The Cave Guide
The desert seen from the mouth of Mitchell Caverns, CaliforniaPhoto: kallahar, CC BY 3.0

Mitchell Caverns

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, CA
2 hr
on the main tour
$20
adult ticket

Caves in California's Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, seen on a 2-hour guided tour that includes a vigorous 1.5-mile round-trip hike; closed in July and August.

The story

Jack and Ida Mitchell ran a resort from 1934 through 1954, and activities included tours of the Mitchell Caverns. In 1972, the caverns and the reserve became part of Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. The caverns include two main caves named El Pakiva (The Devil's House) and Tecopa (after a Shoshonean chieftain).

History source: parks.ca.gov.

What you'll see

  • El Pakiva (The Devil's House)
  • Tecopa
  • Rimstone dams
  • Helictites
  • Stalagmites
  • Stalactites
  • Lily pads
  • Draperies
  • Curtains
  • Cave coral

Tickets and timing

Adults
$20 (seniors $19)
Kids
$10 (16 and under)
How long it takes
About 2 hours including the hike
Hours
Fri–Sun and holiday Mondays: 11am and 2pm (Oct–Dec, Mar–May), noon in Jan–Feb, 10am in June and September. Closed July–August, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Booking
Reserve only through ReserveCalifornia.com or 1-800-444-7275; check in 30 minutes early.

Getting around underground

The walk
1.5-mile vigorous round-trip hike. Passages as low as 62 inches and as narrow as 14 inches.
Wheelchairs
Not ADA accessible; there's a video tour at the visitor center.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Dogs are allowed only in the historic grounds, parking lot, and picnic area of the park. Dogs are not allowed inside Mitchell Caverns, the visitor center, or on trails. Dogs cannot be left unattended in vehicles or other areas of the park.
Temperature
Generally in the 60s °F

Good to know

Best time to go
The most popular months to visit are October through November and February through April.
Wildlife
Visitors may see bats and tiny pseudoscorpions. Those entering the caverns should ensure shoes, clothing or gear have not been in contact with White Nose Syndrome (WNS), which affects bats.
On site
Parking, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center, Exhibits and Programs, Guided Tours, Interpretive Exhibits, Vista Point, Nature & Wildlife Viewing, Geocaching, Hiking Trails, Campground

Getting there

PhoenixLas VegasLos AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoFresno

Mitchell Caverns is in or near Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, CA.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • October–November and February–April are the busiest months.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Mitchell Caverns take?

About 2 hours including the hike

How cold is it inside Mitchell Caverns?

Generally in the 60s °F.

Can you visit Mitchell Caverns in a wheelchair?

Not ADA accessible; there's a video tour at the visitor center.

Are dogs allowed at Mitchell Caverns?

Dogs are allowed only in the historic grounds, parking lot, and picnic area of the park. Dogs are not allowed inside Mitchell Caverns, the visitor center, or on trails. Dogs cannot be left unattended in vehicles or other areas of the park.

Do you need to book Mitchell Caverns in advance?

Reserve only through ReserveCalifornia.com or 1-800-444-7275; check in 30 minutes early.

Listed in: caves with camping or lodging

Checked on 2026-10-22 against parks.ca.gov (Providence Mountains SRA page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

Other caves in California

See all 9 caves in California