Welcome to the Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn on Route 66.
The Grand Canyon Caverns like the Grand Canyon will take your breath away but this time you are under the earth discovering the Beauty of nature underground. These caverns extend all the way to the Grand Canyon.
If you Are ready to see Route 66. Be sure to check out my video above for a sneak peek at the fun that awaits you above ground at the Grand Canyon Caverns! Those classic cars, that Radiator Springs Gas Station, and those GIANT DINOSAURS… it’s like takin’ a step back in time to the golden age of Route 66! But hold on tight, ’cause we’re just gettin’ started. Now that you’ve seen those awesome sights in action, let’s dive into a little more detail about each one. First up, those vintage vehicles…
What a Cool Old Farm Truck at the Grand Canyon Caverns
Now here is a Classic from the Mother Road a Willys from the 1950’s
Cruisin’ into the Past at Grand Canyon Caverns
Hold on to your hats, folks! As you roll up to the Grand Canyon Caverns, the first thing that’ll grab your attention is a scene straight outta a Route 66 postcard. Vintage cars and trucks, gleaming in the Arizona sun, line the entrance, giving you a taste of the golden age of American motoring.
And right there, standin’ proud, is a Route 66 Version of the Radiator Springs Gas Station. Fill up your tank with nostalgia, grab a Route 66 souvenir at the gift shop.
Now, for all you firefighters out there, or anyone who’s ever dreamed of ridin’ in a firetruck, this one’s for you! Parked proudly alongside the other classics, you’ll find a shiny red fire engine just beggin’ to be admired. Imagine yourself behind the wheel, racin’ to the rescue, or pose for a photo with this classic beauty – it’s a Route 66 memory in the making!
Above it all, those giant “Grand Canyon Caverns” signs beckon you to explore the wonders that lie beneath. But first, let’s take a walk on the wild side… Are you ready to Explore Route 66 ?
Dino-mite Discoveries!
Keep your eyes peeled, ’cause you’re about to meet the prehistoric welcoming committee! They are a Big Committee Too !!!
Towering dinosaurs, frozen in mid-roar, guard the entrance to the caverns. It is pretty crazy looking at something life size that is over 20 foot long it really makes you wonder what is was like back then and how times have changed.
These guys are a fun part of Route 66 and a must-have photo for any selfie collection. You might look kind of small in front of these 20 foot plus monsters.
One more cool metal dinosaur jusr for good measure Ye Haw !!!
Venturing Beneath the Surface
Now, I’ve been down into those caverns before, and let me tell ya, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Sadly, the elevator was temporarily out of service the last time I was there but I hear it was fixed or is getting fixed soon, so no underground photos or videos this time. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Imagine… over 200 acres of caverns, the largest dry cave system in the U.S.! Stalactites hangin’ like icy teeth, stalagmites risin’ up to meet ’em… it’s a subterranean wonderland millions of years in the making.
A Unique Overnight Adventure
And get this – you can actually sleep down there! The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn offers rooms carved right into the rock, 220 feet below ground. Talk about a room with a view.. no sky but just underground in a huge cavern it is amazing
A History as Deep as the Caverns
These caverns have seen it all, folks. Native Americans sought shelter here, outlaws hid from the law, and during the Cold War, it was even prepped as a bomb shelter. Now that’s some serious history!
Discovery and Early Days:
As the story goes, the Grand Canyon Caverns were discovered in 1927 by a cowboy named Walter Peck. He was exploring the area—some say he was actually on his way to a poker game!—when he stumbled upon the cavern entrance. Imagine his surprise! He must have felt like he’d stepped into another world. Recognizing the wonder of his discovery, Peck soon began inviting others to share in the experience.
In those early days, a tour of the caverns would set you back a mere 25 cents! Peck was quite the showman, and he always had a story or two to tell to make the experience even more memorable for his visitors. One of the most fascinating tales involved the discovery of remarkably well-preserved remains of a Shasta ground sloth deep within the caverns. These giant creatures roamed North America during the last Ice Age, and finding their traces in the caverns provided a glimpse into a truly ancient past.
Over the years, the caverns were known by a few different names. First, it was Yampai Caverns, then Coconino Caverns, and for a time, even Dinosaur Caverns. But eventually, the name that stuck was Grand Canyon Caverns, a fitting title for such a grand underground wonder.
A Route 66 Must-See
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just lookin’ for a quirky adventure, the Grand Canyon Caverns has somethin’ for everyone. So next time you’re cruisin’ Route 66, make sure this stop’s on your map!
Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn Mile Marker 115 Route 66 Peach Springs, AZ 86434 See Google for a Phone Number and reservation information
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