Providence Mountains State Recreation Area in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mitchell Caverns

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

1. Mitchell Caverns Marker

Inscription.

Mitchell Caverns. . , Mitchell Cavern and Winding Stair Cave has been designated a National Natural Landmark. , This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment. , 1975 - National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior. , , Mitchell , Jack - July 20, 1883 - October 28, 1954. , Ida - August 6, 1880 - January 6, 1966. , When Jack and Ida were in their 50's they began a new life. They camped on their hillside and worked side by side to build their home and to preserve a part of this magnificent monument of nature for future generations to appreciate these wonderful caves. , , Loving Memory , from Jack and Ida's daughters Cynthia, Ruth and Alberta. , Built by great grandson Hector Sedano and friend Pete Sarmanto. , , Jack and Ida Mitchell , In the 1920s Jack and Ida Mitchell operated a profitable construction and real estate business. But their lives changed when Jack invested everything in an unsuccessful out-of-state silver mine. They lost their savings and their business failed. In the midst of the Great Depression, their only assets were stocks in some "worthless” desert claims, including these caverns. , , The Mitchells became fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the caverns and moved here in 1932, partly to protect the caves from vandals. Gradually, they reconstructed their lives as they constructed the paths, shelters, and buildings that you see today. They lived in a tent at first, and used salvage pipe to bring water to the area. They saved and displayed the interesting rock specimens and Indian artifacts they found. A campground was built and they were soon providing tours and information for visitors. They had succeeded in protecting the caves and in making them accessible to many more people. , , After Jack's death, the caverns became part of the State Park System, allowing the Mitchell tradition of sharing, exploration of, and education about the caverns to continue today.

Mitchell Cavern and Winding Stair Cave has been designated a National Natural Landmark.
This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment.
1975 - National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior.

Mitchell
Jack - July 20, 1883 - October 28, 1954.
Ida - August 6, 1880 - January 6, 1966.
When Jack & Ida were in their 50's they began a new life. They camped on their hillside and worked side by side to build their home and to preserve a part of this magnificent monument of nature for future generations to appreciate these wonderful caves.

Loving Memory
from Jack & Ida's daughters Cynthia, Ruth & Alberta.
Built by great grandson Hector Sedano & friend Pete Sarmanto.

Jack and Ida Mitchell
In the 1920s Jack and Ida Mitchell operated a profitable construction and real estate business. But their

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lives changed when Jack invested everything in an unsuccessful out-of-state silver mine. They lost their savings and their business failed. In the midst of the Great Depression, their only assets were stocks in some "worthless” desert claims, including these caverns.

The Mitchells became fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the caverns and moved here in 1932, partly to protect the caves from vandals. Gradually, they reconstructed their lives as they constructed the paths, shelters, and buildings that you see today. They lived in a tent at first, and used salvage pipe to bring water to the area. They saved and displayed the interesting rock specimens and Indian artifacts they found. A campground was built and they were soon providing tours and information for visitors. They had succeeded in protecting the caves and in making them accessible to many more people.

After Jack's death, the caverns became part of the State Park System, allowing the Mitchell tradition of sharing, exploration of, and education about the caverns to continue today.

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

2. Mitchell Caverns Marker

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 34° 56.618′ N, 115° 30.798′ W. Marker is in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Essex Road 16 miles north of Interstate 40, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Essex CA 92332, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Mojave Desert,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jack and Ida Mitchell (approx. 5.6 miles away); Kelso Depot (approx. 9.2 miles away); Hole-in-the-Wall (approx. 9½ miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Kelso Jail (was approx. 9.3 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Mitchell Caverns. The "Tecopa" (named for a Shoshone Indian chief) and "El Pakiva" (Devil's house)

Mitchell Tribute image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

3. Mitchell Tribute

caves are connected by a man-made tunnel and are open to guided tours led by California State Park rangers. The "Winding Stair" cave is considered dangerous and is closed to the public, though it is occasionally used for training cave rescue teams. These caves are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system. Temperatures inside the caverns are a constant, comfortable 65 degrees.

Also see . . . Tour Reservations. (Submitted on December 22, 2024.)

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

4. Mitchell Tribute

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

5. Mitchell Tribute

Jack and Ida Mitchell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

6. Jack and Ida Mitchell

Mitchell Caverns image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

7. Mitchell Caverns

Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024

8. Mitchell Caverns

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 235 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.