A Beautiful Dark Place…

As a top Idaho attraction, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is, at this time, one of the largest volcanic caves in the world open to the public. It is not an ice cave, but perhaps it was at one time. Millions of years ago, a violent volcanic eruption rocked the land, and rivers of molten lava flowed out of the depths of the earth, filling the valley with lava estimated to have been 600 feet deep.
During this time, one of these rivers of lava got blocked off at its head while the molten lava flowed on, leaving behind a hollow tube, creating this rare and stunning cave. Later on, a section of the cave collapsed, leaving an opening to the outside.

Native Americans began using the cave for shelter, and as a place to preserve their food in the cool temperatures. The bones of many different bears, including the huge short-faced bear, along with camels, buffalo, and little horses, have been found within its dirt floor.

In 1902, some early settlers (sheepherders), stumbled onto the cave opening. They used makeshift torches to enter, and left their mark by writing their names on the walls of the cave with the charcoal from their torches. As you go through the cave, you can still see some of these original works.  Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is also one of those rare caves that have a special growth on the walls that give it the appearance of pure silver. Mineral deposits with their many silver, gold, orange, and deep reds add much beauty to the vast cavern.

Plan A Vist

A Beautiful Dark Place…

As a top Idaho attraction, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is, at this time, one of the largest volcanic caves in the world open to the public. It is not an ice cave, but perhaps it was at one time. Millions of years ago, a violent volcanic eruption rocked the land and rivers of molten lava flowed out of the depths of the earth, filling the valley with lava estimated to have been 600 feet deep. During this time, one of these rivers of lava got blocked off at its head while the molten lava flowed on, leaving behind a hollow tube, creating this rare and stunning cave. Later on, a section of the cave collapsed, leaving an opening to the outside.
Native Americans began using the cave for shelter, and as a place to preserve their food in the cool temperatures. The bones of many different bears, including the huge short-faced bear, along with camels, buffalo, and little horses, have been found within its dirt floor.

In 1902, some early settlers (sheepherders), stumbled onto the cave opening. They used makeshift torches to enter, and left their mark by writing their names on the walls of the cave with the charcoal from their torches. As you go through the cave, you can still see some of these original works.  Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is also one of those rare caves that have a special growth on the walls that give it the appearance of pure silver. Mineral deposits with their many silver, gold, orange, and deep reds add much beauty to the vast cavern.

Plan A Vist