Where are the Cosnino Caves?

The caves are east of Flagstaff at Turkey Tanks. To get to the caves and the tanks take Interstate 40 east out of Flagstaff and exit at Cosnino (Exit 207).  Proceed north on Cosnino Road and turn right onto Winona Road.  After about 2 miles turn north on Leupp Road (it's a paved road).  About 2.5 miles up this road you'll see a dirt road on the right.  Take the dirt road across the usually dry Rio de Flag (San Francisco Wash) and in less than a mile you'll come to some large boulders blocking the road where the power lines cross.  A short distance before the roadblock you'll pass the flat area where Whipple and Beale camped on the north side of the dirt road.  Just north of this flat area you can see what's left of the caves.  To get to Turkey Tanks you have to hike about a half mile further on the dirt road.

An easier way to get right up to the caves is to follow the Leupp road till just before it curves to the right and find a safe place to park along the edge of the highway near the low lava ridge on the right side of the road.  If you climb up onto the lava you'll be standing on the roof of the caves.  If you bring a flashlight you might be able to see a little into some of them.  The caves are now mostly covered by debris from the road construction and only a few of the uppermost ones are still visible.

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