7 caves in the US you can book if you want to live under a rock for the rest of the year
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- With two months left to go, 2020 has been an overwhelmingly stressful year, from a continuing global pandemic to the US election, civil unrest, and unprecedented wildfires.
- As such, nobody would blame you if you're ready to just go hide under a rock for the rest of the year — or stay there in 2021.
- In fact, you can do just that by booking one of these cave rentals or hotels found across the US.
- We found a variety of bookable caves that all come in under $300, with the exception of one splurge-worthy 80,000-square-foot suite.
- Read more: Is travel safe? We interviewed experts on risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnbs, renting cars, and more, plus ideas on safe vacations during COVID-19
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With election day just around the corner and record numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the US, maybe you've found yourself bracing for the worst. Without a doubt, 2020 has been an overwhelmingly stressful news cycle of deadly viruses, police brutality, civil unrest, hurricanes, and wildfires.
If these have been causing you relentless anxiety, nobody will blame you if you decide to tap out early and find a nice rock to live under for the rest of the year. However, if you decide to take this metaphor up on its offer of cold and solid separation from society, you can at least do it in style and comfort.
Across the country, there are many unique accommodations made entirely made of stone, built into the side of the wall, or actually located underground for a cave-like experience.
Some are even quite grandiose like Xanadu, a 5,600 square-foot mansion that will cost you $1,200 per night on Vrbo. But if you don't need your cave to have a waterfall flowing through the center of it, there are more affordable rocks you can crawl under too.
However, even heading underground doesn't put you in a coronavirus-free zone, and you should understand the risks of staying in any hotel or Airbnb. According to experts, vacation rentals such as private homes found on Airbnb that allow you to keep your distance from fellow guests are the safest way to travel, especially when compared to hotels. If you do choose a hotel, make sure to select one with stringent new policies in place.
Additionally, without a vaccine, there is no firm guarantee with regard to safety. It's crucial to follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Also consider your own level of risk, and whether you're traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.
As such, we kept safety top of mind while rounding up our favorite rock-inspired homes and note COVID-19 safety protocols for each listing below.
When choosing cave hotels and rentals, we considered the following criteria:
- While international travel is still on pause with the ongoing pandemic, we kept our search limited to the US.
- Not every accommodation on this list is an actual underground cave, but those that aren't still boast a cave-like experience with stone exteriors and rock-themed interiors.
- Sleeping under a rock is about disconnecting from the rest of the world, not being uncomfortable. Each cave has suitable amenities, beds, and access to a bathroom with running water.
- It takes a lot of labor and calculation to turn a hole in the ground into a livable and structurally-sound environment for guests, which factors into the cost. We considered rentals and rooms within a wide price range between $161 and $950 per night.
Here are the best cave rentals and hotels in the US, sorted by price from low to high.
Vrbo
Book this hand-carved cave house starting at $161 per night on Vrbo
You don't need to be in an actual cave to technically be under a rock. In fact, this cave house in Chattanooga, Tennessee is made up entirely of stone and has all the amenities of a modern home.
This heated, 700-square-foot cottage keeps up with the cave theme inside too, with a stone wall separating the living area from the bedroom and a carved rock sink in the bathroom. Wide panoramic windows frame a beautiful view of Lookout Mountain.
Outside, you can enjoy the amenities of the grill, hot tub, and fire pit while reconvening with nature. Nearby, there are trails for mountain biking, spots for rock climbing, and even caves for exploring if you really want to complete the experience.
At the time of writing, there are some dates left in November and December, but the calendar opens up more fully after January.
Vrbo Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Pros: More home-like, this is a good option for those who want a taste of cave life without actually venturing underground.
Cons: That said, this will not appeal to those who truly are looking for a more traditional cave.
COVID-19 status and policies: The listing specifies that you can have a contactless check-in experience and the home will be thoroughly disinfected.
Hobbit Cave Suite in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, $169Expedia
Book this cave suite starting at $169 per night on Expedia
At Eureka Springs Treehouses, Caves, Castles, & Hobbits, a resort that offers a variety of unique accommodation, you'll find the Hobbit Cave Suite tucked under a grassy hillside. Although it's not technically underground, it certainly achieves a cave aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling stone walls.
This romantic abode also features a jacuzzi tub in the stone-laden bathroom, a fireplace, and a beautiful circular-shaped entrance that invokes the hobbit homes of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The room has a King-sized bed and boasts bonus amenities like a small kitchenette with a minifridge and coffee maker.
The property offers three hobbit cave suites located in the grotto, each of which has a private courtyard with chairs and a swing.
At the time of writing, there are a few days in December where you can still book one of the three suites, but more availability won't open up until January. There is also a two-night minimum for bookings.
Expedia Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pros: A romantic cave aesthetic with in-room jacuzzi, floor-to-ceiling stone walls, and a cozy feel.
Cons: Some guests have complained that the beds are too firm and like, ahem, actually sleeping on a rock.
COVID-19 status and policies: According to the hotel's website, employees' temperatures are checked daily and rooms, including high-touch surfaces, are disinfected with Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant.
Bedrock homestead in Boulder, Utah, $325Airbnb
Book this bedrock homestead starting at $325 per night on Airbnb
Not only does this cave have a Queen-size bed tucked into a cozy corner and a kitchen with a huge island for entertaining, but it also has a jam room for the musically-inclined and stunning views overlooking the property's orchard and ranch. It's located inside Utahs' Grand Staircase Monument on a 40-acre farm, so you will need to have a car with four-wheel-drive to access it.
The home was hand-blasted into the rock by the owner and is powered by a nearby creek using hydroelectricity technology. The cave is technically a shared listing with the host, but guests are assured they'll have a whole separate wing of the home to themselves with a private bathroom and balcony and plenty of privacy. However, in the COVID-era, many may prefer an entirely private option.
At the time of writing, there are still plenty of dates available in November and December, as well as the first few months of 2021.
Airbnb Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Pros: A true cave stay that's also remote thanks to being located on a 40-acre farm.
Cons: Whiles guests have their own separate wing of the house all to themselves, it is attached to where the host stays.
COVID-19 status and policies: The host does not specify how the home is cleaned, but it has an average 4.9 cleanliness score out of over 200 reviews.
Cave on the creek in Sedona, Arizona, $250Airbnb
Book this creek cave starting at $250 per night on Airbnb
You can live out your bohemian fantasies in this rock house in Sedona, Arizona, which according to the host was used as a shelter by indigenous Americans over 600 years ago. The cave is well-hidden on the host's property so you will need a guide to show you the way.
The cave has two beds, three hammocks, and is decked out with dreamy colorful lights and candles. Beds come with beautiful Native American quilts for keeping cozy.
However, bear in mind that this is a real cave, so you will be exposed to the elements and may encounter some wildlife. Guests here also have access to a separate room with a bathroom indoors, though this is connected to the host's home.
At the time of writing, there are still some dates available the first week of November (if you want to miss the election news cycle entirely), but after that, the calendar doesn't open up until March 2021.
Airbnb Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Pros: A true cave stay with a Bohemian appeal and plenty of history.
Cons: Guests are exposed to the elements so expect some critters.
COVID-19 status and policies: New protocols aren't outlined, but out of over 160 reviews, the cave has an average cleanliness score of 4.7.
Two-bedroom cave house in Leavenworth, Washington, $297Airbnb
Book this cave house starting at $297 per night on Airbnb
Although the entrance to this cave makes it appear quite small, it actually opens up into a massive space with multiple fireplaces and a huge kitchen with a long wooden dining table. Up to eight people can sleep comfortably in this two-bedroom cave house that is fully powered and equipped with running water.
Despite being a cave stay, you won't be roughing it. The listing features an all-natural rock hot tub for taking a relaxing soak and even has heated floors in the bathroom. Tall ceilings and light blue walls keep it from feeling too claustrophobic.
Although it seems that the listing does not have much availability, the host notes in the description that the calendar opens up one day at a time 90 days in advance, so might need to set a calendar reminder to get your desired date.
Airbnb Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Pros: This two-bedroom stay comes with luxurious amenities like an all-natural rock hot tub, soaring ceilings, and heated bathroom floors.
Cons: The calendar for booking only opens up 90 days in advance so you have to be vigilent to score a stay.
COVID-19 status and policies: The host does not specify cleaning protocol, but this cave has a 4.9 average cleanliness score out of over 150 reviews.
Kokopelli's Cave in Farmington, New Mexico, $290Booking.com
Book Kokopelli's Cave starting at $290 per night on Booking.com
For a truly immersive cave experience, this bed and breakfast is located 50 feet down, but is actually built into the vertical cliffs of Ojo Alamo Sandstone rather than completely underground. This means you can still enjoy some sunshine from the two porches with sliding glass doors, one off the main entrance, and the other in the bedroom.
Inside the cave, you'll find indigenous-inspired art decorating the bedroom and living room and a waterfall shower with a hot tub in the bathroom. In addition to a full kitchen with plenty of counter space, there is also a washer and dryer, which means you can really stay a while. It is a real cave, so guests are warned that they might be visited by cave critters like squirrels and chipmunks.
Above ground, you'll also be able to enjoy stunning views of La Plata River Valley.
At the time of writing, there are only a couple of days available in November and then the calendar doesn't open up until March 2021.
Booking.com Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Pros: This unique listing allows you to be below ground while still having some sunlight due to how its built into the cliffs.
Cons: It's in Farmington, New Mexico, which is a three-hour drive from the closest airport.
COVID-19 status and policies: The owners of this bed and breakfast don't disclose their cleaning procedures on their website, but recent Trip Advisor reviews note that it was very clean.
Cavern Suite in Peach Springs, Arizona, $950Booking.com
Book this cavern suite starting at $950 per night on Booking.com
Two hours from the southern entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Caverns Inn may look like an ordinary motel from the street, but 220-feet below ground hides a spacious cavern and hotel suite. And when we say spacious, we mean the cave also happens to be a bomb shelter approved to hold up to 2,000 people.
At this depth, this is one of the quietest hotel rooms you'll ever sleep in, but also one of the darkest. It's deep enough to deter creatures like mice and bugs who would not survive this far away from the surface. However, with two Queen beds, a record player, television, and a library, humans should survive a few nights in this 80,000-square-foot suite.
It's definitely pricey, but if you really feel like you need to live under a rock for a while, an elevator that will bring you 22 stories down and closer to the center of the Earth is a good place to start.
At the time of writing, there are plenty of dates available in November and December 2020 and onward are completely open for booking.
Booking.com Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Pros: This enormous cave is 80,000 square feet, so you can bring your friends and family to hole up with you.
Cons: This stay is much more expensive than many other cave rentals.
COVID-19 status and policies: The hotel website doesn't disclose their cleaning protocol, but recent reviews on Booking.com note that the motel rooms were clean.