HikeArizona.COM

I'm taking my family (wife, 3 teens, and two adult kids) to Peppersauce over the holiday break. I've never been there, but have read all the triplogs, read up on what I could find via the internet in the way of "maps" and commentary, and watched several Youtube videos from peoples' visits. I want to explore the cool parts of the cave, and my family is pretty adventurous, but I want to be safe, and don't want to get lost ....

I've seen photos/descriptions/references to various features in the cave noted below, but would like to feel more comfortable with where these are in relation to the entrance/exit and each other:

Three fissures
Big Room or Great Room (a couple of ladders off this room(?))
The Rabbit Hole or "birthing canal"
The Slide
The Signing Room or Library (same place?)
The "big" lake (references also to several other lakes--where are these?)
The Subway
[Any other major features I'll regret not seeing while I'm there?]

If any of you Peppersauce veterans is willing to give me a little "relational" description of the cave, I would be grateful. I know Peppersauce has suffered the unfortunate fate of being known and open to the unregulated public, but if anyone would prefer to respond by PM, that would be great as well.

Also, I've read suggestions about bringing glow sticks or other markers to help find your way back out. Is navigation that challenging?

Other than grungy clothes, plenty of lights, and a helmet, any other gear tips? (Is there a lot of crawling--kneepads? or just a few spots here and there?) I assume temps remain relatively constant and shouldn't be too cold inside. Correct(?)

While this is of course subjective, how much time do you think it takes explore most of the cave highlights?

Apologies for the barrage of questions, and thanks in advance.

Each person should take 3 lights. Gloves to protect the cave from your oils. Knee pads and elbow pads are nice to have. The temp is pretty nice, you may even think it's a bit warm.

If you can find the birthing canal it will be a fairly tight squeeze!

I think we spent 3 or 4 hours in there. Being cavers we don't mind spending entire days underground.

If you pay attention to features and up/downhill you should have no problems navigating. I believe there are arrows all over the place. If you bring stuff to help you find your way out be sure to pick them up on the way out. I recommend a trash bag per person in case you want to try to help with the trash that piles up. Every trip in I do pick up trash.

I'm in the Southern Arizona Grotto and one of that guys that knows that cave really, really well took me. It's a lot of fun to go with someone who knows where everything is. I personally have only done the one fun trip in PS so I can't say that I know where anything is. We meet at the east side Summit Hut the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30. Kids are welcome. We are having an auction during our January meeting which will be pretty fun. Ask for Belinda if you decide to come. I can introduce you to the person who took me. This offer is good for anyone reading the forum!

Forgot to also mention pee bottles!