A guide to its caves

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Far, far away from the face of the high-speed highway, halfway between Williams and Kingman, just east of Peach Springs, is a large green sign that marks the entrance to the Grand Canyon Caverns. This incredible national monument has somehow survived despite being bypassed by 1-40. It is now one of the main tourist attractions on the section of Route 66 in Arizona. The Grand Canyon Caverns were discovered and developed in the late 1930s and still feel like an old roadside attraction.


Exploration through the caverns of the Grand Canyon is ongoing. Curious puffs of air seeping through niches and cracks in the floor prove that other caverns are waiting to be discovered deep below. Beneath the current Grand Canyon caverns, approximately 1,500 feet below ground level, are two large chambers that were discovered during seismic testing. What’s there is a gourmet meal for any wild imagination.

Travel back in time with an amazing tour that starts every half hour from the gift shop. Here, you’ll jump into an old elevator that descends 200-300 feet to underground chambers, including the 18,000-square-foot Chapel of Ages. Most tours last around 45 minutes.


Related: Vidgelmir Cave: Exploring Inside Iceland’s Largest Cave

The Grand Canyon Gateway

Back above ground, there is also a gas station and a motel. If you want the full experience, plan to stay a weekend and spend the night in the Cavern Suite: a fully furnished two-bed suite that dates back to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. fallout shelters.

Halfway along the historic Route 66 loop between Seligman and Kingman, the road approaches the Grand Canyon as it passes through the large and lonely Hualapai Indian Reservation. This strong Hualapai tribe has their community center in the heart of the town of Peach Springs and this marks the halfway point of this 87 mile route loop and has a lovely place to stay and learn about this fascinating native tribe.


Consider staying at the Hualapai Lodge and dining at the delicious Diamond Creek Restaurant. This place is full of scenic views and Instagram-perfect spots!

Plus, the Hualapai community has really embraced sightseeing with the much-hyped Grand Canyon Skywalk. This glass-floored steel horseshoe sits right on the rim of the Grand Canyon (4,000 feet) above the Colorado River. This breathtaking site is something you cannot miss in your Grand Canyon cavern experience.

Check out one of the amazing tour options below.

Visit of the cave

  • Duration: 45 minutes (¾ miles), departures every hour
  • Price: Adults $25; Senior $21; Child $15; Under 5 is free
  • Suitable for all ages (advance purchase recommended)


Explorers Tower

  • Duration: 2h30
  • Price: $99
  • Must be at least 8 years old to participate. Some hiking experience is recommended with good explorer fitness. One must reserve.

wild tour

  • Duration: 2h30
  • Price: $120
  • This is an intense hike, it is recommended to be in good physical shape and able to take precise directions, it is easy to get lost. One must reserve.

ghost tour

  • Duration 1 hour
  • Price $35
  • Departure at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings; One must reserve

While you’re here, be sure to visit the Cavern Cave. This uniquely styled restaurant is in the lower cave below the Grand Canyon Caverns. Inside, the walls are covered in iron oxide and selenite crystals that look like shimmering gold and diamonds.


When this cave was discovered in the 1920s by Walter Peck, they found a decades-old mummified bobcat that immediately turned them into a “dead cave.” Specifically, this means no natural running water, sunlight, or bacteria (no living organisms at all). Nothing can withstand these depths, which means there are no creepy crawlies to fear while you dine in this incredibly quirky restaurant space. Only three percent of all caverns in the world have died this way, making this an incredibly unique experience.

This delicious space can often be cold, being so far underground. Be sure to bring an extra jacket or go ahead and order that extra cocktail to keep your body warm.

This amazing cavern offers many interesting views and detailed natural designs inside, perfect for your inner photographer. To verify:

  • devil’s lair
  • snowball palace
  • mammoth dome
  • Grapes
  • cave coral
  • Winter Crystal (Selenite)
  • The Giant’s Keyhole
  • A 160 foot man-made tunnel dug through solid rock

Nearby activities

In addition to all the amazing activities the Grand Canyon Caverns have to offer, there are also some incredibly fun activities just down on Route 66. Book your stay at Hualapai Lodge and make it an entire weekend. Check out the Canyon West tours. Here, they offer a full “Ranch Days” experience, including barbecues, campground tours, rafting, and horseback riding. Book early and experience the unspoiled beauty of the Grand Canyon State.

This amazing adventure is sure to have something for everyone! Grab family, friends or a loved one and head into the caverns of the Grand Canyon for a truly memorable experience!


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