The Little Known Cave In Arizona That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once
By Monica Spencer|Published March 13, 2018
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
It’s not always easy finding new places around the state to explore, so today, we’re checking one fascinating spot located underground in southern Arizona.
If you’re up for some spelunking in a quiet section of the state and in a pristine cave, then you’ll want to check out Cave of the Bells, pictured here.
The cave is tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, miles away from any small towns and accessible via a dirt road. This map gives a general location the cave. As you can tell, it’s quite remote!
Another thing to keep in mind: the cave is permanently under lock and key. Access keys can be obtained at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Tucson after you leave a $100 deposit (refundable upon return of the key).
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Upon entering the cave, drop down about 10 feet (it’s helpful to bring a rope and to have good knotting skills). From there, unlock the gate and get ready to explore a brand new world!
Other supplies we recommend bringing are a helmet, a headlamp, an extra light source (in case your headlamp breaks or dies), and a light jacket for temperature changes upon exiting the cave. Having previous caving skills is also highly recommended since you’ll find few resources here for accessing various parts of the cave.
You’ll find the cave is surprisingly warm and humid but also wide and expansive. You’ll find passages and rooms all around, though some will require ropes to drop into. With enough exploring, you’ll find a small lake hidden here, which stays a warm 76-degrees.
Other things you’ll find around the cave are the little pieces of evidence that the cave is very much alive.
Cave of the Bells is located in the Santa Rita Mountains and access is limited. Keys must be picked up at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Tucson with a $100 deposit. You can find driving directions, details about obtaining the access key, or make reservations by visiting the Forest Service website or calling (520) 388-8300.
