Peppersauce Cave Is Hiding In Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 10, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are plenty of rock formations to visit here in Arizona, but it’s hard to find one that hasn’t been overrun by tourists. Peppersauce Cave is a diamond in the rough, as few people are aware it even exists.
Hiding in the Santa Catalina Mountains is a limestone cavern with one mile of mapped passages. Only about 23,000 people visit this secret place annually, paling in comparison to the five million who frequent the Grand Canyon.
While Peppersauce is open to the public, no guided tours or even a parking lot exist. It's only after hiking a remote, gravelly trail that the first piece of evidence emerges: a sign explaining the cave's rich history.
After trekking along for a short while, you'll come upon the entrance. Its wide, gaping mouth almost beckons visitors to see what lurks within the abysmal darkness.
Minimal climbing is required, but it definitely beats having to lug around rappelling gear. The ladders are just 15 feet tall and not steep enough to pose an issue for most explorers.