m. Kartchner Caverns State Park during the summers of 1988-1991. The caverns, discovered on. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. With 2. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. How to say Kartchner Caverns in English? Pronunciation of Kartchner Caverns with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Kartchner Caverns. 4 No. After touring the caves, hiking various trails, and enjoying. to 5 p. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. DEAL. Recommend making reservations to ensure you get a long enough spot and get a spot in a tour of the caverns. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. Looking for more caves near Phoenix? Keep reading this extended list. 85701. It's. Ticket Prices (Subject to Change) Adults 13 and up: $20. Spelunking enthusiasts can visit two other major cave networks in the Tucson area: Kartchner Caverns State Park, easily accessible on a day trip, and Peppersauce Caves, for more adventurous travelers. Kartchner Caverns State Park . Note: Our 7 day Kartchner Caverns State Park weather forecast is our most reliable, and specific forecast. 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. The Kartchner Caverns are home to some of Arizona’s greatest treasures, including a “soda straw” stalactite that is over 21-feet tall, a column named “Kubla Khan” which is one of the world’s largest formation of brushshite moonmilk, and speleothem that have been growing for tens of thousands of 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. m. Free parking . What is the most scenic hike in Arizona? The best hiking trails in Arizona are often the most scenic. 7. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. About 1,500 bats live in a part of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park, AZ. Tombstone San Jose House. per night. This review is the subjective. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. Hike the extensive trail network into the Whetstone Mountains, visit the park discovery center, or. 1: Kartchner Caverns - Benson, Ariz. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. to 5 p. 00. to sunset (Central). 21. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Ask Patrick D about Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nestled in the heart of Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a natural wonder that never fails to leave visitors in awe. (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. Camping Reservations at. m. Tour and Camping Prices. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. O. The Kartchner’s later. I prefer the rotunda/Throne room because in it you can actually see the tracks made through the mud by the two discoverers -- 30 years ago. During construction of Interstate 35, they were required to do regulation core testing, which required them to drill into the ground. 13. Our Book with Confidence guarantee gives you 24/7 support. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. 7. Kartchner Caverns State Park. The majesty of the cave. 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. Visibility: 32 mi. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Copper Stay Inn. Cabins are also available for rent. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Kartchner Caverns State Park. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona: 203 reviews, 124 photos, & 97 tips from fellow RVers. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. High Temp: 93 °F. Cave Discovery: Discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 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. 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. 44ff. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. At Benson's New Day Spa each independent, experienced and licensed therapists and. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. com is currently on sale store-wide for a limited time. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a limestone cave that was explored in 1974 and became an official Arizona State Park in 1999. The Best Cave in the US lies in ‘Sky Island’ country among the Whetstone Mountains of Southern Arizona and inside Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. The roads within the park are minimal, reducing the chances you might get turned around, and getting to the park entrance couldn't be easier. Compare 307 hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson using 11,383 real guest reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great campground - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. m. Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. An RV parked in a camping space at Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. The price is $72 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15. Kartchner is a beautiful cave because its carbonate speleothems are colorful (shades of red, orange, yellow and tan) and ‘alive’(still wet and growing). About Kartchner Caverns State Park. See All Photos. The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. Popular attractions San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum and San Pedro Golf Course are located nearby. of 2. All tours are guided by a trained tour guide. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. The Kartchner Caverns are located in the Whetstone Mountains near Benson, Arizona, which is 46. At Kartchner the caverns are very warm. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. Tonto National Monument. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 3 mi • Est. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 1110 W. Select Room. m. s. Save. Waking up at the KOA was exciting. This natural wonder is a must-see. At this time the Big Room is closed to visitors because of bats who use the caverns for a nursery but the Rotunda/Throne tour is available. The guided 1. Ever since I did the Rotunda/Throne Room Tour at Kartchner Caverns back in August of 2005, I've been dying to see what the Big Room Tour had to offer, as the latter is closed from April 15 to October 15 to accommodate a maternal bat colony. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns. 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. 8366 lon:-110. For caves such as Kartchner that are used for tourism, research is critically needed to. Metro Phoenix had 4,574,351 residents,. Email This BlogThis!Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. P. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. “It was in 1974 — 45 years ago — that Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen discovered the entrance to the. Kartchner Caverns State Park 14 Day Extended Forecast. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. It's water seeps through the layers of earth and keeps the stalagmites and stalagtites growing. Overcoming more than 10 years of unforeseen challenges in research, planning, construction, legislative threats, mining concerns, and legal issues, the upper caverns were ready to open to the public. Free parking . Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. This is the only. Two Tucson cave explorers — Gary Tenen and the late Randy Tufts — discovered majestic Kartchner Caverns southwest of Benson in 1974. By The Associated Press. If the Arizona State Park has a per person entrance fee, then. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. m. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Day Use Fees at our parks range from $2–$30. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Save up to 50% Off with these current Arizona State Parks Coupons for November 2023. The Kartchner Caverns story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. Written May 1, 2022. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. Apache Chief Cochise's stronghold is nearby. ”. If you're between ages 6–12, you can become a Junior Ranger at Kartchner Caverns State Park! Pledge to do your part to help preserve the beauty of the park for everyone to enjoy! On this page, you can download a Junior Ranger activity for this park that you can complete on your own. Many other fossils have been discovered inside the caves and range from horse skulls dating back 36,000 years, extinct pronghorn antelope, and more recent animals like coyotes and rodents within about the last century. 45" Humidity: 35%. Washington St. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a limestone cave that was explored in 1974 and became an official Arizona State Park in 1999. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. There, you can take in tours of the massive cave’s Big Room and Throne Room, which contain one of the world’s longest soda-straw stalactites. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. 9 mi • Est. m. Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona and boasts many world-class features that have been protected since the cave was discovered in 1974. From October-April, the Helmet & Headlamp Tour is held in the Big Room. 19-May 31 and 9 a. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. Kartchner Caverns State Park. What the group found, after a 130-foot rappel into the deep, cold cave. Admissions prices are: 13 to 61 years old, $10; 6 to 12 years old, $7; 0 to 5 years old, free but a ticket is required to enter; 62 and over, $8; active-duty military with ID, $8. The park service goes to great lengths to keep the cave alive and well. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about 70 miles, or 1 hour and 10 minutes' driving time, from Marana, off of Arizona State Highway 90 near Benson. Phone (520) 439-6400. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Katchner Caverns is one of the top 10 caves in the world. The two kept their discovery secret from even the property owners until. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns. Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. Reservations can be made by calling the school reservation number at 520-586-4100 or by emailing kcspgroups@azstateparks. - 10 p. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Read more. The tours take 1-2 hours each. Many Arizona State Parks host fun, educational Star Parties or astronomy events! Our astronomy program has been in operation since 2007 and continues to grow with each exciting event. It was some of the most spectacular caves you’ll ever see, in amazingly good shape, because they never had a “let’s just trash the place” phase, like so many have gone through. Kartchner Caverns now attracts 180,000 visitors a year, with many lining up each day at 4 a. of I-10 exit 302 off SR 90, contains one of the world's few living wet caves open for viewing. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave. 2. Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. They’re called soda straw stalactites. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 99 per adult Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. Kartchner Caverns is the second state park in Arizona with this honor; Oracle State Park received the designation in 2014. , nine miles south of Interstate 10. com. Don’t miss these great Tucson kids activities:. to 5 p. To learn more, visit the neighboring Discovery Center, where you can learn about bats and some of the cave’s fossils. The Rotunda/Throne Tour is available year-round and lasts about 90 minutes. There are no self tours into the caverns. com, there are 2 camping trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park and the most popular is Ocotillo Loop Trail with an average 4. Arizona time at 877-MY-PARKS (877-697-2757). Come join us as we experience the beautiful desert evening, keeping in mind that we can’t guarantee that the. FOX 10 Phoenix. DEAL. Keep in mind that evenings in the desert can be cool! The Discovery Center has a gift shop,The Kartchner Caverns State Park is now open, according to Arizona State Parks. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Where: Kartchner Caverns State Park, about 9 miles south of Benson on State Route 90. GPS Coordinates to park entrance. 31, state residents get discounts on. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 8. We can only provide you with the information that is shared with us by guides. The cave is over 3 km long, and is developed primarily along one level at an elevation of ~1410 m (4625 ft). Special OfferBook Direct For Lowest Price! Visit hotel website . Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns Campground WoW !!! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 86 km) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (14. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 58m. 1,824 Reviews. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. Cave tours are approximately 75 minutes long, 45 minutes are underground. , Tucson, AZ. DST Changes. Make sure to stock up on snacks and supplies for your drive, as. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (13. See 333 traveler reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, ranked #1 of 5 hotels in Benson and rated 4. Posted on April 7, 2023 by Lars Hammar. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery. 4 helpful votes. Closed for the season December thru March. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona and boasts many world-class features that have been protected since the cave was discovered in 1974. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Cochise Stronghold, A Nature Retreat. The Foothills Loop Trail (loop) is approximately 2. I can’t recommend the cave tour enough. The Rotunda/Throne Tour examines the role water plays in creating the caverns. Cabins are also available for rent. The limestone caverns were originally discovered in 1974 by Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen and feature more than 2. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. Time/General. Fun things to do in Tucson with kids. 3489) Phone: 520-586-4100. 1999. Time: 1¾ hours. m. They do not give a discount for the Golden Age pass. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 4 miles of passages. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns State Park is. Once they lost those 8 drill bits. August 1999, S. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 mi. Save your order $3, When you Spend Please pay attention to this great coupons - Save up to $3 off when you purchase at Dealbuyer. Overall Rating. Was this review helpful? Showing 5 of 203 Reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Mean Temp: 65 °F. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "If you only have time for one cave tour, which is. Check our events page for dates and times. Elevation. Forecasting more than 7 days ahead is challenging. m. Located in Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is nestled into the foothills of the scenic Whetstone Mountains. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. Good bathrooms, sort of heated, nice hot shower. One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Shoppers save an average of View Deals. azstateparks. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. Get our Price Guarantee & make booking easier with. ” – Liz A. Kartchner Caverns is a wet ‘live’ cave where the environment is still living and changing, unlike Arizona’s Colossal Cave which is a ‘dry’ cave. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented atmosphere perfect for the whole clan. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Get Deal. 38 km) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (13. Read more. Phone +1 520-824-3560. crackerbunny (crackerbunny) After their discovery in 1974, these limestone caverns were kept secret for more than a decade as their discoverers sought a way to preserve their untrammeled. 33 mi) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor Kartchner Caverns State Park. 00 per night. Keep in mind that evenings in the desert can be cool! The Discovery Center has a gift shop, Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. $3 off cave tours for Arizona residents. The caverns are always warm and humid so shorts are fine as are short sleeves. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. October 15 and 29, 2023 Sunday Geology Walk. Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (64) Amenities Overview of Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground Entrance fee included in campsite fees. Of those 10 only three are open to the public. 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. Find out the important role these bats play in the ecosystem of the caverns. 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Details: Information, 520-586-4100; tour reservations. 16,112 likes · 180 talking about this · 48,666 were here. This bell canopy is one of many fascinating features on the Rotunda-Throne Room tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park. 249 E 4th St Benson, Arizona 85602 Details Maps. So, the design team for Kartchner Caverns built the public walkways with curbs. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. . “This is a big day for us,” said Heidi Lauchstedt, a cave unit ranger. 9 km) of passages. The founders of the cave initiated conservation efforts, and the State Park was open to the public by 1999. . It begins in rugged old. September 30-October 1, 2023 - Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - SOLD OUT. $72. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. 4-mile Foothills Loop (ask for a trail guide at the entrance booth), the 0. The park is located west of AZ-90. 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®. Experience all the. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. The Kartchner’s later. This is a popular trail. If a site becomes available you will receive an email notice. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Amazing cavern - See 1,823 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Star Calendar Blog. (lat:31. m. Location: Located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA, about 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and 50 miles southeast of Tucso n. RV campers will appreciate well-paved, flat roads, broad sweeping turns, and ample parking. 334 reviews. They told us that we were supposed to purchase tickets online and then come in with the coupon and get a refund. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. Table of Contents show. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. AZ Local Time. Stats for Kartchner Caverns - 7 nights with water and electric is $233, so $33 a night. 49. Children 5-12: $12. In addition to the caves, the park has picnic and camping areas. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. It begins in rugged old. 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. com. Kartchner Caverns. . Add one of these 2 verified Arizona State Parks Black Friday Promo codes into your cart. m. 4 helpful votes. September 16-17, 2023 - Slide Rock State Park, Sedona - SOLD OUT. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona.