It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. Nicely laid out park. May 16 - December 21: Open daily, 9 a. 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. It's. The park near Benson beat out 19. 10 reviews. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Table of Contents show. m. 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. - 10 p. Learn more about some of the cave formations inside Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. RV campers will appreciate well-paved, flat roads, broad sweeping turns, and ample parking. Tufts had long worked in community development, but in the mid-1980s he took a 14. 4 miles of accessible passages. Phone (520) 439-6400. The park strongly encourages you to make reservations before. 22 Jun 2017. – 6 p. Pool . Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. 13. 86 km) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (14. Since then, the Park has hosted several such events per year and IT is increasingly. Benson, Arizona 85602. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. 8) The Kartchner Caverns Have the World’s Longest Stalactites. There is a small museum with cave like features but to go into the caves you must be with a group guided by a Tour Guide. 9 km) of passages. In the rugged hills of the Whetstone Mountains, about 40 miles south of Tucson, Arizona, amateur cavers Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen found the “motherlode” More precious to them than gold was their 1974 discovery of an untouched. m. 14. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Low Temp: 38 °F. With 2. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. 3. Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave system considered one of the top ten in the world. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. Spanning 12,025 acres in southern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument is the result of the eruption of Turkey Creek Volcano millions of years ago; as the ash cooled, it formed rhyolite layers. The festival will be held on Saturday, October 21 and feature a variety of activities, crafts, book readings for kids, and educational talks. g lint) runs into a collection pool via the walkway curbs. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. How can you save on this tour? – You can save on this tour by using. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Phone information (520) 586-4100. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. 2023 Criaturas Curiosas. Posted on April 7, 2023 by Lars Hammar. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. EXPLORE. Tombstone San Jose House. Roper Lake State Park is located 6 miles south of Safford in Graham County in southeast Arizona and sits at the base of Mt. gov. About 1,500 bats live in a part of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. Select Room. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 96 km) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (12. Free parking . com. 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. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSKartchner Caverns State Park Fodor's Choice. 1110 W. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. 56 mi) Encore Valley Vista (7. Site Number: 18. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. 50/week. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. $72. 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. – 6 p. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. All tours are guided by a trained tour guide. Kartchner Caverns. Read more about Kartchner Caverns State Park →. Table of Contents show. 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,. In 1984, Gary and Randy decided. 334. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. 2. A maternity colony of a species known as cave myotis lives there from approximately May through mid-September. not cold at all but humid. m. MST. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. Located near the town of Benson, Kartchner Caverns offer an absolutely unique and stunning look into a subterranean world that is rarely seen, making them one of those must-see things to do on your trip to Pima and southern Arizona. - 5 p. Address 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA Phone +1 520-586-4100 Web Visit website Discovered in 1974, Kartchner. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. The state park is a pretty special place. , Suite 100. Experience all the. Kartchner Caverns State Park features the incredible caverns, which is an ancient water eroded wonderland with unique formations and stunning sights! Who says adventure needs to be ABOVE ground! This limestone cave was discovered back in 1974, and features all those incredible formations you find in these underground wonders - and this one took. Reservations: 520-586-2283. Hiking trails with panoramic views of the Arizona desert. 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. Recently Searched. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. Great displays in the Visitor Center. The park is celebrating its 10th Anniversary starting in the Fa. Kartchner Caverns State Park. (Central) on the day of arrival. 1,820 Reviews. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. com. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. m. 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. The temperature inside the caverns range from about 55 degrees to 65 degrees. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. Yes, no photography is permitted in the caverns. 1,824 Reviews. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a. 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. We can only provide you with the information that is shared with us by guides. Walnut Canyon National Monument. Overview. Chiricahua National Monument. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. 14 Day API Weather Forecast. Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Park passes will not be replaced or refunded if lost or stolen. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park Source: Mike Lewis / Wikimedia Kartchner Caverns State Park. Caves Giant crystal formations and bandit hideouts. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSMain Office. The microbial research joined a steady drip of science that has echoed through Kartchner’s limestone caverns almost since their discovery. . m. We took the smaller tour as it was a two hour wait for an opening on. If you have any questions please contact us! Open April 1st – November 29th 10am-5pm. amazon. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26 attractions in Benson. Admission: $7 per vehicle, waived for those with tour tickets or campground reservations. s. Kartchner Caverns provides a safe home for one to two thousand bats that roost in the caverns from late April to mid-September. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great campground - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. More information about Alabaster Caverns State Park can be found online at Or call, (580) 621-3381. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. $3 off cave tours for Arizona residents. The relative humidity inside the cave averages 99. Camping Fees at parks where camping is available range from $15–$50 per night. For more information, contact: Sierra Vista Ranger District, 5990 W. The cave tours are the amazing part. Fees are based on one vehicle per campsite. 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. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. to 5 p. $72. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 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. Photo by. The formations are extremely fragile and protected by law. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Amazing cavern - See 1,823 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns Park Map. Written December 14, 2020. Save. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. 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. 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. Featuring Patagonia Lake State Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tumacacori National Historical Park, Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, Coronado National Memorial, Coronado National Forest, Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge, Kartchner Caverns. These magnificent formations look like sculptures made by creative artists. 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. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their. 18. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. 2. 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. Grand Canyon National Park is just one of Arizona’s 10 International Dark Sky Parks. 2D1S Latest Blog Posts 2. Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. m. The price is $72 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15. 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. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. 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. They come in a variety of sizes and complement both. The caverns were discovered in 1974 and. m. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 4 miles (3. Think Florida in August. -10 p. The next time you plan to camp in the Grand Canyon State, start here to pick the Arizona state park that's right for you! There are great options for weekend activities, road trips, and plenty of adventure, regardless of season!Kartchner Caverns State Park lost power and was forced to close to the public after a wildfire ignited near the park in Cochise County on Thursday afternoon. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great Caverns - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. This Benson hotel is just off of Interstate 10, a 20-minute drive from Kartchner Caverns State Park. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. 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. Day 2. Alex and Ani promo codes. Unfortunately, Randy. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). 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. What is Kartchner Caverns and what makes it unique? Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave, located near Benson, Arizona, about an hour or so east of Tucson. . See 4 traveler reviews, 9 photos and blog posts Arizona Benson Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Parking Lot. Add one of these 2 verified Arizona State Parks Black Friday Promo codes into your cart. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Here's what Trippy members say about Kartchner Caverns State Park: " Mica Mountain and Mt Lemmon are both north of I-10 between Kartchner Caverns State Park and Phoenix. , year-round. Home • Schedule • Map • Concessions & Shopping • Festival Information. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. You will definitely, want reservations at least during peak season for both the campground and the caverns tour. Phone information (520) 586-4100. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Lost Dutchman State Park. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. to 5 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Yes, go to Kartchner Caverns - Read the Reviews, Be prepared - See 1,818 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Cochise Stronghold, A Nature Retreat. RESERVATIONS: Go to AZStateParks. m. Afterpay financing. An effort has been made to make the park as accessible as possible without damaging the natural formations. Arizona State Parks. 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. 1,809 Reviews. expires soon. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. . Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3. 4 miles of passageways which were opened to the public for guided tours in. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. Email: [email protected] hours: 7 a. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. WHERE: 2980 AZ-90, nine miles south of Benson. Save. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. Kartchner Caverns State Park, AZ. 16,112 likes · 180 talking about this · 48,666 were here. We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. expires soon 108 . Dec 14 - Dec 15. In addition to the caves, the park has picnic and camping areas. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 134. Nov 1999, Vol. Get Deal WebKartchner Caverns State Park Kartchner Caverns State Park 1,823 reviews #2 of 16 things to do in Benson State ParksCaverns & Caves Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Write a review About In November 1974,. Arizona State Parks and Trails. Map layout by Bob Buecher. Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. Kartchner Caverns State Park 2980 S Hwy 90 Benson, AZ US 85602 Description. 33 mi) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor Kartchner Caverns State Park. Tours are $23, $13 for ages 7-13. Kartchner Caverns Big Room Tour. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented atmosphere perfect for the whole clan. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. Office is closed Christmas Day. Through Oct. Experience. But this park has a few surprises going on above ground as well. 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. 10Best Reviewed Best-selling Booklist Jobs Sports Betting Sports Weekly Studio Gannett Classifieds Coupons Blueprint Auto Insurance Pet Insurance Travel Insurance. 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. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. 9 km long cave developed into a block of Escabrosa Limestone (Lower Carboniferous) in the Basin and Range of southeastern Arizona (Jagnow 1999). Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. The extra vehicle fee does not apply to vehicles that are towed or set up to be towed behind a primary vehicle when the. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. Best Western Quail Hollow Inn features cable TV and a coffee maker in every guest room. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. Corporate reservations can also enjoy discounted rates. RV Length: 33'. Guided tours inside the cave are available for an additional fee. The cave was totally sealed up for 200,000 or so years until it was discovered in 1974, by two young cavers, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen. Hours & Pricing. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Big Room Tour - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park during the summers of 1988-1991. Mean Temp: 65 °F. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. The foothill hike around Kartchner is 2. the day prior to your reservations, all fees are forfeited. October 21-22, 2023 - Roper Lake State Park, Safford. Time for a new day! Breakfast was easy, as we just walked over to the on-site cafe for a home-style cooked breakfast. Wear sensible shoes. Click the button and enjoy get extra coupon when you purchase at Arizona State Parks online shop. OK Editorial Team. Lake Havasu State Park. Public Talk. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. per night. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. Ask davidcF6746ZO about Kartchner Caverns State Park. 8 Basic School Supplies For Back To School 2023: Must-have List. The majesty of the cave. Patricia's expert tip: Kartchner Caverns State Park is located approximately 50 miles from Tucson, but it's well worth the drive. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. 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. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. 21. 4 miles long. 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. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Parks of the Tuscon & Southern region in Arizona. November 4-5, 2023 - Oracle State Park, Oracle. About Star Parties. The park has 23 permanent employees, 20 part-time, and about 80 - 100 volunteers. You’ve probably heard about Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona. 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. Dew Point: 34 °F. . The Kartchner’s later. The state of Arizona is spending millions. Highlights: Weird and wonderful underground rock formations, a chance to escape the heat in the summer. The park is located west of AZ-90. 99 per adult Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow, Benson Arizona. Located in Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is nestled into the foothills of the scenic Whetstone Mountains. Where: Kartchner Caverns State Park, about 9 miles south of Benson on State Route 90. 85701. 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. 8. Take note, unlike other always-chilly caverns, Kartchner is quite warm, as it lies close to the surface. 8. Tickets are $30 each. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 9 mi • Est. Bats live and reproduce and raise their young in part of the cave. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nogales. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. Web Visit website. January Climate & Weather Averages in Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. The summits along the crest of the Whetstone Mountains are over. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 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. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. m. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 30 per ticket processing fee is forfeited.