Kartchner Caverns State Park | Arizona With 62 campsites, big rig access, tent camping, cabins, and more, Kartchner Caverns State Park provides a variety of accommodations. Rangers at Kartchner have been counting the parks bats each summer, and the last seven years worth of data show that the colony is maintaining its population and maybe even increasing. There is no guarantee there will be any first-come, first-served, unreserved tickets available on any given day. Please visit the park's respective sites for more details and contact information. There is a nice little cafe on the grounds, covered Ramada. Even though the cave has been partially developed to allow groups to visit, including paved paths and lights, there are still areas in the developed part of the cave that have been left relatively untouched. Shopping and entertainment are the main attractions, especially for those that enjoy the challenge of haggling for a bargain. Strollers and backpack carriers are not permitted on the tour. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Cave tour guide Mike did a good job. What hotels are near Kartchner Caverns State Park? 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. Minors (under age 18) are not allowed on a cave tour without a parent or guardian. Benson KOA is conveniently located just a mile off the interstate in a quiet desert valley near Tombstone, Bisbee, Kartchner Caverns, Chiricahua National Monument, and the burial site of Apache Chief Cochise in Cochise Stronghold. They do a shuttle up to the cave so that was great. Willsey adds that one day he hopes funding will be available to track the Kartchner colony to see if indeed they are among the larger colony sharing the hibernaculum in the Huachucas. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Each pull-through site power post has a 220 volt 50 amp AC & an 110 volt 30 amp AC RV connection and a 20 AMP GFI receptacle. For cancelation policy, see Reservation Terms & Conditions. They did have souvenirs store inside the park and we were able to buy stuff to take back home! No items (bags, cameras, cell phones, backpack carriers,purses, packs, bottled water, strollers, etc) are allowed into the cave while on tour; however, lockers are available at the park to store these items. Cave Unit staff count the bats once a week by climbing down into the sinkhole, the only natural entrance to the cave, at twilight, with a hand-held counter. During the summer months, the colony of bats is busy giving birth, raising their pups, teaching them to fly, echolocate, and how to hunt. Looking for more fun things to do in Arizona? Rent from a pro and travel like one, too. Although discovered 50 years ago, its location was a closely guarded secret until the discoverers and the owners of the land it is on were able to work with the State of Arizona to add it to the state park system.It's really a fascinating tour, led by VERY knowledgable and friendly tour guides. Please note:video or photography is not permittedinside the cave, with your cell phone or a camera. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. The rangers at Kartchnereagerly anticipates the return of the bats to the Big Room. Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00 Rocky B was our guide and he was such a pleasure to be in the company of. The tour is expensive and given how drawn out the tour was, it should be possible to include a visit to all 3 main rooms on a single tour. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Though nobody knows for sure where the colony spends their winter, we suspect they may hibernate in caves located high in the Huachuca mountains, only about 40 miles away from their summer home. 251 S Ocotillo Ave, Benson, AZ 85602-5001. Kartchner Caverns State Park In Benson, AZ - America's State Parks The Amerind Foundation is hidden among the Dells of Texas Canyon in the Dragoon Mountains. The cavern was beautiful. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Kartchner Caverns State Park - Tripadvisor Rangers at other state parks may feel their first wave of spring fever with the first blooming cacti and wildflowers, but rangers here at Kartchner feel that flutter of excitement with the arrival of spring best when they see the bats returning home. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. Access card keys for camper after-hours entering the park are administered by the four Campground Hosts. An active military base established in 1877 as a base for American soldiers fighting the Indian Wars and was home to the Buffalo Soldiers. This may be difficult for persons with mobility, respiratory or claustrophobia issues. Kartchner Caverns State Park | Visit Arizona Check out the visitors center and visit the caverns. Box 995, 4th and Allen, Tombstone, AZ 85638. Or if you want a peaceful walk without running into any cyclers or motorized vehicles, hike the foot-traffic-only Ocotillo Trail, which covers roughly 3.2 miles of beautiful desert terrain. Individual/bicycle: $3.00. Headquartered in nearby Tucson, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA) has granted Kartchner Caverns State Park the "One Star at a Time" award. The park's main attraction, of course, is the pristine Kartchner Caverns. Discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974, the caverns are now a protected conservation area. Group Contact Phone Number. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. This limestone cave is a short hop from Tucson, Arizona in nearby Benson. An unforgettable Arizona Adventure is only a short drive awayCabin rentals throughout Arizona give travelers options amid diverse Arizona scenery. The trail winds its way out of park boundaries, through the Whetstone Mountains, and into Coronado National Forest. Length: mile. Youll know why when you go and tour the place. South of Benson on Hwy 90, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Restaurants, lodging, fuel, banks, library (wi-fi available), groceries, laundry, golf course and parks are available. Tricks to find the perfect rig. Cave tour tickets are extra. Be sure to bring your camera in case you get to witness this spectacular event. The above links are provided as a convenience only; they are not a recommendation of any product, service, or organization. If you arrive at Kartchner Caverns wearing shoes that have been in another cave, you will be asked to visit a White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Station, where your shoes will be sprayed down with rubbing alcohol to kill the fungus. Time: 1 hours. It is located about 45 miles from the park and takes 6090 minutes to drive to. Benson, AZ 85602 If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. United States Tucson, Tombstone, Bisbee the names alone are enough to conjure up Old West images of gunfights, cattle roundups, and hardscrabble miners. KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). Discover the worlds longest stalactite formation at Kartchner Caverns. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. The cave itself had beautiful formations and we're glad it's being protected from vandals. So thank you to him, hes a credit to the park.My 13yr old son really enjoyed this too. See all things to do Kartchner Caverns State Park 4.5 1,816 reviews #2 of 16 things to do in Benson State Parks Caverns & Caves Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. We rate this tops among the caverns we have visited for quality of the tour. The Big Room is only open when bats are not nesting. Various tours are scheduled daily. You will see the discoverers' original trail, 45,000-year-old bat guano, delicate formations, and Kubla Khan, the largest column formation in Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about 50 miles south of Tucson between Benson and Sierra Vista Arizona. There is a dump station on site, water, and electric hookups. Great family camping spot! It was a pleasure to visit. Never go in if your hungry or feeling sick. Today (March 31, 2023) my husband and I were able to get in to see the Big Room. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Annual Weather | Kartchner Caverns State Park Benson, AZ 85602 Tucson, Arizona 85726-6500. It is recommended that tours be booked as far in advance as possible to ensure availability. Date of experience: July 2019 She was able to answer all the questions from both the adults and children. It is located 30 miles to the Southeast and requires an hour and 15-minute drive. Former cave manager Ginger Nolan said that the colonys population fluctuates with the amount of rain the region receives each year because rainfall affects the insect population, and When weve got bugs, weve got bats.. Excellent cave tour. History of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Experience the cave as the discoverers did in 1974 using only the light provided by the headlamp on your helmet. Visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park should be on everyone's list of essential experiences in Arizona, as the Caverns are among the finest of the many geological marvels of Arizona. This tour is available from October 15 to April 15 and is scheduled throughout the day. All campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. Please be advised:video or photography inside the cave is not permitted. 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, southeast of central Tucson. 42 reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park About Kartchner Caverns State Park In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. P.O. Note: Big Room Tours are not available for children under 7 years of age. You can call seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Arizona's Kartchner Caverns | Xanadu under the desert They were looking for a cave no one had ever found and found it. Directions To Kartchner Caverns. Stunning cave, but kids may have a hard time not touching anything. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Butterfield RV Resort Observatory, Hotels near San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society, San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society, Mont-Saint-Michel, horse riding along the bay, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip from Edinburgh, Whale-Watching/Iceberg/ Marine Wildlife Adventure by Zodiac from Trinity, Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands. Or take a caving tour of Minnesota's longest cave at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, and check out cave formations and underground pools and passages. Worth the time - Review of Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, AZ Crutches and walkers are not allowed, so again . Listings do not imply an official Arizona Office of Tourism endorsement, recommendation, favoring, or guarantee of products or services advertised. 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. But take a road trip through these southern Arizona communities, and those images will come to life. South of Benson on Hwy 90, Make Cave Tour Reservations and Book Tickets, Group tours should review additional information, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Improvement projects like playgrounds, restrooms, and other infrastructure to improve park experiences. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. From the two-mile Foothills Loop Trail, you can make your way to the scenic Mountain Viewpoint, or branch out for a more challenging hike on the 4.2-mile Guindani Trail. There are many opportunities for half or full day, side trips in the surrounding area. I just want other parents to be prepared to hover around their kiddos because many of the rocks were within arm's reach and it was kind of hard to enjoy the cave myself because I was constantly watching them to make sure they didn't brush up against anything or try to reach out. The trail system inside Kartchner Caverns was developed specifically for people with limited mobility, however, know before you go to ensure that you have a great visit. No. Ask PrairiePaddler about Kartchner Caverns State Park, Ask Littleun2 about Kartchner Caverns State Park, Ask kkuttner69 about Kartchner Caverns State Park, Ask Robert C about Kartchner Caverns State Park, Ask djuvet1958 about Kartchner Caverns State Park, Ask K2045UHcraigh about Kartchner Caverns State Park. In addition, Kartchner Caverns State Park boasts an impressive biological diversity including gila monsters, plodding tortoises, walking sticks, Mexican free-tailed bats, jackrabbits, coyotes, and deer that are even more likely to be spotted sunning themselves in the cooler winter months. Best Hikes and Trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park | AllTrails Best stargazing in Arizona: Where to see the Milky Way and planets Since the cave was only discovered 40 years ago and opened 20 years ago, it has many upgrades from other caves. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Cave Tour Information | Kartchner Caverns State Park Insecteating bats that live in temperate zones survive winters only by either flying to warmer regions where insects are still available, or by hibernation. 91% of travellers recommend this experience. Do not feed wild animals or birds and avoid leaving food unsecured or unattended. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. Late arrival may result in the forfeiture of your reserved tour time. My wife is claustrophobic so is not interested in going on the tour. Hidden on a cattle ranch in Arizona, this bookstore has been celebrating Southwest literature for more than 40 years. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. Experience the wonder of the caves discovery and learn about new scientific research and discoveries as ongoing studies continue. Anyone that feels I'll will be taken out, the tram will take them back to the visitor center. Stop in at the Benson Visitor Center at 249 E. 4th Street, Benson AZ 85602. Please call 520-586-4100 to make a group tour reservation. Discovery Center Hours: December 22 - May 15: Open daily, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. May 16 - December 21: Open daily, 9 a.m . Outside the Discovery Center, youll find a generous concession stand and a covered picnic area surrounding it. The experience is the nearest thing to absolute blindness a sighted person will ever know. People in our group who had been there before and had done both tours thought the Rotunda/Throne Room tour was better than the Big Room tour. Stay in comfort, spend time in the park, and then check out nearby towns like Bisbee or Tombstone. It is imperative that you arrive AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Nice gift shop. The hiking trails offer an alternative, or an addition to a cavern visit. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Restaurants, lodging, fuel, banks, libraries, groceries, laundry, theaters, shopping centers, golf courses, and parks are available. Park Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., year-round. read more, Inside is amazing. We completed the tour on time despite having to constantly wait for folk who were simply not fit enough to do it. In addition, there are trails connecting the parking area to different sections of the campground if you just want to get off the beaten path for a walkabout. You get a choice between two tours. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Today parts of the cave are open to the public, including two large chambers. Your camping fee includes use of the shower/restroom, water, electrical and dump station facilities. from falling off you. Patagonia Lake has aquatic recreation such as fishing, boating, and swimming as well as picnic and camping facilities. The men slipped through the crack and discovered a network of pristine caverns with spectacular rock formations, including massive stalagmites and stalactites. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Tours start at 4:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. It was humid but not unbearable. It is located 40 miles from the park, an hour's drive, and has restaurants and a selection of shops featuring uniquely crafted works of art and antiques. While many of the trails are shared and non-motorized, the one that stands out for biking is the Guindani Trail. After you fuel up, start the self-guided scavenger hunt. The rare snow may occur from November to March, Monsoon storms may occur from July to September and January to April may be windy. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. I was very impressed with how they protect the caverns and bats. 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 Cave Tour: 10 Reviews, Map - AllTrails History, hiking trails, and picnic opportunities await the visitor in this scenic hideaway.Phone (520) 364-3468 or (520) 364-6800. Inside the cave, it averages around 70 degrees F. but the humidity averages around 99 percent so it will feel much warmer. We were able to tour the Big Room, which closes during the summer since bats use for a nursery. No cameras or cell phones are allowed in the cave, so we didn't get any photos, but we stopped by the gift shop on the way out and grabbed a couple of stickers as souvenirs. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. Kartchner Caverns State Park - Tripadvisor Hiking trails and great star gazing. According toBats of the United Statesby Michael J. Harvey, J. Scott Altenbach and Troy L. Best, a bats body temperature during hibernation is reduced from more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 40-60 degrees, and the heart rate decreases from more than 1,000 beats per minute to only one beat every four or five seconds, allowing hibernating bats to survive on only a few grams of stored fat during the winter months. Whether you are catching lunch before a bat cave tour or taking a break from a rigorous bike ride, Kartchner Caverns State Park is the perfect place for a serene desert respite. Restrooms and showers, however, are not provided in the cabins, but are within walking distance. The trailhead is on the west end of the main access road, at the Upper Volunteer Village. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource. Great family camping spot! A recommended hike is the 4.2 mile Guindani Loop, which has its own parking area, covered picnic tables and rest rooms with drinking water. Along with Alamo Lake State Park, Kartchner Caverns was the first state park in the United States to receive this great honor. You may also call (520) 885-0694 for more information. The Fort Huachuca Museum highlights early military history. Kartchner Caverns State Park has no vehicle or driving restrictions, and campsites provide plenty of room for both your rig and your haul vehicle. School and group tours should also read additional information. Fantastic, since Kartchner Caverns State Park has plenty of trails to explore. Start at the Discovery Center, where you can watch a 15-minute film about how the caverns were discovered and view exhibits on geology and hydrology. Kartchner Caverns State Park - Tripadvisor They were looking for a cave no one had ever found and found it. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Visitors can take a mile tour of the cave. The caverns were discovered in 1974 and are continuing to grow in size. For a less populated environment, check out the picnic tables near the main parking lot under the shaded cover. All in all, it was a nice tour and I would recommend going. (To make same day cave tour reservations, based on availability,please call 877-MY-PARKS.) on the DNR website. That is a real shame because the title of this review says everything that it needs to and adding more words simply reduces the quality of the review and what is needed to be said here. This wonderful rock formation constitutes the first geopark in Uruguay. There were people all different ages on our tour. Any tickets not reserved in advance will be sold at the park on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour. To expedite your request, please complete this form and email to kcspgroups@azstateparks.gov. All registered campers have access to restroom facilities with hot water and showers, as well as bottled water vending machines. Sonoita Creek has approximately 20 miles of trails, seasonal boat tours, and a Visitors Center. Definitely worth a visit! - Review of Kartchner Caverns State Park Review of Kartchner Caverns State Park Reviewed August 8, 2019 The state did a fantastic job preserving and building visitor amenities at this site a short drive from Tucson. Take an underground tour of the last and deepest underground mine at Soudan Underground Mine State Park, half a mile below the earth, or tour the underground high energy physics lab where physicists from around the world are trying to answer questions about the universe. Most infants do not tolerate the cave environment very well, so prepare accordingly when planning your visit to the park. While the snow is still falling in the Whetstones, the bats begin their trek back to the caves of Kartchner. We also request that you familiarize yourself with our very important Cave Tour Rulesand Reservation & Cancellation Policies. The park features a Discovery Center as well as campgrounds, hiking trails and a garden. Birding opportunities abound up the creek from the park where it is often possible to glimpse the rare Elegant Trogon. As we continue to share the beauty of the Rotunda and Throne rooms of Kartchner Caverns with the public (bats no longer roost in that area of the cave, though they once did, thousands of years ago), the Big Room belongs only to the bats during the summer. Tours are available year-round. It is located 26 miles from the park to the East off of I-10, about a half hour drive. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time. This limestone cave is a short hop from Tucson, Arizona in nearby Benson. No more words needed, but Unfortunately trip advisor requires me to write more about this visit. is named for the legendary Apache chief who evaded U.S. troops by hiding in the rugged hills and canyons of the Dragoon Mountains. The San Pedro House serves as a visitor center and trailhead and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. To register,call877-MY-PARKSand select opt. We have toured a lot of caverns, & I have to say that we learned a lot during this tour. 89 miles, Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00 South of Benson on Hwy 90, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource. Phone (520) 417-6960, or toll-free (800) 288-3861. The tour guide was excellent, with a great sense of humour. At the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States lies a trail leading through an ancient forest to stunning cliff-side vistas and massive oceanside caves. They are very strict about that. Well maintained and set up to protect the structure. Handicapped designated sites have paved access to the site and adjacent restroom, a paved pad, and wheelchair accessible table. 4 . Minors under age 18 are not permitted on tours without a parent or guardian. The caves Nice displays in the Discovery Center. Mind your step and do not leave pets unattended as the occasional mountain lion and several species of rattlesnakes have also been sighted within park limits and the surrounding area. You Must Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park In Arizona Restroom buildings have bottled water vending machines and dishwashing sinks located on the rear east side. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. 9 mi. Check in with the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1011 N. Coronado Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. The campground area is consolidated, the cabins are right near the turn-in, and both back-in and pull-through sites are sprinkled about. Table of Contents show The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. Arizona State Parks maintains this list at its own discretion. Benson, AZ 85602 Tucked in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains of Coronado National Forest, Kartchner Caverns State Park is only a short drive from Tucson but you'll feel like you're worlds away. Things to Do The caverns are the main attraction at Kartchner Caverns, but there's more to do than immediately head underground. Entrance fee waived for cave tourand campsite reservations. Pets are not allowed on any cavern tour. The Best Cave in the US lies in 'Sky Island' country among the Whetstone Mountains of Southern Arizona and inside Kartchner Caverns State Park. Taste of Greece: Culinary Traditions & Ancient Ruins, The Kingdoms of Andalusia: Secret Gardens and Haunted Palaces, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Freemasons, Antiques and Their Afterlives at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Spring-Heeled Jack, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, The Truth About Sharks With Melissa Cristina Mrquez, Designing Soft Circuits & E-Textiles With Linh My Truong, Get Real: Defining Reality With Ashley Christine, Starting Point of the First Mardi Gras Parade, The 7 Best Travel Books for Summer Road Trips, The World's Oldest Glaciers Are Buried Under South African Gold, 14 Exceptional Caves That Bring the Subterranean World to Life, http://www.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/V61/v61n2-Tuffs.pdf, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartchner_Caverns_State_Park, http://azstateparks.com/parks/kaca/index.html. 24 miles, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area It is half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete, one hour of which is underground.
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