Forget the surface world, folks!
Arizona’s underground scene is where the real action is.
These subterranean wonders will have you spelunking your way to adventure faster than you can say “stalagmite.”
1. Colossal Cave Mountain Park (Vail)
Let’s kick things off with a cave that doesn’t believe in false advertising.
Colossal Cave is, well, colossal!
This limestone labyrinth is a cool 70 degrees year-round, which is practically arctic by Arizona standards.
As you descend into its depths, you’ll feel like you’re entering a natural air-conditioned paradise.
The cave’s history is as colorful as its rock formations.
Legend has it that train robbers once used it as a hideout.
I guess they figured the best place to stash their loot was somewhere even the sun couldn’t find it.
Today, you can take guided tours through its winding passages, marveling at the intricate formations that look like nature’s attempt at abstract sculpture.
2. Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson)
If Colossal Cave is the rowdy older sibling of Arizona’s cave scene, Kartchner Caverns is the sophisticated younger one.
Discovered in 1974 by two cavers who managed to keep it secret for 14 years (talk about willpower!), this living cave is a testament to nature’s artistry.
The caverns boast some of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites, which sounds like something you’d find in a giant’s soda fountain.
The piece de resistance is “Kubla Khan,” a massive 58-foot tall column that would make any stalagmite feel inadequate.
Just remember, no touching!
These formations are still growing, and we don’t want to interrupt their journey to cave stardom.
3. Grand Canyon Caverns (Peach Springs)
Don’t let the name fool you – these caverns aren’t actually in the Grand Canyon.
They’re about 65 miles southwest, but what they lack in canyon proximity, they make up for in sheer quirkiness.
These are the largest dry caverns in the United States, which means you can explore without feeling like you’re in a subterranean swimming pool.
The caverns’ claim to fame?
A rather macabre display of a mummified bobcat, affectionately named “Gertie,” who took a wrong turn about 150 years ago.
It’s like a natural history museum, but with more stalactites and less formaldehyde.
For the truly adventurous (or just plain odd), you can even book a night in the underground suite.
It’s perfect for those who’ve always dreamed of sleeping 220 feet below the Earth’s surface.
Talk about a room with a view… of absolute darkness!
4. Peppersauce Cave (Oracle)
If you like your cave exploration with a side of “am I really supposed to be doing this?” then Peppersauce Cave is your jam.
This wild cave is open to the public and free to explore, which means you can channel your inner spelunker without breaking the bank.
Named after a bottle of peppersauce found at its entrance (because why not?), this cave is a maze of twisting passages and tight squeezes.
It’s like nature’s own obstacle course, minus the motivational speaker yelling at you to push harder.
Just remember to bring your own light source, unless you fancy recreating scenes from “The Descent.”
5. Cave of the Bells (Sonoita)
Despite its musical name, you won’t find any bells in this cave.
What you will find is a subterranean wonderland that’s been closed to the public since 1982.
Related: This Under-the-Radar Cave in Arizona Will Bring Out the Adventure Seeker in You
Related: The Postcard-Worthy Waterfall in Arizona that’s almost Too Beautiful to be Real
Related: The Breathtaking Hike in Arizona with a Spectacular Waterfall Finish
Why, you ask?
Because sometimes love hurts, and in this case, our love for exploring was hurting the cave.
While you can’t go inside, you can still appreciate its mysterious allure from the outside.
It’s like window shopping, but for caves.
The cave got its name from the bell-like sound water droplets make when they hit the cave’s pools.
It’s nature’s own percussion section, proving that even rocks have rhythm.
6. Lava River Cave (Flagstaff)
Ever wanted to walk through a giant drinking straw?
No?
Well, now’s your chance!
The Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube formed by molten rock about 700,000 years ago.
It’s like a time capsule from when Arizona was trying out its best volcano impression.
As you navigate through this underground tunnel, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.
The smooth walls and arched ceiling create an otherworldly atmosphere that’s part sci-fi movie set, part geological wonder.
Just don’t forget your jacket – at a chilly 40 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, this cave takes the concept of natural air conditioning to a whole new level.
7. Coronado Cave (Hereford)
Located in Coronado National Memorial, this cave is like the rebel of the bunch.
No guided tours, no fancy lighting – just you, your flashlight, and 600 feet of limestone cave to explore.
It’s the DIY of cave experiences.
The cave is named after the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who probably wished he had a good flashlight when he was trekking through these parts.
As you scramble over rocks and duck under low ceilings, you’ll feel a connection to the explorers of old.
Just with better shoes and less chance of scurvy.
8. Apache Death Cave (Two Guns)
With a name like that, you know this cave comes with a story.
Located in the ghost town of Two Guns (because one gun just wasn’t enough), this cave is steeped in Wild West lore.
Legend has it that a group of Apaches were smoked out of the cave by their Navajo enemies in 1878.
While you can’t enter the cave due to safety concerns (and possibly angry ghost Apaches), you can still explore the ruins of Two Guns.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more tumbleweeds and less page-turning.
9. Onyx Cave (Dragoon)
Onyx Cave is the hipster of Arizona caves – it’s not as well-known as its flashier cousins, but that’s part of its charm.
Located in the Dragoon Mountains, this cave is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The cave is known for its beautiful onyx formations, which look like nature’s attempt at modern art.
It’s like walking through a gallery where the artist is millions of years old and works exclusively in rock.
Just remember to whisper your art critiques – you never know when a stalactite might be listening.
10. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Payson)
We’re ending our subterranean journey with a bit of a cheat – Tonto Natural Bridge isn’t technically a cave, but it’s too cool to leave off the list.
Believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, it’s like nature’s version of a highway overpass, but way more impressive.
You can view the bridge from above, or hike down to walk through the 400-foot-long tunnel beneath it.
It’s like being in a cave, but with more natural light and less chance of running into a lost bobcat.
The algae-covered walls add a pop of color to your photos, proving that even in the world of rocks, it’s hip to be green.
There you have it, folks – ten underground adventures waiting to rock your world.
So grab your flashlight, don your helmet, and prepare to get a little dirty.
After all, the best stories happen below the surface!