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). They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 7. 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. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. Reservations are taken from 8 a. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. I think it is always @ 78. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Big Room Tour - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Two Tucson cave explorers — Gary Tenen and the late Randy Tufts — discovered majestic Kartchner Caverns southwest of Benson in 1974. 🎁Booking more than 2 nights to GET 8% OFF!🎁. 14. If you're between ages 6–12, you can become a Junior Ranger at Kartchner Caverns State Park! Pledge to do your part to help preserve the beauty of the park for everyone to enjoy! On this page, you can download a Junior Ranger activity for this park that you can complete on your own. Guided tours inside the cave are available for an additional fee. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. ) (You pay more for the microwave and mini fridge. While it was near 100 degrees outside, the 99 % humidity and temperature in the 80's inside of the caverns actually made it more uncomfortable. 12 answers. The 2. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 19-May 31 and 9 a. Park Hours: 6 a. com. Then the kids enjoyed the playground and yard games. 12 answers. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour Tickets. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the underground wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. , year-round. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. m. Kartchner Caverns Big Room Tour. We took the smaller tour as it was a two hour wait for an opening on. They followed the opening, crawling until they entered a vast, pristine cavern. The Kartchner Caverns story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. Time/General. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Low Temp: 38 °F. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Site Number: 18. at March 04, 2023. 1,823 Reviews. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. Among the three which are open to the public, only Kartchner Caverns is on this continent. Arizona time at 877-MY-PARKS (877-697-2757). Find out the important role these bats play in the ecosystem of the caverns. 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 State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. Kartchner Caverns State Park really is the place to be. This site was kept secret until 1984 so it would. Listing coupon and discount codes websites about Kartchner Caverns Discount Coupons. m. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Volunteer information for anyone interested in volunteering in Arizona's state parks!Main Office. Kartchner Caverns, one of the world’s 10 most interesting caves from a mineralogical standpoint (Hill and Forti 1997), is a 3. Time Zone. Kartchner Caverns State Park: bus trip/tour of kartchner caverns, az - See 1,823 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Phoenix, AZ 85007. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere. Tickets are $30 each. 33 mi) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor Kartchner Caverns State Park. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. Tunnels had to be created in order to allow safe and easy access. Host to a world-class living limestone cave, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours for visitors to enter and enjoy unique formations underground. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. 00 per night. Address 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA Phone +1 520-586-4100 Web Visit website Discovered in 1974, Kartchner. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. 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. In: Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. Save up to 50% Off with these current Arizona State Parks Coupons for November 2023. 144. You will definitely, want reservations at least during peak season for both the campground and the caverns tour. October 23-29, 2023. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. 1110 W. 30 per ticket processing fee is forfeited. Tours are $23, $13 for ages 7-13. The history of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Web Visit website. 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. This is a good place to stay if youre visiting tombstone, and other things in the area. Recently Searched. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. 3 mi • Est. September 30-October 1, 2023 - Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - SOLD OUT. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. to buy tickets. , nine miles south of Interstate 10. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. Kartchner Caverns State Park . 3. Shoppers save an average of View Deals. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. $5 off cave tours for Cochise County residents. For Kartchner Caverns State Park (877) MY-PARKS and select Option #2. 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. Hiking trails with panoramic views of the Arizona desert. $72. The walk is 1/2 mile and takes 1 1/2 hours. Generalized map of Kartchner Caverns showing locations mentioned in the text and indicating the order of early discoveries. The cave is over 3 km long, and is developed primarily along one level at an elevation of ~1410 m (4625 ft). Home • Schedule • Map • Concessions & Shopping • Festival Information. Published November 1, 2017. , Suite 100. 8. Due to the high humidity (99 percent), some people may find it harder to breathe. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of. Make time to see these majestic caves”. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. Discovery Center Hours: December 22 - May 15: Open daily, 8 a. Length: ½ mile. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns is a 'live' cave where the glistening formations continue to grow and evolve. Time for a new day! Breakfast was easy, as we just walked over to the on-site cafe for a home-style cooked breakfast. If you are driving from the Phoenix area, it should only take about two and a half hours, mostly on Interstate 10. GPSKartchner Caverns State Park. The Kartchner Caverns story is. The Kartchner Caverns story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner Caverns SP Benson, AZ 85602 Discounts. Each one is a true “original. m. . About Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. 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. 31, state residents get discounts on. Download schedule as a PDF to print. 7 Smart Money-saving Tips On Back To School Expenses. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns Campground WoW !!! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. per night. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. June 1-Dec. Park Hours: 6 a. Select Room. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. from $55/night. Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park Source: Mike Lewis / Wikimedia Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns provides a safe home for one to two thousand bats that roost in the caverns from late April to mid-September. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. RV Length: 33'. Discover this 1. 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,. m. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. Tours are $23. Order by phone Monday - Friday between 9 a. Kartchner Caverns is the second state park in Arizona with this honor; Oracle State Park received the designation in 2014. Containment: 100%. Kartchner is a beautiful cave because its carbonate speleothems are colorful (shades of red, orange, yellow and tan) and ‘alive’(still wet and growing). Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great Caverns - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. not cold at all but humid. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Arizona time. Closed on Thursdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and November 24th and 25th. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. Wind: 8 mph. $34. While the above-ground view here is. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. 4 miles of passageways which were opened to the public for guided tours in. 4 helpful votes. m. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. Kartchner Caverns is only accessible by guided tours. By The Associated Press. Details: Information, 520-586-4100; tour reservations. Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona and boasts many world-class features that have been protected since the cave was discovered in 1974. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. 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. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. It is warm inside due to the 99% humidity. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. Camping Reservations at. Two separate tours take you to different parts of the cave, and a discovery center at the entrance explains everything you might want to learn about caves. Activities at. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. 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. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSKartchner Caverns State Park Fodor's Choice. Box 1849. Photo by Chris Richards. See All Photos. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. 1,809 Reviews. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. Website: Caverns: These caverns at the western base of the Whetstone Mountains were discovered in 1974 and their existence was kept secret for many years. , (MST) M-F. Written May 1, 2022. BENSON —Fewer people are visiting Kartchner Caverns. 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. 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602 520-586-4100 Official Website. This Benson hotel is just off of Interstate 10, a 20-minute drive from Kartchner Caverns State Park. James Kartchner, 78, (right foreground) on hisThe time-share agreement worked out between bats and people at Kartchner Caverns’ Big Room swings back in the favor of people this weekend. Unfortunately, Randy. Days Inn by Wyndham Benson. Go 9 miles south to the Kartchner Caverns State Park entrance on the right. 9 mi • Est. 45" Humidity: 35%. The Disabled Veterans Annual Arizona State Parks Pass is good for the pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle at Arizona State Parks that charge a per vehicle entrance fee. 04 mi) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (9. Main Office. The Best Cave in the US lies in ‘Sky Island’ country among the Whetstone Mountains of Southern Arizona and inside Kartchner Caverns State Park. High Temp: 93 °F. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. Benson Visitor Center. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns promo code & coupons. 93 "Hg. access@azstateparks. The relative humidity inside the cave averages 99. . #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great campground - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 3. , Tucson, AZ. Commercial passes may also be available. 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. Read more. m. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. This site was kept secret until 1984 so it. Learn more about some of the cave formations inside Kartchner Caverns. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. 00. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park 14 Day Extended Forecast. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. 7. Highlights: Weird and wonderful underground rock formations, a chance to escape the heat in the summer. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. 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. 134. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. com. 5. This park is home to a large variety of bird species, offers great seasonal fishing, and is within. 1110 W. Subscribe for $2. The cavesKartchner Caverns is proud to offer Bat Conservation International-guided Bat Walks. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. to 5 p. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. Email: [email protected] hours: 7 a. Benson, Arizona 85602. Kartchner Caverns State Park. “It was in 1974 — 45 years ago — that Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen discovered the entrance to the. It is located only 55 miles southeast of the city, near the town of Benson. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. I also prefer the formations, particularly in the throne room. We found a $4 off coupon in a brochure that we found on the caverns. m. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. 602-542-7389. Add one of these 2 verified Arizona State Parks Black Friday Promo codes into your cart. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Length: 1. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Body Candy discount codes. With as much depth and colorful detail. The trailhead begins as a spur from the Guindani Trail at Kartchner Caverns State Park. With as much depth and colorful detail. Super 8 by Wyndham Benson. expires soon. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Reservations can be made by calling the school reservation number at 520-586-4100 or by emailing kcspgroups@azstateparks. Through Oct. 15, 22, 28 and Nov. WHERE: Kartchner Caverns State Park — on Arizona 90, nine miles south of Interstate 10 near Benson. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. The tours take 1-2 hours each. Kartchner Caverns State Park’s campsites have a table, hose bib and power post. m. m. Cochise Stronghold, A Nature Retreat. Looking for more caves near Phoenix? Keep reading this extended list. gov. “The State of Arizona has done it again with the Kartchner State Park. They average to be around twenty-one feet and three inches long. Each guided tour is nearly an hour and includes a walk through our signature Healing-All Cathedral room, our onyx room, a back passageway to a natural waterfall, and a top rated underground laser light and water show. 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. 99 per adult Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Benson's New Day Spa. DST Changes. 1999. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. There are two tours through different parts of the caverns. Experience all the. manifold1. 3-mile Mountain Viewpoint, and 1. The Rotunda/Throne Tour is available year-round and lasts about 90 minutes. Phone +1 520-824-3560. If you’ve ever been to Kartchner, please leave a comment below and share your experience with my readers and me. 3. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. There is a $7 per car entry fee for the State Park. Stats for Kartchner Caverns - 7 nights with water and electric is $233, so $33 a night. Caves Giant crystal formations and bandit hideouts. No. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. 58m. 835566 Longitude: -110. The International Dark Sky Association has designated two Arizona state parks as Dark Sky Parks: Oracle State Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park. Map layout by Bob Buecher. This is the only. Download Printable Park Map Park Map shows you an overview of the park. Two tours are offered daily. 2. 1,823 Reviews. The state park is a pretty special place. The cave tours are the amazing part. Metro Phoenix had 4,574,351 residents,. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. , Tucson, AZ. Visibility: 32 mi. Reservations can be made up to one. Next stop was Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Arizona. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a. to 5 p. 1,824 Reviews. During CaveFest, visit the Info Tent, Thurs, 1p-7p CT; Fri-Sun, 10a-9p CT. The Discovery Center is open 8 a. If tickets are canceled after 5:00 p. Please also review our service animal policy before heading out to our parks.