Catacombs Cave
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| Catacombs Cave | |
|---|---|
 Tunnel in Catacombs Cave, 2016 | |
  Location in California | |
| Location | Lava Beds National Monument |
| Coordinates | 41°42′18″N 121°30′55″W / 41.70504°N 121.51531°W |
| Length | 6,903 feet (2,104 m) |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
Catacombs Cave is a 6,903 foot (2,104 m) cave in Lava Beds National Monument in California. It is considered one of the most challenging caves accessible in the park. This very long cave is easily entered, but gradually increases in difficulty. It is possible to walk upright for approximately 800 feet (240 m) to the stairway, after which the ceiling rarely exceeds 3 feet (0.91 m). A few places exist where the ceiling height is less than 12 inches (300 mm).[1]
The caves found here were created by flows of smooth lava 10,500 to 65,000 years ago.[1] J. D. Howard was the first to record notes on exploration of the underground passages. He named it after catacombs as the many side passages reminded him of the burial places of ancient Rome.[2] Disapproving of how visitors treated the cave, Howard later wrote, "I am sorry I left the entrance to the Catacombs open after I first entered it. I opened it and enlarged it, then began to take visitors there. I should have closed it again and left it unknown as the better stalactites are now gone except in the remote crawlers".[3]
In 2004, two 11-year-old children spent 27 hours lost in the cave. The duo went exploring away from their families, and confused, continued deeper into the cave instead of heading towards the exit. A rescue operation including a helicopter and several local sheriff's offices began. The two were found in an unmapped room, and required rescue by skilled cavers. They were retrieved in good health.[4]
