ROAD TRIP AROUND THE GRAND CANYON MAY 30 - JUNE 4, 2016
| 7 - WILLIAMS, ARIZONA |
The Grand Canyon Caverns is a little known place on Route 66 between Kingman and Seligman. This 100 mile stretch of Route 66 is the longest still in use. During the Cuban Missile Crisis it was designated as a fall out shelter that could house 2,000 people! It is still designated as such and is stocked with supplies.
For a long time it was unknown how fresh air continually circulated through the cavern. Explorers ignited smoke flares to see where the vents were but were mystified when no smoke appeared. Two weeks later, rangers from the Grand Canyon called to say there was smoke coming from the side of the canyon, many miles away! The limestone walls provide a perfect filtration system and remove all humidity and contaminants. No living thing can survive down here without water for more than 3 days. Here is a picture of a mummified bobcat that fell down one of the vents in the 1800's. The remains of a Giant Sloth were also found down here, along with desperate claw marks on the walls as it tried to get back out. This animal was at least 7 feet tall.
This cavern isn't as pretty as Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona or Carlsbad in New Mexico, but it is different because it is a dry cavern instead of a water formed cavern. The walking tour was easy to moderately difficult for us old people as the guide did a good job of moving us along.
One thing unique about this cavern is that you can have a wedding down here or spend the night! You get control of all the cavern lights and the elevator, but your privacy will be interrupted the next morning when tours begin at 9 AM. LOL!
