Mitchell Caverns
Limestone Formations Hidden Beneath Mojave Desert Landscape
Mitchell Caverns, within the Mojave National Preserve, became a California State Park in 1956. The caverns are located in the eastern Mojave Desert, about 116 miles east of Barstow, 56 miles from Needles on Interstate 40. Take the Essex Road turn-off, and head north 16 miles. The road is paved, but watch for pot holes.
Guides Lead Hikes Through Limestone Caverns
Mitchell Caverns are limestone caves that feature a wide variety of formations. Trips through the caverns are conducted by guided tours only and last about an hour and a half. Although the tour is not strenuous, there is a half-mile walk to the cave entrance from the visitor center and another half-mile walk through the caverns on uneven ground. These caverns are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system.
While waiting for one of the scheduled tours, there are hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms, and shady spots to enjoy those precious commodities in California, peace and quiet. Oh, and there are the incredible views from the visitor center porch.
Mitchell Caverns Once Under Water
At one time, the entire area was ocean. Mitchell Caverns are primarily the result of sedimentary limestone and marble being dissolved by ground water high in carbonic acid content. After the dissolution, caverns were formed; the continued dripping of highly mineralized ground water into the caverns produced stalactites (dripstone deposits extending downward from the ceiling) and stalagmites (dripstone deposits building upward in mound-form from the floor).
“Jack Mitchell was the first owner and promoter of Mitchell Caverns. During the Depression he and his wife came out here in their 50s and basically started over,” says Myke Raye, one of the park rangers. “The caverns were hard to reach and there were little funds available to improve the roads. Jack had to improve the roads and build the rock facilities that are now used by the Park Service.
“Even after opening the caverns to the public, Jack Mitchell retained his interest in attempting to locate silver and other valuable deposits. The location of prospect holes and tunnels that he dug in this search, many along the Caverns’ trail, can still be seen but have been blocked off as a safety precaution,” he adds.
Nature's Dramatic Handiwork Lies Beneath
Mitchell consists of three caves: “El Pakiva,” or the Devil’s House; “Tecopa,” named for one of the last chiefs of the Shoshone Indians; and the deep and vertical “Winding Stair Cave,” a dangerous cavern that is off-limits to the general public.
At the entrance, people are not allowed to bring in anything other than a camera. Be respectful of the caverns and when the guide says not to touch anything, don’t touch anything!
For many years it was thought that the Caverns were no longer “living,” which means stalactites and stalagmites were not “growing.” However, heavy rains in recent years have brought back signs of life. Mitchell Caverns have been the subject of a number of scientific studies because they contain unusual formations not found in most other limestone caves.
Also visible are former entrances used by early visitors to the caves. There are no concrete trails, dramatic spotlights and metal stairs with handrails, but treacherous “trails” that required a lot of climbing and descending on ladders.
“Tours through these caverns used to be a lot more difficult,” Raye says. "People also had to be about a size 6 to squeeze through some of the openings.”
Tour Prices and Hours of Operation
Tour fees are $4 per adult, $2 per child under 16.
Tours are limited to 25 people. For groups of 10 or more, reservations should be made by contacting the park at 760-928-2586.
Tour Schedule: Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day
Weekends 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Weekdays 1:30 p.m.
Summer everyday 1:30 p.m.
For more about other California State Parks, please visit the official website.
Dramatic Drapery
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