Kartchner Caverns State Park. Elevation. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. The relative humidity inside the cave averages 99. This tour is available year-round, but as the seasons change, so too does the room in which it takes place. Public Talk. State of Wyoming Parks. 58m. Welcome to Kartchner Caverns State Park! We invite you to explore our world-famous cave as well as the above-ground park with its 62 campsites. Discounts not applicable for tours including Kartchner Caverns State Park cave tour tickets or Riordan Mansion State Historic Park tours, special use fees, special program fees, special events fees, special event admission fees, any reservation fees, camping fees or overnight parking fees. Stay in the park and explore the cave! Campsite reservations are available online or by calling our friendly folks at the Arizona State Parks Reservations Desk at 1-877-MY PARKS (697-2757). They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. Looking for more caves near Phoenix? Keep reading this extended list. Kartchner Caverns State Park. The majesty of the cave. Acreage: 921. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. High Temp: 93 °F. Please note: Children under 10 are not allowed on the Helmet & Headlamp Tour. m. to 3 p. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Discovered in 1974 by explorers Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen, and not revealed until 1988, the opportunity existed to preserve the caverns in near pristine condition. Delve deep and explore two spectacular limestone caverns made by nature over eons: Colossal Cave Mountain Park (below the Rincon Mountains near Vail) and Kartchner Caverns State Park® (beneath the Whetstone Mountains near Benson) are both surrounded by scenic wilderness,. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 5 miles, pretty easy and gives good vistas. The park has 23 permanent employees, 20 part-time, and about 80 - 100 volunteers. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. com. If you are visiting with a family with varied tastes, a Luray Caverns ticket will even get you through to a host of other attractions, including Toy Town Junction, the Shenandoah Heritage Village, and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Box 1849. Subscribe for $3. Camping with electric and water hook-ups is $30/night. Standard Link for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. As they did this, they inadvertently drilled into the cave 8 times out of the 20 samples they took. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. . The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. 1,809 Reviews. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. An outline of this sequence of events, inte-grated with respect to regional events, has been compiled from the literature and from the results of this Symposium (Table 1). Kartchner Caverns State Park, opened in 1999, is one of Arizona's newest wonders. At Kartchner the caverns are very warm. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. Visitation is by guided tour only and special efforts are being made to maintain the caverns in. With 306 lodges, cabins and hotels in the park and the surrounding towns, your perfect adventure is ready and waiting for you. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. Main Office. The staff in the Visitor Center and leading the tour were very pleasant and. Kartchner Caverns State Park. How to say Kartchner Caverns in English? Pronunciation of Kartchner Caverns with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Kartchner Caverns. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. September 16-17, 2023 - Slide Rock State Park, Sedona - SOLD OUT. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about halfway between Benson, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. Experience a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. The state park is a pretty special place. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. DEAL. There are three different campgrounds for lakeside camping as well as fishing, bird watching and water activities. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. Bat Species Primary FoodDiscovered by 2 college spelunkers in 1974, Kartchner Caverns finally opened to the public in 1999. Host to a world-class living limestone cave, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours for visitors to enter and enjoy unique formations underground. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. 7. 1,824 Reviews. 4 miles of passages. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. While nature is rarely ADA–compliant, much of the development of public access at Kartchner was done post-ADA. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. Our Kids has been bringing you more family fun, experiences & adventure since 1999. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Sahara Motel. Kartchner Caverns is the second state park in Arizona with this honor; Oracle State Park received the designation in 2014. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. November 4-5, 2023 - Oracle State Park, Oracle. There are no self tours into the caverns. Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. Figure 2. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Make sure to book ahead for reservations, at least during the season, and particularly if rain is in the forecast. Welcome Back ! If you have an active reservation under the previous system with an arrival date after July 16, or have an active annual pass then you do not need to create a new account. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. Copper Stay Inn. 4 No. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. We didn't have a reservation which I would recommend. Reservations are taken from 8 a. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. October 23-29, 2023. 4 helpful votes. Dec 14 - Dec 15. g lint) runs into a collection pool via the walkway curbs. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. Welcome Back ! If you have an active reservation under the previous system with an arrival date after July 16, or have an active annual pass then you do not need to create a new account. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. 22 Jun 2017. We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Arizona State Parks and Trails. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. Dew Point: 34 °F. Order by phone Monday - Friday between 9 a. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. - 5 p. -10 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Such an informative tour - See 1,822 traveler reviews, 402 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 1:34 Arizona residents can save a little money when they check out one of the coolest things in our back yard this summer at Kartchner Caverns. 14 Day API Weather Forecast. Both were full/sold out during our stay in late March. For a look at one of the world’s most wondrous caves, head north on Highway 90 for about 25 miles to Kartchner Caverns State Park. itinio. ”. The caverns, discovered on. With as much depth and colorful detail. Kartchner Caverns State Park's patrons can find places to park in the area. 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. , (MST) M-F. . Save. View more 8 Other Reasons promo codes. 4. An RV parked in a camping space at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Last Price. to 5 p. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. August 1999, S. Time: 1¾ hours. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Benson. Enter Promo Code. gov. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. This is a popular trail for camping and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. Compare 307 hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson using 11,383 real guest reviews. The staff in the Visitor Center and leading the tour were very pleasant and. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. 10 Best Back To School Gift Ideas For Kids In 2023. The microbial research joined a steady drip of science that has echoed through Kartchner’s limestone caverns almost since their discovery. 3489) Phone: 520-586-4100. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26 attractions in Benson. Great displays in the Visitor Center. Kartchner Caverns cave information. School group planners have the opportunity to make arrangements with a specialized phone reservation attendant. 835566 Longitude: -110. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. Main Office. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. The 3rd year for this event will host hundreds of avid runners, families & kids along the beautiful Whetstone Mountain trails of Kartchner Caverns State Park®. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. As the name suggests, the magic happens underground in Kartchner Caverns State Park. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. This is a popular trail. m. This wonderland of spires, shields, pipes, columns, soda straws and other ethereal formations has been five million years in the making, but miraculously wasn't discovered until 1974. The cave was totally sealed up for 200,000 or so years until it was discovered in 1974, by two young cavers, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. m. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. Check our events page for dates and times. Since then, the Park has hosted several such events per year and IT is increasingly. Through Oct. We had heard we must stop and see these amazing caverns and they were right! The caverns are located inside of a state park with a campground. Votes. Select Room. The checkin for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns is at 03:00 PM on arrival day, while the checkout is set at 11:. The Kartchner Caverns story is. Once they lost those 8 drill bits. Buy five nights of camping and get two nights free: applies to everyone, regardless of residency or military! Enjoy a low-cost summer getaway in southeastern Arizona. Newsletter Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open daily from 8am-4pm! Come join us for a classic cave tour from 10am-3pm, or spend a night under the stars at our campground. Lost Dutchman State Park. WHERE: 2980 AZ-90, nine miles south of Benson. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Free Wifi . Day Use Fees at our parks range from $2–$30. Looking for the CLOSEST Hotels or Lodging near Kartchner Caverns State Park? Save 10% w/ Insider Prices on Cheap Kartchner Caverns State Park Hotels. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. Star Calendar Blog. Phoenix, AZ 85007. 33 mi) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor Kartchner Caverns State Park. OK Editorial Team. Kartchner land very accessible. . com Kartchner Caverns State Park. See All Photos. The seven best caves in Arizona . It begins in rugged old. Located near the town of Benson, Kartchner Caverns offer an absolutely unique and stunning look into a subterranean world that is rarely seen, making them one of those must-see things to do on your trip to Pima and southern Arizona. May 16 - December 21: Open daily, 9 a. There are two tours through different parts of the caverns. We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere. m. expires soon 108 . Kartchner Caverns State Park. Also, there are two caverns. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. On October 6-8, 2023, The Caverns. This might be the most recently discovered cave you will ever visit. Yes, no photography is permitted in the caverns. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. We can only provide you with the information that is shared with us by guides. Volunteer information for anyone interested in volunteering in Arizona's state parks!Main Office. The tours take 1-2 hours each. Kartchner Caverns State Park. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. from $55/night. . This Caverns is one of the largest accumulations of gem stone quality onyx in North America. Graham. $5 off cave tours for Cochise County residents. m. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Fees are based on one vehicle per campsite. Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. BENSON — On Saturday, hundreds of visitors explored a piece of living history at the 20th anniversary of Kartchner Caverns as a state park. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. AZ Local Time. Tickets are $30 each. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26. October 15 and 29, 2023 Sunday Geology Walk. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. m. Chiricahua National Monument. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. There are 3. 38 km) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (13. Park Hours: 6 a. Back To School Supplies: 6 Tips To Save Money With Coupons. m. Time Zone. Encore Valley Vista. 50/week. Reviewed this attraction. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In November of 1974 two local cavers were exploring around the base of the Whetstone Mountains when they noticed a narrow opening leading into the hillside. Based upon a tip supplied by a caver friend, Steve Willsey, a ranger at Kartchner, hiked up to a cave at 8,000 feet in the winter. Free parking . m. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south. m. There are 3 tours available at Kartchner Caverns Cave tour: The Big Room Tour, The Rotunda/Throne Room Tour, or The Headlight and Helmet Tour. Caves Giant crystal formations and bandit hideouts. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Kartchner Caverns. 9 km (2. 8. Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. 44 reviews. Fossils were found during exploration of the caves and dates back 80,000 years. Leave your sweaters in the car!Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great cavern tour - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. Restaurants near Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Restaurants near Days Inn by Wyndham Benson Restaurants near Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304 Restaurants near Motel 6 Benson, AZ Restaurants near Super 8 by Wyndham BensonINTERNATIONAL DARK SKIES PARKS. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. There is literally so much to see and do at Kartchner Caverns State Park that an extended stay is almost necessary to experience the entire park. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Date of experience: December 2020. More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value. Kartchner Caverns are the main attraction of Kartchner Caverns State Park, which is located near the town of Benson, Arizona along the San Pedro River. Stores. Here's what Trippy members say about Kartchner Caverns State Park: " Mica Mountain and Mt Lemmon are both north of I-10 between Kartchner Caverns State Park and Phoenix. Arizona time. About. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. Camping Reservations at. Kartchner Caverns State Park . Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Katchner Caverns is one of the top 10 caves in the world. With an acreage of 620, the Post Fire. They do not give a discount for the Golden Age pass. Cabins: $60-$65 at most of the parks; $89 at Kartchner Caverns. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Tonto National Monument. 8) The Kartchner Caverns Have the World’s Longest Stalactites. 1,823 Reviews. For Kartchner Caverns State Park (877) MY-PARKS and select Option #2. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The foothill hike around Kartchner is 2. to 5 p. Apache Chief Cochise's stronghold is nearby. Arizona time. 4 miles (3. 9 km) of passages. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Office is closed Christmas Day. of I-10 exit 302 off SR 90, contains one of the world's few living wet caves open for viewing. - 4 p. Oct. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Worth the time - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Must be a self tour but the guides are very informative and it is well worth it. This is a good place to stay if youre visiting tombstone, and other things in the area. See 4 traveler reviews, 9 photos and blog posts Arizona Benson Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Parking Lot. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. m. Pass is non-transferable and photo ID is required for. (Given that it's underground, perhaps it's best to do so during the summer too!) The folks who discovered the caves and worked with the government did a. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. 6 million, but is surrounded by a number of smaller cities within Maricopa County. 4 miles long. Unfortunately, our trip to the Kartchner Caverns led to some embarrassment, a result of my attempt to show off my literary background. Generalized map of Kartchner Caverns showing locations mentioned in the text and indicating the order of early discoveries. PHOENIX – Kartchner Caverns State Park invites nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts to its first-ever Bat Festival, a family-friendly event aimed at raising bat conservation awareness. Length: 9. – The Kartchner Caverns Tour is a guided tour of an underground cave system in Arizona. Pick One Up in Person — Stop by our Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center located within the Historic Pima County Courthouse at 115 N, Church Ave. About Star Parties. The Kartchner’s later. Efforts to give Kartchner Caverns protective park status required over 13 years to complete following the cave’s discovery by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974. " See More " Phoenix is a city of approximately 1. com. Make sure to book ahead for reservations, at least during the season, and particularly if rain is in the forecast. EXPLORE. 4 Volunteer at Red Rock State Park! Red Rock State Park. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Length: 1. What is the most scenic hike in Arizona? The best hiking trails in Arizona are often the most scenic. Hours & Pricing. Published November 1, 2017. Kartchner Caverns State Park. (Central) on the day of arrival. access@azstateparks. If tickets are canceled after 5:00 p. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. While it was near 100 degrees outside, the 99 % humidity and temperature in the 80's inside of the caverns actually made it more uncomfortable. Kartchner Caverns is in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. DST Changes. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. If in the event you need to file a complaint, please read this instruction sheet and complete the attached form. There is a $7 per car entry fee for the State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is. Dec 14 - Dec 15. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. Details: Information, 520-586-4100; tour reservations. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Kartchner Caverns State Park during the summers of 1988-1991.