Apache Death Cave, Coconino County Travel Guide

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Explore the chilling history of the Apache Death Cave, a Route 66 landmark with a dark and mysterious past in Two Guns, Arizona.

The Apache Death Cave, located near Two Guns, Arizona, is a historical landmark with a dark past. It is the site of a 1878 massacre where Navajo warriors trapped Apache raiders in a cave, leading to their demise. Today, it's a chilling roadside attraction along Route 66, offering a glimpse into a violent chapter of the American West.

A brief summary to Apache Death Cave

2 Guns, Winslow, Arizona, 86047, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Apache Death Cave.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp. The cave is dark, and you'll need a light source to explore it safely.
Wear sturdy shoes. The terrain around the cave is rocky and uneven.
Be cautious when exploring the cave. The ramp is old and unstable, and there may be hazards inside.
Visit with a friend. Due to the cave's remote location and potential hazards, it's best not to explore it alone.

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Explore Apache Death Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Apache Death Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

To reach the Apache Death Cave by car, head towards Winslow, AZ. From Winslow, take the I-40 W towards Flagstaff. Take the exit 219 for Two Guns Rd. The cave is located near the abandoned gas station and other ruins of Two Guns. There is plenty of parking available. Be aware that the road is unimproved.
Public Transport

If using public transportation, take a Greyhound bus or a local shuttle to Winslow, AZ. From the Winslow station, you will need to take a taxi or rideshare service to the Apache Death Cave, as there is limited public transport directly to the site. The taxi ride will cost approximately $20-$30.
Walking

Once you arrive at the parking area near the Apache Death Cave, the cave entrance is a short walk away. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain is uneven. The walk to the cave is easy to spot.

Discover more about Apache Death Cave

The Apache Death Cave, a haunting landmark near Winslow, Arizona, carries a chilling tale from the Old West. In 1878, this natural cavern became the site of a brutal massacre. According to the grim story, Apache raiders attacked a Navajo encampment, killing many and kidnapping three young girls. Navajo warriors tracked the Apache to this cave, located in what is now the ghost town of Two Guns.The Navajo warriors, seeking revenge, sealed the cave's entrance and lit a fire, trapping the Apache inside. Forty-two Apache warriors perished in the cave, giving it the ominous name it bears today. Some accounts detail the Apache attempting to extinguish the flames with the blood of their horses, further adding to the cave's macabre history.In the years that followed, the cave and the surrounding area became shrouded in legend and superstition. Pioneers reported eerie sounds and ghostly apparitions, adding to the site's haunted reputation. In the early 20th century, Two Guns emerged as a Route 66 tourist stop. A man named Henry Miller, also known as “Crazy Thunder” Miller, leased the land and built a zoo and tourist attractions around the cave. He reportedly sold artifacts, and possibly even bones, from the cave. The site fell into disrepair and was ultimately abandoned.Today, the Apache Death Cave stands as a stark reminder of the conflicts that shaped the American West. Visitors can explore the ruins of Two Guns, including the abandoned gas station and remnants of the old zoo. A rickety ramp leads down to the cave entrance, where the main cavern can be entered. Exploring the cave requires caution and a flashlight, as the terrain is uneven and dark. The Apache Death Cave offers a unique, if unsettling, glimpse into a violent past, set against the backdrop of the iconic Route 66.