Tucson's Colossal Cave Park - Tour the Cave, Hike or Enjoy Pioneer Days

Colossal Cave Mountain Park, south of Tucson, Arizona was a hub of activity this weekend. We took a 10K hike through the hills and valley. Others attended Pioneer Days and still more toured the cave. Colossal Cave, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, had been used for centuries by prehistoric peoples when it was "discovered" in 1879. Since then it has been the object of interest and attention by people ranging from train robbers to a President of the University of Arizona. The first tours were taken through the unimproved Cave in 1923, tours which involved ropes and lanterns. Now, thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps, we are able to enjoy paved pathways and stairs throughout the "dormant" cave. While this cave is not as impressive as Karchner Caverns, a nearby "living cave," it is a great way to introduce children to the basics of caves and get a sense of the difference between a "dormant" cave and a "living, breathing" cave.