Mitchell Caverns Reopens: Explore California's Only State Park Limestone Caves
Visitors rarely venture to the remote eastern Mojave Desert by chance, but once they do, the experience is unforgettable. Nestled in the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area—surrounded by Mojave National Preserve lands—this unique destination offers cooler mountain air and a botanical paradise of cacti and pinyon pines.
The higher elevations feature vibrant red rhyolite, home to bighorn sheep and pinyon pines. Edgar Peak rises over 7,000 feet above the desert floor, dotted with oak trees. While hiking draws adventurers, the true highlight is the reopening of a California treasure: Mitchell Caverns.
Mitchell Caverns Tours Now Available
After nearly seven years of closure due to budget constraints, maintenance needs, and vandalism, Mitchell Caverns reopened in November 2017. As the only limestone caves in California's state park system, they showcase stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed during the Pleistocene epoch, when groundwater eroded the surrounding marble and sedimentary limestone.
Three caves exist, but two are open to the public: El Pakiva (Devil's House) and Tecopa (named for a Shoshone chief), connected by a man-made tunnel. Winding Stair Cavern remains closed for safety. These caves offer a rare desert wonder.
Tour Information
When: Fridays through Sundays (plus holiday Mondays); tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (15 people max); arrive 15 minutes early.
Cost: $10 adults; $5 children (16 and under); $5 seniors (credit card or exact cash).
Reservations required: Phone only, Mondays 8 a.m.–5 p.m., (760) 928-2586 (speak to staff; no messages).
Tour Details: Ranger-led 1.5-mile moderate roundtrip hike plus 1-hour cave tour.
Rich History
The caverns' history rivals their geological wonders. Discoveries include prehistoric sloth remains, Chemehuevi Indian tools, and fire pits. Sacred to the Chemehuevi, the caves were called "the eyes of the mountain" for their prominent entrances.
Named for owner Jack Mitchell (1934–1954), who ran tours and mined the site, the caverns drew Route 66 travelers. Mitchell prospected silver, built paths, and even used ropes for early tours. Post-WWII gasoline shortages led him to donate the 82-acre site to the state.
Legend has it Mitchell once gave late visitors dynamite "candles," sparking wild tales. In 1991, filming for The Doors damaged walls with fake cave art, banning future productions.
Exploring the Area
Located between Barstow and Needles, the recreation area features a Visitors Center in Jack and Ida Mitchell's historic home. Hike to Edgar Peak nearby; campground planned for late 2018 (nearest now: Hole-in-the-Wall in Mojave National Preserve).
Hole-in-the-Wall boasts dramatic red volcanic formations from ancient eruptions. Trails include an expert route to Banshee Canyon.
Discover even more adventures in the Northern California deserts here.
