Explore Arizona’s Lantern Cave by Hurricane Lamp: A Unique Underground Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to walk several flights of stairs and navigate uneven ground without assistance.
Overview
Experience Colossal Cave like early explorers did—guided only by the glow of hurricane lamps. Discover stunning formations, local wildlife, and rich history on Vail’s unique underground tour.
"Lights Out!" Lantern Cave Tour
$27| Ages 12-Adult / $20 Children 8-11 years old
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the cave like never before on this unique guided tour, illuminated by hurricane lamps. Discover fascinating history, legends, and geology as you navigate 363 steps through stunning formations. Encounter local wildlife and immerse yourself in the adventure of exploring the underground world, reminiscent of early explorers.
We will supply a hurricane led lamp, so come and see the cave in a whole new light!
Rates
$27 (Ages 12+) $20 (Ages 8-11)
It will be "Lights out!" in the cave, but we will provide you with a hurricane lamp to light the way. See the cave as the early explorers might have seen it.
This guided lecture tour is a half mile long and takes about one hour to complete. As your tour guide relates the Cave's history, legends, and geology, you walk down and back up about six and a half stories and see beautiful cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, boxwork, and helictites.
- Learn about the Cave's history, legends, and geology
- Walk down and back up 6 and a half stories, approximately 363 stair steps
- And, if you're lucky, you'll meet some of our cave wildlife ... bats, coatis, and squirrels ... oh my!
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour time and check-in at the Cave Gift Shop.
No pets or service animals are allowed on the tour
Absolutely no children under 8 years old allowed.
Meeting Location
Just southeast of Tucson - 7 miles north of Exit 279 from I-10. (Vail, AZ) Meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.
Adventure Tips
Bring a light jacket
The cave remains cool year-round; a light jacket will keep you comfortable during the tour.
Wear sturdy shoes
The tour includes 363 steps and uneven terrain, so closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended.
Arrive early to secure your spot
Tours fill quickly, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive ahead of your scheduled time.
Mind your step in low light
The lantern light creates shadows—proceed carefully to avoid trips or falls.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Lesser long-nosed bats
- Gila monsters
History
Colossal Cave was first documented by settlers in the late 19th century and holds cultural significance for the Tohono O’odham people.
Conservation
The tour promotes minimal impact practices to protect cave formations and resident wildlife from disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tucson
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Provides traction and protects feet on rugged cave surfaces.
Light jacket or fleece
Keeps you warm in the cave’s cool environment.
Headlamp or flashlight
Backup light source recommended in case of emergency.
Water bottle
Hydrate before and after the tour as the desert climate can be dehydrating.