts confirm that Colossal Cave was used as shelter by the ancient Hohokam Indians from about 900 through 1450 AD.
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