Mitchell Caverns, officially known as the Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve, is located within the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, about 56 miles west of Needles and 116 miles east of Barstow. The area was settled by in 1932 by Jack Mitchell and his wife Ida, who moved to the desert when his business in Los Angeles was shattered by the Great Depression.
While prospecting for silver, Mitchell discovered a number of limestone caverns that he called the "Crystal Caves." He named one of the main caves El Pakiva (The Devil's House) and another large one Tecopa after a famous Shoshone chieftain. Later exploration showed that Mitchell was certainly not their first visitor. Some 15,000 years ago, the caverns were home to a Pleistocene ground sloth and later a group of Chemehuevi Indians.
Today, visitors to the State Recreation Area can explore Mitchell Caverns, which have been fitted stairs and special lighting, but they must be accompanied by a park ranger. Guided walks cover about 1.5 miles, passing by a number of fascinating geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, cave ribbons, cave spaghetti, and flowstone in intricate arrangements.
To get to Mitchell Caverns, take Interstate 40 to the Essex Road Exit and continue northwest for 16 miles to the Visitor Center. Cavern tours are available on weekends throughout the year as well as on weekdays from Labor Day through Memorial Day. The cost is $6 for adults, and $3 for children aged 6~16 years. Pets are not allowed.
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