PEACH SPRINGS, Ariz. — Arizona's old Route 66 and the scenic waterfalls of Havasu Creek draw thousands of visitors each year. But there's one other worthwhile tourist attraction nearby: Grand Canyon Caverns.

Located along Route 66 near Peach Springs and 60 miles east of Kingman, this 210-foot-deep natural limestone cave is one of Arizona's scenic wonders. Regular 45-minute (about three-quarters of a mile long) daytime tours are offered.

The surprisingly spacious caverns took some 300 million years to form, and the complex comprises the largest dry cave in North America. Though water and waterfalls once splashed here, the caves have been bone dry for geologic ages.

From a combination restaurant/gift shop, an elevator descends 21 stories into the cave system.

Highlights include the Crystal Room, with intriguing formations known as "snowballs"; the "Halls of Gold" — where civilian defense supplies were stored during the Cold War of the 1960s (they are still there, just in case); a mummified bobcat that fell into and was trapped in the cave about 1850; and a replica of a prehistoric ground sloth that also fell into the cave 11,000 years ago. Scratch marks still testify to the creature's futile attempts to get out.

The "Mystery Room" is a place where air enters and leaves the caverns. A test in 1958 with smoke bombs revealed that the air is coming from 40 miles away, near Havasu Canyon in the Grand Canyon.

The original entrance to the cave has been sealed out of respect to American Indians who were buried in that part of the cave complex. Today's elevator offers a man-made entrance to the caverns.

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Grand Canyon Caverns was discovered in 1927 by Walter Peck, who had hoped to find precious minerals there — from silver to diamonds.

Tours are offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily except Christmas Day. Tickets are $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children, ages 4-12. Special flashlight and explorers tours are also available.

For more information, call 1-928-422-3223, or go online to: www.gccaverns.com.


E-mail: lynn@desnews.com

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