18. 3489) Phone: 520-586-4100. Kids of all ages are welcome on the Rotunda/Throne Tour. Shoppers save an average of View Deals. Kartchner Caverns. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 134. You’ve probably heard about Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Worth the time - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Access to the Guindani Trail is located on the west side of Kartchner Caverns State Park campgrounds; a kiosk marks entrance to trail. ” – Liz A. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. 12 answers. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. Must be a self tour but the guides are very informative and it is well worth it. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns NPR's Howard Berkes has the second of three reports on the new Kartchner Caverns State Park near Tucson, scheduled to open in two weeks. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Wear sensible shoes. 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. m. Additional vehicles are charged $15. 16,112 likes · 180 talking about this · 48,666 were here. It's water seeps through the layers of earth and keeps the stalagmites and stalagtites growing. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. Free parking . Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. Degrees, Minutes & Seconds Latitude: N31 50 08 Longitude: W110 20 37. An RV parked in a camping space at Kartchner Caverns State Park. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. Address. – 6 p. m. The San Pedro natural area is about 1 1/2 hour from Patagonia Lake and it is an ideal location for hiking and nature viewing, especially as a shady retreat during the warmer months. The Kartchner’s later. Address 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA Phone +1 520-586-4100 Web Visit website Discovered in 1974, Kartchner. the day prior to your reservations, all fees are forfeited. WHERE: 2980 AZ-90, nine miles south of Benson. It begins in rugged old. 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®. m. Acreage: 921. Throne Tour is $5 for children under the age of 7, $13 from the ages 7-13, and for all adults 14+ the tour is $23. With 306 lodges, cabins and hotels in the park and the surrounding towns, your perfect adventure is ready and waiting for you. Published November 1, 2017. About. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. This bell canopy is one of many fascinating features on the Rotunda-Throne Room tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park. It highlights the original trail pioneered by cave. DEAL. Figure 2. Before CaveFest, call us (931) 516-9724, Mon-Fri, 9a-12p CT. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. Published: Jun. Visibility: 32 mi. Tickets are $30 each. Kartchner Caverns. Experience all the. 4 miles (3. to 5 p. They were discovered 25 years ago by two young cavers who realized the caves might be destroyed if their existence became known. 10 Best Back To School Gift Ideas For Kids In 2023. Phone information (520) 586-4100. 2. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Length: 1. m. (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. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. Just copy this coupon and apply it at check out. 00 per night. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. Kartchner Caverns Big Room Tour. So on Friday, November 17th, I finally got to complete my experience of these wonderful, living caves. All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water that makes this beautiful high-desert destination an RVers paradise with plenty to do. m. The staff in the Visitor Center and leading the tour were very pleasant and. Discovery Center Hours: December 22 - May 15: Open daily, 8 a. 4 miles long. . m. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. According to AllTrails. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. Kartchner Caverns State Park The centerpiece of Kartchner Caverns State Park is a publicly-accessible limestone cave with 2. This is a good place to stay if youre visiting tombstone, and other things in the area. 1,824 Reviews. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. [1] The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. 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. Lake Havasu State Park. 12 Creative Back To School Gifts Ideas For Students. Discounts. Kartchner Caverns State Park . m. Arizona time. GPS Coordinates to park entrance. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. Uncover the Secrets of America’s Largest Nuclear Weapon. Kartchner Caverns is widely acknowledged as a beautiful example of carbonate cave development, is one of the top ten caves in the world in terms of mineralogical and cave formation diversity (Hill, 1999), and is a major tourist attraction in southern Arizona. Subscribe for $3. 9 km) of passages. Reservations can be made by calling the school reservation number at 520-586-4100 or by emailing kcspgroups@azstateparks. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. The majesty of the cave. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona: 203 reviews, 124 photos, & 97 tips from fellow RVers. The guided 1. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. 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. The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. Main Office. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. 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. August 1999, S. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry. Nicely laid out park. Hike the extensive trail network into the Whetstone Mountains, visit the park discovery center, or. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. 45" Humidity: 35%. Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Read more. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Compare 307 hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson using 11,383 real guest reviews. Select Room. 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. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. 15, 22, 28 and Nov. AZ Local Time. Published: Jun. You state you want a compelling reason as to why. 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. DST Changes. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. The spots are close together and the amenities include bathrooms and showers. Washington St. 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. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour Tickets. Two Tucson cave explorers — Gary Tenen and the late Randy Tufts — discovered majestic Kartchner Caverns southwest of Benson in 1974. Tour and Camping Prices. We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere. Table of Contents show. Kartchner Caverns is only accessible by guided tours. Day 2. Chiricahua National Monument. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented. You can find them mostly in the Throne Room. Neighborhood Off Ariz. Copper Stay Inn. Spend an extra dollar (and drive a bit) and for $23 go visit spectacular Kartchner Caverns SE of here. 9 km) of passages. 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). Table of Contents show. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. s4. Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Bullet Fire (Last updated June 13)Kartchner Caverns State Park 2980 S AZ-90, Benson (520) 586-4100 Reservations are recommended. m. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. Iconic locations, stunning natural beauty, and like-minded co-workers who support your success define our National Parks career experience. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. Permission: Gary Tenen. Mean Temp: 65 °F. Phone information (520) 586-4100. The park is open year-round, but the cave tours require advance. A new hiking trail expands recreation options at Kartchner Caverns State Park Rated as challenging, the Ocotillo Trail was constructed in response to visitor requests. 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. Rising Stars. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. com or by calling (877) MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a. It was the trails that drew us to this state park! There are three trails that run in the state park. 3 star rating from 217 community reviews. Ticket Prices (Subject to Change) Adults 13 and up: $20. manifold1. 49. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZIn order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. 1,824 Reviews. The history of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating. 4 helpful votes. 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. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. 🎁Booking more than 2 nights to GET 8% OFF!🎁. Bat Species Primary FoodDiscovered by 2 college spelunkers in 1974, Kartchner Caverns finally opened to the public in 1999. 10 reviews. This site was kept secret until 1984 so it would. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSMain Office. “It was in 1974 — 45 years ago — that Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen discovered the entrance to the. Best Western Quail Hollow Inn features cable TV and a coffee maker in every guest room. m. Trail elevations range from 4750’ at the park trailhead to over 5620’ at the highest point along the Guindani Trail. An effort has been made to make the park as accessible as possible without damaging the natural formations. 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. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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 State Park, Benson, Arizona. Park passes will not be replaced or refunded if lost or stolen. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. DEAL. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. Write a Review. See 4 traveler reviews, 9 photos and blog posts Arizona Benson Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Parking Lot. Arizona State Parks and Trails. 3-mile Mountain Viewpoint, and 1. 334 reviews. m. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. Phoenix, AZ 85007. Find out how the network ofKartchner Caverns, Apple Annie’s, Willcox, Sierra Vista, Benson: All That Cochise County Has to Offer. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. 1,824 Reviews. Peachin. Posted on April 7, 2023 by Lars Hammar. The trailhead begins as a spur from the Guindani Trail at Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Cavern tour tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased in person at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a. June 22. Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. Download Printable Park Map Park Map shows you an overview of the park. Length: 9. Walnut Canyon National Monument. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Get Deal. 30 per ticket processing fee is forfeited. from $64/night. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. From October-April, the Helmet & Headlamp Tour is held in the Big Room. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. See 333 traveler reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, ranked #1 of 5. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. Prices are subject to change. The park near Benson beat out 19. The tour begins with boarding a small. 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. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a. 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602 520-586-4100 Official Website. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. 1,820 Reviews. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. Stores. FOX 10 Phoenix. 10 reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park 14 Day Extended Forecast. Among the three which are open to the public, only Kartchner Caverns is on this continent. to 3 p. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. Fun things to do in Tucson with kids. Kartchner Caverns State Park. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Inquire with the park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located in southeastern Arizona, 14 km (9 miles) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains. It is warm inside due to the 99% humidity. ADMISSION: Cave Fest is $7 per carload. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more. ADA coordinator. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Gift Shop Makes Nice Stop Along I-10 - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Microwave and Mini Fridge (Kartchner Caverns and Patagonia Lake) Elevate your camping experience with a little comfort and less hassle, and start glamping at an Arizona state parks! Cabins are available for rental at AZStateParks. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. There are two tours through different parts of the caverns. Time/General. com Kartchner Caverns State Park. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. There is a $7 per car entry fee for the State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. Our Book with Confidence guarantee gives you 24/7 support. Our Kids has been bringing you more family fun, experiences & adventure since 1999. Where: Kartchner Caverns State Park, about 9 miles south of Benson on State Route 90. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. m. The Big Room Tour is only available from mid-October to mid-April due to bats returning to the cave to give birth during the summer. Benson is the gateway to Tombstone, Bisbee, Kartchner Caverns, and Chiricahua National Monument. 44. Bats live and reproduce and raise their young in part of the cave. 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. Go 9 miles south to the Kartchner Caverns State Park entrance on the right. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour Tickets. the day prior to your reservations, the $. 2D1S Events Promo. 1110 W. Save. The park is located west of AZ-90. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave. The foothill hike around Kartchner is 2. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Yes, no photography is permitted in the caverns. Graham. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. Back To School Supplies: 6 Tips To Save Money With Coupons. Sun & Moon. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 mi. Details: 520-586-2283, azstateparks. Kartchner Caverns State Park is known for its impressive limestone caverns featuring over 2. These areas are home to wildlife of all kinds, including various species of exciting and beautiful. October 15 and 29, 2023 Sunday Geology Walk. Today 6 active codes. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. DEAL. Every time, I see something I hadn't noticed before. Reservations are taken from 8 a. WHERE: Kartchner Caverns State Park — on Arizona 90, nine miles south of Interstate 10 near Benson. 4 and under: Free. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers, assisted by state biologist Erick. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 85701. 12”E) were visited on 28–29 November 2017. October 14-15, 2023 - Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu. Check our events page for dates and times. over a year ago. Size: Approximately 550 acres. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Date of experience: December 2020. Kartchner Caverns Star Party “Camels in the Sky: Our Heritage of Arabian Star Lore” Saturday, October 13, 2018 – 5:30 pm Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson, AZ) Click here for details. EXPLORE. Take Interstate 10 to Arizona Highway 90 (Exit 302), and head about 10 miles south. Walk-ins are allowed. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. Kartchner Caverns. m. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. RESERVATIONS: Go to AZStateParks. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Forecasting more than 7 days ahead is challenging. If you are driving from the Phoenix area, it should only take about two and a half hours, mostly on Interstate 10. to sunset (Central). m. 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. 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. Corral shoot-out. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. As with most campgrounds, this one fills up in advance. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSKartchner Caverns State Park Fodor's Choice. Arizona time. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. , nine miles south of Interstate 10. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of. While the above-ground view here is. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. expires soon 108 . 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. gov. 3. MST. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. , year-round. Discover this 1. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery. 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. Table of Contents show. , Tucson, AZ. There are two tours to choose from, the Rotunda Room or the Big room Tour. Length: ½ mile. com, there are 2 camping trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park and the most popular is Ocotillo Loop Trail with an average 4. 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. Nov 1999, Vol. to 5 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor.