![]() ![]() The Americans rediscovered the Colossal Caves in 1879. The Native Americans evacuated the caves around the time of European conquest, sometime between 14. There were also human remains littered across the cave floor. ![]() Many of them have been removed, but early European settlers claimed to have found hundreds of antlers piled inside. The ceilings in some areas are blackened from centuries of bonfires, and bones are straddled along the floors of the caves. Some say that they may have even lived in the caves. The Hohokam, Sobaipuri, and Apache tribes all used the caves for various purposes, including ceremonies, rituals, and protection from the elements as well as other tribes. Over a thousand years ago, around 900 AD, the Colossal Caves were discovered by local Indigenous peoples. The ghost of a Native American woman can be heard moaning and sobbing around the caves, and the ghost of a lady in white has been seen floating around the entrance. The Wells Fargo stamped bags are still said to be somewhere in Colossal Cave, and the ghosts of the dead train robbers have been seen wandering around the caves looking for their lost loot. A few of the bandits were killed, while others were caught, but the money was never recovered. After being traced to the caves by authorities, a shootout ensued. A group of train robbers used the caves to hide after hitting a big score in the late 1800s. He’s often seen in restricted areas and vanishes into thin air before being seen by the staff. Frank was always smoking, and the smell of smoke fills the caves when he appears. He tends to accompany visitors to the caves to ensure that they don’t stray too far from the beaten path. The most encountered ghost is that of Frank Schmidt, one of the early developers of the cave. At least four ghosts live in the cave system. With no flowing water, the cave is no longer actively growing, but the ghosts and spirits in Colossal Cave are alive and kicking. The bones of human and animal remains litter the ground. The roofs of the cave are blackened from centuries of Native American bonfires and ceremonies. Keep in mind, hiking permits are required for some areas.Just a few miles south of Tucson lies Colossal Cave, an often overlooked natural landmark with well over a thousand years of history. Stop by a hiking-camping supply store to purchase a map or hiking guide or to contact local hiking groups and organizations for suggestions. The Summit Hut and Southern Arizona Hiking Club are good places to start. This is a strenuous, 18-mile round-trip hike through pristine Sonoran Desert landscape with tremendous views. This easy hike (6-miles, round trip) is an excellent introductory hike that features a beautiful, seasonal waterfall at the end.Ī strenuous, lengthy hike (16-mile round trip) in a remote location ending at one of the best summits in Tucson. The scenery is the classic Sonoran Desert, with many saguaros and other cacti. This easy, sandy, and level trail (10-miles round trip) crosses several times the Cactus Forest Drive loop within the Saguaro National Park. Bundrick Trail, which goes into a riparian area. Two easy hiking trails wind throughout the park, including the Gale W. This beautiful, 2,400-acre desert park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases Colossal Cave and the historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. The most popular way to experience the Rincons is at Saguaro National Park East, which offers numerous trails, and Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a massive underground labyrinth and one of the largest dry caves in the world. Located on Tucson's east side is the Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area of Coronado National Forest. ![]()
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