Tumacácori National Historical Park. During CaveFest, visit the Info Tent, Thurs, 1p-7p CT; Fri-Sun, 10a-9p CT. 5-hour Rotunda/Throne Room Tour takes visitors through rooms that contain more than 30 types of colorful formations growing for more than 200,000 years out of the limestone beneath the Whetstone. Kartchner Caverns State Park's patrons can find places to park in the area. Cabins are also available for rent. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. It is formed by water flowing over a bump on the wall, then dripping to create this beautiful formation. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. 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. . Kartchner Caverns now attracts 180,000 visitors a year, with many lining up each day at 4 a. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. Recently Searched. Benson, Arizona 85602. com, there are 2 camping trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park and the most popular is Ocotillo Loop Trail with an average 4. s4. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. They were discovered 25 years ago by two young cavers who realized the caves might be destroyed if their existence became known. RV Length: 33'. 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. As they did this, they inadvertently drilled into the cave 8 times out of the 20 samples they took. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. WHERE: Kartchner Caverns State Park — on Arizona 90, nine miles south of Interstate 10 near Benson. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Katchner Caverns is one of the top 10 caves in the world. m. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. October 14-15, 2023 - Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave. 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). 1,824 Reviews. Special OfferBook Direct For Lowest Price! Visit hotel website . Sun & Moon. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. September 16-17, 2023 - Slide Rock State Park, Sedona - SOLD OUT. Neil Miller (2008): Kartchner Caverns: How Two Cavers Discovered and Saved One of the Wonders of the Natural World, University of Arizona Press, 224 pp. The tours take 1-2 hours each. 21. Ask davidcF6746ZO about Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. The festival will be held on Saturday, October 21 and feature a variety of activities, crafts, book readings for kids, and educational talks. 38 km) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (13. Site description. 04 mi) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (9. 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. If in the event you need to file a complaint, please read this instruction sheet and complete the attached form. Just under an hour from Tucson, the impressive Kartchner Caves State Park showcases some of the most interesting underground formations in the state. 2. Grab it now! Get Deal. Search Text (3 Character min) About Kartchner Caverns State Park. If you’re looking for a cave tour with beautiful sights and colors. Compare from agencies. Standard Link for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Highlights: Weird and wonderful underground rock formations, a chance to escape the heat in the summer. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Elevation. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 13. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. As with most campgrounds, this one fills up in advance. Discover this 1. Good bathrooms, sort of heated, nice hot shower. expires soon 108 . Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 mi. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. per night. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. de Randy Tufts, Gary Tenen (1999): Discovery and History of Kartchner Caverns. Located in Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is nestled into the foothills of the scenic Whetstone Mountains. A popular trail to enjoy the scenery of the Grand. So on Friday, November 17th, I finally got to complete my experience of these wonderful, living caves. Down By The River Bed And Breakfast. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. “The State of Arizona has done it again with the Kartchner State Park. Low Temp: 38 °F. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns. Make time to see these majestic caves”. expires soon. to 4 p. More information about Alabaster Caverns State Park can be found online at Or call, (580) 621-3381. Kartchner is a beautiful cave because its carbonate speleothems are colorful (shades of red, orange, yellow and tan) and ‘alive’(still wet and growing). 4 percent. The first section is a little difficult to navigate but there are cairns to help find. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. itinio. 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. 602-542-7389. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Grab it now! Get Deal. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. NPR's Howard Berkes reports on Kartchner Caverns near Tuscon, Arizona. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26. 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. Also, there are two caverns. Kartchner Caverns, one of the world’s 10 most interesting caves from a mineralogical standpoint (Hill and Forti 1997), is a 3. Park passes will not be replaced or refunded if lost or stolen. Add one of these 2 verified Arizona State Parks Black Friday Promo codes into your cart. Walk-ins are allowed. Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. Save. Due to the high humidity (99 percent), some people may find it harder to breathe. thingpic. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. 9 km) of passages. (KSAZ) - It's been more than 40 years since Gary Tenan and Randy Tufts discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. Throughout that. com is currently on sale store-wide for a limited time. Unfortunately, our trip to the Kartchner Caverns led to some embarrassment, a result of my attempt to show off my literary background. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3. The park strongly encourages you to make reservations before. 1,824 Reviews. Discover this 1. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. 1256. The cave is developed in a downdropped block of Mississippian Escabrosa Limestone. This trail is located in the Whetstone Mountains of southeastern Arizona, with excellent views from the saddle. Since then, the Park has hosted several such events per year and IT is increasingly. 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. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. Save. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. Learn more about some of the cave formations inside Kartchner Caverns. The staff in the Visitor Center and leading the tour were very pleasant and. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park The centerpiece of Kartchner Caverns State Park is a publicly-accessible limestone cave with 2. Getting there: Take Interstate 10 east past Tucson to State Route 90 (Exit 302). The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. O. 44ff. View more 8 Other Reasons promo codes. You see, the most. The park is celebrating its 10th Anniversary starting in the Fa. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. 14. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about halfway between Benson, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. Use the fields below to create a notification alert. If you’ve ever been to Kartchner, please leave a comment below and share your experience with my readers and me. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner. August 1999, S. Tour and Camping Prices. The temperature inside the caverns range from about 55 degrees to 65 degrees. While the above-ground view here is. Inquire with the park. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. Kartchner Caverns is in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. The microbial research joined a steady drip of science that has echoed through Kartchner’s limestone caverns almost since their discovery. -10 p. The seven best caves in Arizona . Kartchner Caverns State Park, opened in 1999, is one of Arizona's newest wonders. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (8. The room rates for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns start at 116 USD per night, however the discounted rates with above promo codes start at 104 USD per night. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. 7. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Not Carlsbad, but see it anyway - See 1,820 traveler reviews, 402 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. 110. But this narrative offers a chance to go beyond the guidebooks with its revealing look at this unspoiled natural wonder and the science of cave conservation. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk. The foothill hike around Kartchner is 2. 8. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. 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. Super 8 by Wyndham Benson. While Kartchner Caverns State Park is better known for its incredible cave tours, the trails throughout the park take you through the desert and grasslands near the Whetstone Mountains. Note: Our 7 day Kartchner Caverns State Park weather forecast is our most reliable, and specific forecast. Located 9 miles south of Benson and 48 miles northwest of Tucson, this unique park features camping, cabins and trails in addition to its daily cave tours. Back To School Supplies: 6 Tips To Save Money With Coupons. Free Wifi . Kartchner Caverns State Park. Details: 520-586-2283, azstateparks. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. 1. The campground is adequate but not amazing. Through Oct. Popular attractions San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Museum and San Pedro Golf Course are located nearby. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. 835566 Longitude: -110. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. Make sure to stock up on snacks and supplies for your drive, as. Red Rock State Park. We found a $4 off coupon in a brochure that we found on the caverns. Experience a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. Table 1. azstateparks. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. For Reservations Call: (877) MY-PARKS - 8 a. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. Beginning in 2010, Kartchner Caverns State Park management and staff realized accessible facilities made for a good venue for local volunteers with the Huachuca Astronomy Club to conduct nighttime astronomy programs. m. The Big Room, closed from mid-April to mid-October each. m. Reservations can be made by calling the school reservation number at 520-586-4100 or by emailing kcspgroups@azstateparks. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. Discovery Center Hours: December 22 - May 15: Open daily, 8 a. Lake Havasu State Park. Overview. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. 00 per night. Kartchner Caverns is beautiful inside and out. 271 reviews. (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. See 333 traveler reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, ranked #1 of 5. Make sure to book ahead for reservations, at least during the season, and particularly if rain is in the forecast. 19-May 31 and 9 a. Days Inn by Wyndham Benson. Reservations: 520-586-2283. Kartchner Caverns State Park is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. 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. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. 4 and under: Free. Hiking trails with panoramic views of the Arizona desert. 45" Humidity: 35%. 4 No. About 1,500 bats live in a part of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. Rickard Tomey, Cave Resources Manager for Kartchner Caverns State Park, looks over stalagmites, stalactites, and columns in the Big Room, November of 2003. At Kartchner the caverns are very warm. daily. Dec 14 - Dec 15. 1,820 Reviews. 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. 7 miles east of Tucson. The history of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating. Kartchner Caverns cave information. 1,824 Reviews. MST. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. With 2. 4 miles of accessible passages. Time Zone. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Amazing cavern - See 1,823 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. It begins in rugged old. There are three different campgrounds for lakeside camping as well as fishing, bird watching and water activities. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Walnut Canyon National Monument. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. " | Check out 18 answers, plus see 1,823 reviews, articles, and 404 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. By The Associated Press. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented. 249 E 4th St Benson, Arizona 85602 Details Maps. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. 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. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. The relative humidity inside the cave averages 99. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Vacation Rentals. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Pass is non-transferable and photo ID is required for. (lat:31. Indulge your Wild West fantasies near the Benson KOA, in a quiet, high desert valley just off I-10. How to say Kartchner Caverns in English? Pronunciation of Kartchner Caverns with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Kartchner Caverns. Make sure to book ahead for reservations, at least during the season, and particularly if rain is in the forecast. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. A maternity colony of a species known as cave myotis lives there from approximately May through mid-September. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. 18. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. This park is home to one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world, and it’s a great place to spend an hour exploring the underground world. The checkin for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns is at 03:00 PM on arrival day, while the checkout is set at 11:. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Locals can descend into Kartchner Caverns State Park to view the cavernous bat habitat; hike aboveground on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, an 800-mile path running north-south across the state. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour Tickets. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Time: 1¾ hours. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. The Kartchner Caverns story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. m. Lake Havasu State Park. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Overall Rating. 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. 2D1S Sponsors. " | Check out answers, plus see 1,822 reviews, articles, and 402 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. m. 90, 9 miles south of Benson Hours Park 8:30am-5:30pm Phone 520/586-2283 for reservations, 520/586-4100 for information Prices Admission $6 per car (up to 4 adults). 9 km (2. The Kartchner’s later. 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. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. A 19 percent decline in visitors last. Chiricahua National Monument. Then, fearing that the cave's fragile limestone formations. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Get our Price Guarantee & make booking easier with. The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. Time: 1¾ hours. Washington St. 8366 lon:-110. Tours start with a brief talk from a guide and then a train trip up to the entrance for a tour that lasts about an hour. June 22. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers, assisted by state biologist Erick. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night More. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. I can’t recommend the cave tour enough. Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Kartchner Caverns’ Throne Room which holds the tallest most massive column in the state, Kubla Khan, was on full display during Saturday’s 20th anniversary for Kartchner Caverns State Park. There is a $7 per car entry fee for the State Park. All tours are guided by a trained tour guide. Kartchner Caverns State Park. The triumph of the conservationists and the opening of Kartchner Caverns as a state park are known to anyone who has visited the caves as a tourist. Office is closed Christmas Day. Benson, AZ 85602, USA Our Rating. m. Peachin. 6 million, but is surrounded by a number of smaller cities within Maricopa County. m. to 5 p. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. gov. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. The park near Benson beat out 19. Length: ½ mile. Tours are $23, $13 for ages 7-13. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Our inclusive teams combine a passion for hospitality and a love of nature to create inspiring workplaces where you have the freedom to build a one-of-a-kind. This is not stated on their website or the Tuscon passport site. Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. They average to be around twenty-one feet and three inches long. Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. I think it is always @ 78. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. $200 Now: Premium Annual Pass More. 1999. Both were full/sold out during our stay in late March. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the underground wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 8/10 Very Good! (417 reviews) Flexible booking options on most hotels. KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK. This review is the subjective.