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Mitchell Caverns

Located off I-40 and the Essex Road exit, Mitchell Caverns lay claim to being the only limestone caves within the California State Park system. For explorers, tourists, or those wishing to visit the treasures of the Mojave desert, Mitchell Caverns offers a look at the (relatively) undisturbed past of America’s western landscape.

As one approaches the entrance to Mitchell Caverns, the skyline is painted with the stark and daunting silhouette of the Providence mountain range. The caverns themselves consist of three distinct limestone caves, each with their own colorful name. El Pakina (The Devil’s House) and Tecopa are for public visitation, while The Winding Staircase is off limits due to its dangerous conditions. The Staircase is, however, used for cave rescue team training.

The caverns are named after Jack Mitchell, who owned and operated the caves from 1934 to 1954 and used them not only as a respite for weary Route 66 travelers, but for personal mining and spelunking. After Mitchell’s death, the area became a state recreation area in 1956 and remains under the state’s jurisdiction today. The site has also interested archaeologists, who have found evidence of early North American fossils, including the bones of a sloth. Some of Mitchell’s personal trails and diggings are still in evidence to this day and provide a rare peek at the cavern’s rich history. Today, guided 1 ½ hour guided tours are available through the 65 degree caverns at the price of $4.00 per person.

• Telephone: (760) 928-2586