A Grand Canyon National Park Press Release 1934

Exploration of the 
Roaring Springs Cave in
Grand Canyon National Park
1934 

Although known for many years to exist through occasional casual exploration, the Roaring Springs Cave, located in the great headland of Uncle Jim Point, between Roaring Springs Creek and the headwaters of Bright Angel Creek was not until within the last few days traversed by any party for the specific purpose of gathering data of interest to science. 

Recently a party of three men, including Mr. Eddie Seigel of the Utah Parks Company, Park Ranger Albert Turner and the latter's brother, Warren, made the trip back within the confines of the cave for a distance of approximately one and one-quarter miles, at this point their progress was completely blocked by rock and dirt resultant from some ancient cave-in from above.

The gated and closed entrance
as it appeared in April 2001

The cave entrance is located at Roaring Springs, in the face of a cliff towering above the site of the Utah Parks Company power and water plant serving Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. The party made its way back into the cave with the aid of flash lights and gasoline lanterns. The course of the cave follows almost true north along what appears to be an ancient earthquake fault in the solid limestone structure forming the ceiling. Water percolating through the fault or crack has eroded away the softer material below until, over a period probably of many centuries duration, creation of the natural drift far back into the side of the Canyon has occurred.

At one point the explorers found one side cavern of some considerable length. At other points, large stalactites and stalagmites, clusters of calcite crystals and shallow pools of water were found. No very large rooms were discovered though the cave is easily negotiable throughout the entire length examined. With proper equipment and guidance, park visitors to the Roaring Springs region could easily be afforded an opportunity to experience the thrill of subterranean exploration in this cave, the mouth of which is in plain view from the Kaibab Trans-Canyon Trail.  

(These days, caves within Grand Canyon National Park are closed to visition without a permit.)

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MATHER POINT on the south rim REOPEND to CARS April 03, 2001
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