| Approx hike distance (miles): | 1.0 | Area: | Coronado NF |
| Accum. elevation gain (feet): | N/A | Park Entry Fee: | N/A |
| Low to high elevation gain: | 30 | SCAMR All Trails Map: | No |
| Recommended gas donation: | $10 | Website for reference info: | N/A |
| Unpaved miles: | 10 | Trailhead GPS Coordinates | 32.5244*N,110.7068*W |
| Road Conditions: | Fair | High clearance vehicle req’d: | No |
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure to check -in |
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| Trail Conditions | |||
| Maintained Trail: | Yes | Uneven footing | Yes |
| Steep side drop-offs | No | Steep Trail: | No |
| Off Trial (scratchy) | No | Slippery Trail Surfaces: | Yes |
| Use of hands required: | Yes | Boulder Hopping: | No |
| Difficulty: | Moderate | Water Crossings: | No |
| Restrooms at Trailhead: | No | Gloves Required: | Yes |
Special Instructions:
This is a definite must if you’d like a bit of an unusual hiking experience. The cave was found buy two deer hunters. Was made known to the public in 1948, Has been featured in National Geographic magazine in 1951 and gets about 23,000 visitors a year. There is about 1 mile of mapped passages (you can’t get lost). The entrance is small but inside is very spacious. It will be very slippery and dark. Individual hikers must have a source of light (flashlight or headlamp), also would recommend you bring a backup light source, gloves, cloths that can get dirty, a helmet of some type if you wish, a snack and water. The internal temp should be about 70*.
Directions:
Take Hunt Hwy east toward Florence to Hwy 79. Turn right (south) on Hwy 79 to Oracle Junction. Turn left on Hwy 77 and follow for 9 miles to American Ave. Turn right on American Ave for 2.3 miles to Mount Lemmon Rd. (There is no advance warning for the turn-off, but there is a green sign at the turn-off.) Turn right on Mount Lemmon Rd for 10.4 miles. The trailhead is on the right.
