A Trip to Commune With Nature: Peppersauce Cave

Accessible only by hiking in, and marked only by a kiosk with a map below the cave, Peppersauce Cave feels very different from better-known cave systems that feature guided tours, parking lots, and paths with handrails and even snack bars.

A thirteen-month project by volunteers in 2017-2018 removed all of the graffiti in the cave. Efforts are ongoing to keep the cave clean. The cave is located in the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona. A 1948 article in The Desert Magazine brought the site, which was reportedly discovered by deer hunters, to the attention of the wider public. You can still see wonders described in the article, including an underground lake, which is the main draw for many visitors, though one should avoid swimming due to E. Coli and coliform being present in the water, and a rock “slide.” Ropes and ladders are set up inside to help those exploring get around without needing professional equipment.

If you visit, prepare to get dirty and explore an environment that can get very hot and humid. The entrance to the cave is just past the map posted on the trail and, while small, opens up to a large room. Pens and a notebook have been placed in the Big Room so you can make a record of your visit while preserving this amazing cave experience.

Please respect this natural landmark. Take trash with you and please do not place graffiti in or around the cave. Also please do not go swimming in the water.

Remember to wear good shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring water, snacks, and at least two light sources PER PERSON—there are no lanterns inside. It's also a good practice to explore with a buddy or a group, let someone know where you are going, when you will be back, and call/text them that you are out.

Bring durable gloves, a helmet, a long sleeve shirt, and pants. You will get dirty/muddy and it's very easy to hit your head. The main cave opens just to the left of the sign up a small bluff.

From Marana, enter Peppersauce Cave in you GPS. Once in Oracle, Arizona, head toward the Peppersauce Campground. Just past the campground, turn and head up the narrow gravel road for about 2.2 miles. You will see a hard left turn with a small bridge and some roadside parking. This is the place! You should see the trail to the cave nearby; it is a short walk to the entrance. You can enter "Peppersauce Cave" into Google Maps to help find it.

Unlike our usual blogs, this one isn’t near any neighborhoods for a change. Head out there and enjoy some quiet time with nature.

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