kids encyclopedia robot

Onyx Cave (Arizona) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Onyx Cave
Location Santa Rita Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona
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. It is part of the Coronado National Forest. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.

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.

kids search engine
Onyx Cave (Arizona) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.