The Mohave Free Press

Stay Another Day! Grand Canyon Caverns/Havasupai Falls

Feb. 15, 2025
Havasupai Falls


Located several miles east of Peach Springs, Grand Canyon Caverns officially reopened on February 1st after a two year hiatus.


The Grand Canyon Caverns are among the largest dry caverns in the United States, created over 65 million years ago, formed within the limestone that was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea that divided North America. Unlike many other caves, these caverns are dry, which means you won't find the usual stalactites and stalactites but instead, you'll discover a different kind of beauty with features like the Chapel of the Ages, The Halls of Gold, The Devil's Den, Snowball Palace, and Mammoth Dome, offering a glimpse into the earth's prehistoric past. The tour itself is accessible, covering about 3/4 of a mile in roughly 45 minutes, making it suitable for most fitness levels. For an additional fee, there's the opportunity for more adventurous caving experiences, like the Explorer's Tour, which delves into less-traveled parts of the caverns.

Formerly known as Yampai Caverns, the caverns have a rich history, once serving as a designated fallout shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, complete with supplies for 2,000 people that remain there to this day. This historical aspect adds an intriguing layer to your visit.

Beyond the standard cave tour, the Grand Canyon Caverns offer an adventurous twist by allowing visitors to spend the night in one of the oldest, darkest, and quietest places on earth, an experience truly unparalleled. For those not ready for subterranean lodging, there's the above-ground Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, which provides more traditional accommodations.

Grand Canyon Caverns and Inn is under new ownership/management and has upgraded the property, which now features a new elevator that takes you 21 stories down into the caverns.

Dining in the caverns at the Caverns Grill is another unique experience. Additionally, the surrounding area is steeped in Route 66 history. A visit to the Historic Route 66 Museum or a stroll through Peach Springs can complement your trip, offering insights into the iconic American highway's past.

The Grand Canyon Caverns serve as an excellent base for exploring more of Arizona’s wonders. It’s not far from the Havasupai Falls where, with the right permits, you can further your adventure with a helicopter ride, hiking or even rafting down the Colorado River. An overnight reservation at the campground or lodge is required to hike into the canyon and visit the falls. The Grand Canyon Caverns is the Official check in location for Havasupai Hiking Permit reservations.

The proximity to the Grand Canyon itself means you can combine your visit with one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights, making your trip even more memorable.

Visiting the Grand Canyon Caverns offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for something beyond the typical tourist spots.

$35.95 ages 12- Adults, $25.95 Seniors

$17.95 Children ages 4+ (Ages 3 & under are free!)

For additional information contact Vickie Orcutt at: tours@gccaverns.com

To reserve a Havasupai Permit visit: havasupaireservations.com and set up an account.