Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, "Home of Mitchell Caverns"

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, "Home of Mitchell Caverns" Home of Mitchell Caverns

With the assistance of our cooperating association PRMDIA, this park has been steadily building a collection of vintage ...
08/14/2026

With the assistance of our cooperating association PRMDIA, this park has been steadily building a collection of vintage images from the Route 66 golden era, when Mitchell Caverns was run by Jack & Ida Mitchell.

We will continue to share these nostalgic postcards and photos as they are acquired.

If you want to help build this collection, consider supporting PRMDIA (Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Interpretive Association: https://prmdia.org/

08/10/2026

A trail camera captured this western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis) is practicing its handstand technique. Only the size of a squirrel, these small skunks spray their noxious odor on targets by flipping their rear over their head.

Townsend's Big-eared Bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) are often seen in Mitchell Caverns. They are well-named as you can s...
07/30/2026

Townsend's Big-eared Bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) are often seen in Mitchell Caverns. They are well-named as you can see.

Apparently, the individuals we normally see in Mitchell Caverns are males, who live mostly solitary lives. Indeed, it would be accurate to call this place a "bat-chelor" pad.

Personal photography is permitted on Mitchell Caverns tours, but not for commercial use. All video recording is prohibi...
07/24/2026

Personal photography is permitted on Mitchell Caverns tours, but not for commercial use.

All video recording is prohibited to ensure protection of the cave.

We appreciate everyone's help in keeping Mitchell Caverns the amazing time capsule it is.

07/18/2026

Doe not fawn over this video, if you can help it. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are more common in the eastern Mojave Desert than most people think.

You're a grand old flagYou're a high flying flagAnd forever in peace may you waveYou're the emblem ofThe land I loveThe ...
07/04/2026

You're a grand old flag
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You're the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Every heart beats true
'Neath the red white and blue
Where there's never a boast or brag
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag

We are closed to the public until September, BUT you can now make reservations for Mitchell Caverns tours for September ...
07/02/2026

We are closed to the public until September, BUT you can now make reservations for Mitchell Caverns tours for September through December.

Don't wait too long: these tickets go quick. Almost like a Taylor Swift concert, but underground and without any music.

https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Activities/ProgramsAndTours

Scorpion researchers have told us that the Providence Mountains may be home to a dozen different species of scorpions. T...
06/21/2026

Scorpion researchers have told us that the Providence Mountains may be home to a dozen different species of scorpions. This is individual is of the Hadrurus genus and measured around 5 inches in length.

Address

38200 Essex Road
Essex, CA
92332

Telephone

+17609282586

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