Home to one of the largest dry caverns in the nation, Grand Canyon Caverns are 200 feet below the surface. Located along historic Route 66 in northern Arizona, this natural limestone cave has been a popular roadside attraction. Imagine dining 200 feet underground in a cave older than the dinosaurs, or sleeping in the world’s deepest motel room, surrounded by eerie silence. Located along historic Route 66 in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon Caverns is a limestone marvel. Revered by the Hualapai people as a sacred burial site, this natural wonder invites visitors to descend 21 stories via elevator to explore its hidden chambers.
Guided Tours: From Quick to Wild Adventures
Short Tour (25 minutes): Ideal for those with a tight schedule, this Tour provides an overview of the caverns’ history and geology.
Regular Tour (45 minutes): Dive deeper into the ‘Chapel of the Ages’ and ‘Halls of Gold,’ marveling at shimmering limestone formations.
Explorer Tour (2½ hours): Hike through lesser-seen lower caverns, discovering unique rock formations and hidden passages.
All tours can be booked with lunch for an additional fee.
Dine or Sleep Underground:
The Cavern Grotto Experience Savor a meal 200 feet below the surface in the Cavern Grotto, a dining experience unlike any other. Above ground, a Route 66-adjacent restaurant and gift shop offer classic roadside charm. Sleep in the Depths: The Cave Suite Spend a night in the world’s oldest, darkest, and quietest motel room, 220 feet underground. Fully furnished but isolated, this 65-million-year-old cave suite is a bucket-list stay for the brave.
Prefer the surface? The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, RV campground, or 3-bedroom ranch house provides cozy alternatives.
A Glimpse into History
The caverns’ story begins millions of years ago when limestone formed under ancient seas. Human history entered the picture in 1927 when Walter Peck stumbled upon the cave, initially hoping to mine gold. Instead, he turned it into a tourist attraction, charging 25 cents for daring visitors to descend via ropes. During the Cold War, the caverns were designated as a fallout shelter, stocked with supplies that are still visible on some tours.
A Sacred Site
The Hualapai, whose ancestral lands encompass the area, consider the caverns a sacred site, tying their cultural heritage to the depths of the caverns. Revered by the Hualapai people as a sacred burial site, the caverns’ natural entrance remains sealed out of respect, with visitors descending 21 stories via elevator to explore its subterranean chambers, including the ‘Chapel of the Ages’ and ‘Halls of Gold.’ Nearby Peach Springs, a historic Hualapai community, remains a hub along Route 66, blending Native history with the road’s nostalgic charm.
Why Visit Grand Canyon Caverns?
- Sleep in the world’s deepest motel room.
- Dine in a prehistoric limestone cave.
- Explore haunted caverns with paranormal tours.
Getting There
Getting There Located between Kingman and Flagstaff near Peach Springs, the caverns are easily accessible via Route 66. A 5,100-foot airstrip welcomes private planes. Ready to descend into adventure? Visit grandcanyoncaverns.com for tour times, reservations, and more. The Caverns are midway between Kingman and Flagstaff, Arizona, along Historic Route 66 just outside Peach Springs. Check out the Caverns website for more information and reservations.
Route 66 Attractions To Stop At
The Caverns, located near Peach Springs, Arizona, are a highlight of Route 66’s quirky charm. From Kingman, stop at the Route 66 Museum to relive the road’s heyday, or grab a milkshake at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, a neon-lit throwback. Heading from Flagstaff, visit Seligman, the “Birthplace of Route 66,” with its colorful Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In and quirky gift shops. These stops capture the nostalgic spirit of America’s Mother Road, making your journey to the caverns a full-fledged adventure.