Beware all those who dare venture into the caves. It’s been said that the Chindiis haunt this area and the spirits of the dead curse the place. – Apache Death Cave.
We hiked into the canyon following it for about half a mile or so; before deciding to climb back out as it was getting late in the day. We had no idea that the Apache Death Cave would be so difficult to find!
Exiting the canyon, we explored one main building, now in ruins. These were the fake ruins which Harry 2 Guns had made.
The fake ruins stand directly over the extensive cave system we were hunting for. In actuality, the entrance couldn’t have been easier to find.
apache death cave found!
We carefully descended the rickety, wooden ramp before having to do some rock scrambling. Finally! There in front of us was a hole in the enormous rocks leading into a labyrinth of tunnels.
The cold air chilled us, and the darkness seeped into our bones. With torches in hand, it was time to explore and attempt to discover the spirits of the past.
The Legend of The Apache Death Cave
After raiding Navajo camps along the Little Colorado River in 1878, pillaging and murdering all except three young squaws whom they kidnapped, the Apache magically disappeared without a trace.
Navajo scouts who were tracking the Apache had no idea where they went. While searching for the kidnappers and murderers, they felt hot air coming from a long narrow crack in the ground. They realized they had discovered the Apache’s underground hideout. Large enough to accommodate the party of 42 and their mounts.
Inside the Death Cave
Ascertaining that the three young girls were also dead, the Navajo warriors placed sage and brush at the entrance to the cave and lit it. The smoke billowed through, trapping the Apaches in their stone tomb.
Unable to escape, the Apache slit the throats of their horses using their blood in the attempt to extinguish the flames, and their corpses to help seal the entrance from the smoke. The ill-fated Apache started chanting their death songs, realizing they were doomed.
Once the smoke had cleared and the fire burnt out, the Navajo entered the caves to retrieve their belongings. All 42 of the Apache warriors were dead.
From that time on, the raids on the Navajo ceased, and no Apache will enter the region believing the area to be anathematized. Legend has it that you can still hear the cries of the Apache and that misfortune comes to everyone who has had associations with the land.
our takeaway on the apache death cave
It was dark and eerie inside the cave tomb. Not for the faint-hearted or those who have claustrophobia. As we ascended deeper, several “rooms” appeared on the left-hand side. Some of these caverns appear to have been sealed at some point. There was man-made brickwork in areas blocking our way. Maybe these had been installed by Harry “2 Guns”. The mystery deepens!
Some of the caves were large in area but low in height; others were smaller with higher ceilings.
As we continued, the walls became more narrow, and I had to squeeze through. Steven had a strange feeling in his gut and refused to go any further. I continued for several more feet, but I’m not an experienced caver, nor did I have the correct attire. Safety first! I re-joined Steve, and we exited carefully, avoiding the large rocks underfoot.
I would have to say that this was one of my favourite places to explore, and I would most certainly go back more prepared. Steven, on the other hand, said he’d had the strangest of feelings throughout this adventure, and never wanted to enter the cave system again.
My father always told me to take heed of those “gut feelings”. They serve a purpose. So I guess we won’t be venturing back to the Apache Death Cave any time soon!
In A Nutshell
- On Old Route 66, at the Two Guns interchange, between Flagstaff and Winslow, Arizona.
- Plenty of parking
- Free
- Historic Landmark
- Not recommended to go alone
- Wear suitable footwear. The ground is uneven, and you do have to scramble over rocks
- Do not go into the caves too far. There have been rock slides, and parts of the caves are unstable. It would be easy to get lost the deeper you go. It is said that there are approximately seven miles of cave systems
- Always let someone know where you are
- NO cell service inside the caves
- Take at least two torches as it is very dark inside
- WATCH OUT for snakes, scorpions and other creatures (we didn’t see any)
- Take only photos, leave only footprints
- And PLEASE, NO GRAFFITI
- Be sensible and stay safe
Location Map
- To read more about the Apache Death Cave and the eccentric man who had discovered them, clink the link for Two Guns.
- To return to Route 66 road trip –
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