Onyx Cave (Arizona)

Onyx Cave
Map showing the location of Onyx Cave
Location Santa Rita Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Coordinates 31°43′3″N 110°46′9″W / 31.71750°N 110.76917°W / 31.71750; -110.76917Coordinates: 31°43′3″N 110°46′9″W / 31.71750°N 110.76917°W / 31.71750; -110.76917
Length 0.5 miles (1 km)
Geology Permian limestone
Entrances 1
Access Gated

Onyx Cave is a solutional cave system with about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of passages formed in Permian limestone in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona.[1] It is part of the Coronado National Forest.[2] It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.[3]

History

The cave became a favorite spot to explore in the 1940s and 1950s. Vandals broke the formations and used paint on many walls to the point that the entrance was gated in 1962 in order to preserve it. Shortly afterwards the entrance was dynamited but was gated once again in 1974. Today access is controlled by Escabrosa Grotto, Inc.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Brod, Langford (2005). "Geology of Select Areas, Sawnill Canyon Fault Zone North East Santa Cruz County, Arizona" (PDF). Arizina Geological Survey. p. 46. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  2. ↑ http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/caves/onyx.shtml
  3. ↑ "National Natural Landmark". National Park Service. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
  4. ↑ Johnson, T. "Santa Rita Caves" (PDF). Green Valley Hiking Club. Retrieved 11 December 2012.


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