The fit spelunkers suit up with hard hats and headlamps.
They're told to remove cumbersome backpacks that may hamper their maneuverability through claustrophobicallyconfined spaces.
"Does anyone feel uncomfortable crawling through dark narrow tunnels?" the guide inquires.
Although sticking like glue to the neighbouring group of scaredycats, my heart does a flip-flop for those heading off in this Wild Cat Cave Tour.
The Colossal Cave Mountain Park, situated in the Tucson Valley, is just an hour's drive from our refined refuge, the Arizona Inn and, although they both share historical happenings, this jaunt to 'down under' also adds an element of excitement.
While the agile explorers lunge into unlit passageways, our group chooses the road more travelled, where paving stones weave through illuminated limestone tunnels.
Our unexpected entrance generates the flutter from at least two sets of wings, and before we can focus, they're gone from our sight.
"You're lucky," Mickey, our guide, declares with enthusiasm. "Not everyone is privy to bat sightings."
In spite our good fortune, I realize that my body chill has nothing to do with a drop in temperature, as this subterraneous grotto remains at a constant 70 degrees year-round.
As well as home to almost half the bat species in Arizona, we discover that the cavernous cocoon is also a regular hangout for foxes, badgers and legends of the past.
"In the 1800s, these craggy interiors were a favourite hideaway for train robbers and bandits," Mickey says.
"And over a 1,000 years ago they were used by the Hohokam Indians for shelter."
We check out the well-preserved artifacts that bore ritual significance to the Hohokam tribe: prayer sticks, known as Pahos, small-scale bows, and reed cigarettes that once produced symbolic smoke formations.
We come to a glossy limestone protrusion that goes by the name of Old Baldy and are informed to rub it for good luck. "It's a protective measure," Mickey jests.
"After all, you wouldn't want to fall into the bottomless pit or lose any body parts!"
It's obvious that most visitors have abided by this ritualistic task, as the head of the prominence is smoother than a crystal ball.
As we plod through the labyrinth of tunnels that spans six stories, our imaginations are stimulated by geological formations: a kingdom of elves, a ruling king, a rock and roll room featuring Kermit the frog.
Icicle-shaped stalagmites suspend from the cathedral room's heaven bound ceiling and, like cave bells, create acoustics that are supposedly three times more effective than most recording studios.
If all were to come to life, it would be volume overload. Instead, the rocky formations, glazed over by crystals and iron oxide deposits, emit a silence that's golden.
We discover that most caverns are formed by rainwater, but not so with Colossal Cave.
Hot sulfur-laden brine has percolated from below and hollowed out and the passageways of this underground wonderland.
Instead of burrowing deep, the tunnels blank until the ignition is switched on and then the electroluminescent gauges appear in an impressive choreographed display.
A power-operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel is another bit of standard luxury and it also has an easy entry/ exit feature.
Those drivers who like to see the end of the hood while driving, however, may be disappointed and driver rear vision, even with the secondary lower back window, is also somewhat restricted.
While seating is provided for up to five, the ZDX was conceived as a personal escape vehicle for two adults.
It's a design that's clearly focused on pampering the front seat occupants and it also allows them to bring along considerably more cargo than a conventional coupe allows.
A power operated (open/ close) rear liftgate is standard.
The cargo area is fully carpeted and additional storage can be found in a large underfloor compartment.
Removable side panels also allow golf bags to fit crosswise.
CHALLENGE
The only challenge is that the ZDX is not well appreciated in the marketplace (just look at their sales figures on this model), making this model a truly niche vehicle.
I believe the main issue is that people don't exactly know what this car stands for - .is it a sporty SUV, a fivedoor cross-over, or just fancy looking five-door luxury hatchback?
The ZDX is none of these, of course, but people are not aware of that in the first glance at the car or even after a brief test drive.
I think once buyers understand the real intent of this car - it is a sporty, trendy alternative to today's boring SUVs - they might appreciate the car much more.
With pricing changes and added standard equipment, we might even say that the ZDX is a good value, which wasn't the case when it first came out a few years back.
