Location: Essex, California
Overview
Mitchell Caverns is an incredibly isolated limestone cavern system located in the Mojave Desert off of interstate 40. For those who choose to visit, make sure your car is gassed up and that you have everything that you need. There are few if any services in this area.
Despite the long drive out to Mitchell Caverns and the isolation, the caverns are a must see. In 1972 Mitchell Caverns became part of the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area and remains part of it today. Prior to that the area was owned by Jack and Ida Mitchell who ran a resort here. From 1934-1954 Jack and Ida welcomed visitors to stay on their property, while also offering tours of the caverns. The old routes they used and how things appeared back in those days are discussed on the guided tours. The visitors center where tours start from was the original home of Jack and Ida.
Visitors can only visit these caverns via guided tours. The tour is 1.5 Miles round trip and takes about 2 hours. The 1.5 miles seems much longer than it is, as the guides are constantly stopping to give information about the caverns, their history and the surrounding area. Inside the caverns the temperature usually hovers around a steady 60 degrees. There are two main caves, El Pakiva and Tecopa, and stunning formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, curtains and others can be viewed along the tour.
Additionally, there are 3 trails in the surrounding area. These include the Cave Trail, the Mary Beal Nature Trail and the Nina Mora Trail.
Trail and Caverns Description and Scout’s Story
Ever since my wife and I moved out to California nearly ten years ago, I have wanted to visit Mitchell Caverns. However, in January of 2011 Mitchell Caverns closed their doors due to a budget crisis. For years I had forgotten about the caverns and just assumed they never reopened. I recently checked on the status and was excited to see that they reopened in November of 2017. My wife and I now have a 3 year old daughter whose name is Scout. I wasn’t sure if bringing a three year old into the caverns was a good idea but I thought we would give it a go. To be honest, the guided tours are probably best for kids who are at least 5 and up.
We met up at the visitors center a half hour before our tour and got prepped by a ranger. The tour starts along a paved walkway and climbs steadily towards the caverns. The guides have good knowledge but it just felt like it took forever to get to the caverns with how much we were stopping. This might also be because Scout was getting antsy every time we stopped.
Entering Mitchell Caverns
Eventually we reached the caverns and the ranger unlocked the gate and in we went. The Caverns are lighted in different rooms with lights that can be turned on and off by the tour guide.
We visited multiple rooms and once we reached the end of the cavern, we turned and were allowed to head back the way that we had just come at our own pace.
Our daughter did very well, but also got a little fussy at times and we had to calm her down. Looking back on it, I probably would have waited another year or two to bring her along. Scout did have a great time though.
The caverns are filled with stunning stalagmites, stalactites and many other insanely beautiful cavern structures.
Altogether the tour took us about 2 hours. As we departed the caverns, our expectation was to camp. I felt horrible because I had promised Scout this is what we would do. I had planned to just go get food somewhere nearby and then set up camp as sunset wasn’t far away. However, I had no idea that there were absolutely no gas stations or food anywhere nearby. We ended up deciding to head towards Barstow and eat there before heading back home. We had a great time in the caverns and were blown away by their beauty. Although this was a last minute trip, I humbly learned that I need to plan out our trips a little better going forward.
Getting to Mitchell Caverns
38200 Essex Rd, Essex, CA 92332
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Visiting the caverns is only possible via guided tours. If there is space visitors may walk in but reserving online is advised. Be sure to arrive and check in 30 minutes before scheduled tour time.
Please be sure that shoes, clothing or gear has not been in other caves. This is to ensure that white nose syndrome is not spread.
Park Hours:
- Friday-Sunday (8 AM-5 PM) September-June *Park closed July-August
Tour Times: (Tours are approximately 2 hours)
- October-May (11 AM and 2 PM)
- June and September (10 AM Only)
Day Use Fees: (Per Vehicle)
- $10 and $9 for senior’s vehicle (Age 62 or older)
Guided Tour Fees: (Per Person)
- $20 for Adults (17-61 years of age)
- $19 for Seniors (62 + years of age)
- $10 for Children (3-16 years of age)
