Grand Canyon Caverns adds new cave tours

Grand Canyon Caverns new caves

Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, added a fifth tour to its offerings this month after new caves were found and excavated in recent years.

Grand Canyon Caverns owner John McEnulty told the Grand Canyon News the new offering is called the Wild Tour:

Once opened, cavers found the cave was a pristine environment with artifacts and wall coverings that had never before been seen. […]

While tours will be open to the public McEnulty said there are certain areas that will be blocked off so cavers can continue with microbiology research. There is also active digging that will continue. McEnulty said they are hopeful that they will be able to break through to additional caverns, which are in existence. For now, the new tour offers adventurous cavers the opportunity to explore never before seen areas of Grand Canyon Caverns. Those wanting to go on the tour will need to be in fairly good shape and will be suited up for cave exploring, according to Jenna Jones, a manager at the caverns. […]

“You’re going to be crawling, there are a handful of places you can actually stand up a little bit but for the most part you are going to be on your hands and knees crawling,” Goldsmith said.
The tour can last up to three hours, with guides providing a helmet, headlamp, knee pads and other caving equipment needed.

Basically, the Wild Tour is there for experienced spelunkers. The cost is $89.95. Reservations for the Wild Tour may be made by calling (928) 422-3223, Ext. 2.

Walter Peck discovered the caverns in 1927, and he soon began charging 25 cents for people wanting to explore them. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration agreed build a new entrance. In 1962, a 210-foot shaft for an elevator was added.

Grand Canyon Caverns also was known as Yampai Caverns, Coconino Caverns and Dinosaur Caverns. It finally settled on Grand Canyon Caverns in 1962.

(Image via Grand Canyon Caverns)

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