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USA Parks
California
Southern California Region
Mitchell Caverns State Park
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Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
View of small section of beautiful stalactites, drapery top left
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Driving up to park. Middle lower is the home of the Mitchells tiny- distance away. But, the rear mountains are very beautiful.
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Jack Ida Mitchells Home on the right a guest home on the left.
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Jack Ida Mitchell The founders creators of this unique caverns.
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Narrow stalactites are called STRAWS
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Middle section of walkway to entrance. Beautiful view of desert valley below.
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Mitchells Guest House Notice what was used Unique local rocks and some highly polished.
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
View from parking lot
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
How Old Are You This is Rose, she is 90 years old. She did the full walk up, through cavern back to their car. Bet you can to
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Interior walk inside. Hanging down from the ceiling are Stalactites
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mitchell Caverns © Bob Harris
Vertical columns Many areas and sizes
Mitchell Caverns State Park Mojave National Preserve © Rafael Zhadanovskiy
Mitchell Caverns, a trio of limestone caves, located on the east side of the Providence Mountains at an elevation of 4,300 feet 1,300 m, within the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area from Wikipedia
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MITCHELL CAVERNS STATE PARK
MITCHELL CAVERNS STATE PARK
Essex, California   92332

Phone: 760-928-2586
Mitchell's Caverns are a trio of limestone caves, located at an elevation of 4300 ft. (1311 m), in the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area in Southern California. The "Tecopa" (named for a Shoshone Indian chief) and "El Pakiva" (Devil's house) caves are connected by a man-made tunnel and are open to guided tours led by California State Park rangers. The "Winding Stair" cave is considered dangerous and is closed to the public, though it is occasionally used for training cave rescue teams. These caves are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system.

The caverns were created during the Pleistocene epoch, when ground water with a high carbonic acid content ate into the surrounding marble and sedimentary limestone. Stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations were formed from calcium carbonate left by dripping mineral water. For many years the caves were thought to be "dead", that is, the formations were no longer growing. However, recent studies have found some signs of life.

Numerous paleological and archaeological finds have been made in and around the caverns. Scientists have found the remains of several prehistoric animals, including a sloth. The caverns were a sacred place for the Chemehuevi Indians, and a number of tools and fire pits have been found. The Chemihuevi knew the caves as "the eyes of the mountain" due to their easily spotted dual entrances located near the top of the mountain.

The caverns are named after Jack Mitchell, who owned and operated the caves from 1934 to 1954 as a tourist attraction and rest stop for travellers on neaby Route 66. Mitchell also held mining rights to the area and dug several prospect holes and tunnels, some of which are still visible. The area became a state recreation area in 1956. The surrounding lands became a part of the Mojave National Preserve in 1994, but the caves are still owned and operated by the state.
History of the Area
Located in California's Mojave Desert, the park was established by Jack Mitchell who acquired it in 1934. He developed tours for visitors to explore its limestone caves.

In 1954, he sold his property to the state of California which continued operating cave tours. The area became part of Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (PMSRA).

The caverns were closed from 2011-2017 due to infrastructure issues and vandalism but reopened after extensive repairs and improvements.


Location
Mitchell Caverns State Park is

Trails
- Mitchell Caverns Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip trail, it leads to the cavern entrance and offers panoramic views of Providence Mountains.

- El Pakiva Loop Trail: This is a moderate difficulty level hike that spans approximately 2 miles; highlights include desert flora and fauna sightings.

- Tecopa Pass Scenic Drive & Hiking Area: Offers multiple short trails with varying degrees of difficulty; provides stunning vistas over Mojave Desert landscapes.

- Teutonia Peak Trailhead in nearby Cima Dome area (outside park): An easy-to-moderate hiking route spanning around 3.4 miles round-trip, offering unique Joshua Tree forest viewings.

- Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop within driving distance from Park: It's an adventurous yet family-friendly loop trail measuring about one mile long featuring ringbolts for climbing through narrow canyons.

- Barber Peak Loop Trial near Mid Hills Campground (nearby location outside park): Approximately six-mile-long moderately difficult trial showcasing diverse plant life including pinyon pine woodland ecosystem along its path.


Note:
The guided tour inside the actual limestone caves at Mitchell Caverns State Park itself does not fall under traditional 'hiking' but remains a popular activity among visitors due to its geological significance and historical value.
Area Attractions
The Mary Beale Nature Trail, located near the park's visitor center, is a self-guided moderate walk through the desert. A brochure describing desert plants and animals is available. Another, more strenuous, mile-long trail leads to a spring above the visitor center. There are also cross-country hikes to the many peaks in the Providence Mountain State Recreation Area.

Mitchell Caverns, located in the heart of the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, is a popular tourist attraction. Spectacular and intricate limestone formations found include stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, lily pads, draperies, curtains and popcorn. First opened for tours by Jack Mitchell in 1932, the caverns were purchased by the State in 1954. They are the only limestone caverns in the State Park System.

Located at an elevation of 4,300 ft, temperatures usually remain moderate throughout the year. The most popular months to visit are October through May. Temperatures inside the caverns are a constant, comfortable 65 degrees.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 27 Caverns are closed by hbrown
park review stars; one to five Mitchell Caverns have been closed for four years. The SRA is being repaired and restored, but the opening date is still unclear. It was to open in February 2016, but that has now been cancelled, with no new date.
March 31 I was there in 1948 . by Doug Hasselo Carlsbad CA.
park review stars; one to five I was there with a boy scouts group.Jack Mitchell was our guide.We spent 3 days there with Jack Mitchell,his wife & his dog. write me {[email protected]}
May 2 by Jim from Chambersburg,Pa
park review stars; one to five Great view from park. Nice quiet place. Tour guide was very interesting and good personality.
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Directions
The park is located in the eastern Mojave Desert off of Interstate 40, 56 miles west of Needles, 116 miles east of Barstow, and 16 miles northwest of the Essex Road exit. Located at an elevation of 4,300 feet, the park is surrounded by one of the newest National Parks, Mojave National Preserve.

Caution- be prepared to travel in the desert! The nearest fuel station to the park is 24 miles away in Fenner. Carry water in your vehicle in case of an unexpected situation. Food is not available at the park, so plan ahead for meals.

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