(KSAZ) - It's been more than 40 years since Gary Tenan and Randy Tufts discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974. 30 per ticket processing fee is forfeited. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. The cave has an average temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) and 99 percent humidity year-round. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite reservations. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 5 miles, pretty easy and gives good vistas. Discovery Center Hours: December 22 - May 15: Open daily, 8 a. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. Restaurants near Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Restaurants near Days Inn by Wyndham Benson Restaurants near Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304 Restaurants near Motel 6 Benson, AZ Restaurants near Super 8 by Wyndham BensonINTERNATIONAL DARK SKIES PARKS. 4. Kartchner Caverns. Weather. The microbial research joined a steady drip of science that has echoed through Kartchner’s limestone caverns almost since their discovery. The guided 1. Get your points now!world. . Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. m. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. Lake Havasu State Park. At Kartchner the caverns are very warm. Details: 520-586-2283, azstateparks. For a look at one of the world’s most wondrous caves, head north on Highway 90 for about 25 miles to Kartchner Caverns State Park. 10Best Reviewed Best-selling Booklist Jobs Sports Betting Sports Weekly Studio Gannett Classifieds Coupons Blueprint Auto Insurance Pet Insurance Travel Insurance. Photo by Chris Richards. 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. Read more. 86 km) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (14. Reservations are taken from 8 a. WHAT: Cave Fest Celebration. Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department. 9. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. The cave is over 3 km long, and is developed primarily along one level at an elevation of ~1410 m (4625 ft). 44 reviews. Day Use Fees at our parks range from $2–$30. Keep in mind that evenings in the desert can be cool! The Discovery Center has a gift shop,The Kartchner Caverns State Park is now open, according to Arizona State Parks. This might be the most recently discovered cave you will ever visit. Mean Temp: 65 °F. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Such an informative tour - See 1,822 traveler reviews, 402 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. . #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Just copy this coupon and apply it at check out. BENSON — On Saturday, hundreds of visitors explored a piece of living history at the 20th anniversary of Kartchner Caverns as a state park. Learn more about some of the cave formations inside Kartchner Caverns. It was the trails that drew us to this state park! There are three trails that run in the state park. If tickets are canceled after 5:00 p. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. s4. The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Worth the time - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Posting guidelines. Make sure to book ahead for reservations, at least during the season, and particularly if rain is in the forecast. 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. These magnificent formations look like sculptures made by creative artists. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. This tour is available year-round, but as the seasons change, so too does the room in which it takes place. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. 15, Oct. over a year ago. August 1999, S. For Reservations Call: (877) MY-PARKS - 8 a. Kartchner Caverns State Park 14 Day Extended Forecast. 38 km) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (13. Located 165 miles southeast of Phoenix, the Kartchner Caverns is a vast limestone cave with passages measuring 13,000 feet and boasting formations in many different shapes and sizes. October 15 and 29, 2023 Sunday Geology Walk. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Star Calendar Blog. Super 8 by Wyndham Benson. With as much depth and colorful detail. 271 reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "Is it true that you're not allowed to have photo. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park Kartchner Caverns State Park. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. m. See All Photos. m. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. October 14-15, 2023 - Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu. Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park Source: Mike Lewis / Wikimedia Kartchner Caverns State Park. I prefer the rotunda/Throne room because in it you can actually see the tracks made through the mud by the two discoverers -- 30 years ago. ” – Liz A. The walk is 1/2 mile and takes 1 1/2 hours. com, there are 2 camping trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park and the most popular is Ocotillo Loop Trail with an average 4. You see, the most. Kartchner Caverns State Park also offers hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, and cabin rentals. June 22. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 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,. MST. Apache Chief Cochise's stronghold is nearby. Attendance down at Kartchner Caverns. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Acreage: 921. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSThe San Pedro House serves as a visitor center and trailhead and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. g lint) runs into a collection pool via the walkway curbs. Design a shortKartchner Caverns State Park is renowned for its stunning limestone cave system, which features intricate formations and a delicate ecosystem. m. Special offer. With an acreage of 620, the Post Fire. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a world wonder that is located in southeastern Arizona. m. Bats live and reproduce and raise their young in part of the cave. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. 96 km) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (12. Reservations can be made up to one. Katchner Caverns is located about 15 minutes outside the town of Benson, AZ at 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. This is a popular trail for camping and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The cave, first. The Foothills Loop Trail (loop) is approximately 2. Camping Reservations at. The park is celebrating its 10th Anniversary starting in the Fa. About Star Parties. 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. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Date of experience: December 2020. 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. 4 miles of passages. Karchner Caverns State Park is recognized as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association and is famous for its lack of light pollution, renowned by astronomers and amateur stargazers for its astonishingly bright display of the cosmos. 2. And with prices ranging from $65 per night to $159 per night, it’s easy to find lodging or campsites near Kartchner Caverns State Park that suits your budget, too. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. Grand Canyon National Park is just one of Arizona’s 10 International Dark Sky Parks. Discover this 1. Save your order $3, When you Spend Please pay attention to this great coupons - Save up to $3 off when you purchase at Dealbuyer. Kartchner Caverns. 74 mi) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (8. Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. They told us that we were supposed to purchase tickets online and then come in with the coupon and get a refund. 3 star rating from 217 community reviews. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. – The Kartchner Caverns Tour is a guided tour of an underground cave system in Arizona. 19-May 31 and 9 a. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Every time, I see something I hadn't noticed before. . Kartchner Caverns State Park is. Here are five activities you must do at this amazingly preserved. Kartchner Caverns Park Map. Benson is the gateway to Tombstone, Bisbee, Kartchner Caverns, and Chiricahua National Monument. September 30-October 1, 2023 - Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - SOLD OUT. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. Metro Phoenix had 4,574,351 residents,. This 200,000-year-old cave was only recently discovered – in 1974 by cavers. Arizona State Parks and Trails. Walnut Canyon National Monument. Kartchner Caverns provides a safe home for one to two thousand bats that roost in the caverns from late April to mid-September. Free Wifi . We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. It is also home to over 1,000 cave bats. Save. Dec. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. Each one is a true “original. 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. 1256. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. During CaveFest, visit the Info Tent, Thurs, 1p-7p CT; Fri-Sun, 10a-9p CT. Length: 1. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. In fact, its very location was kept secret for another 25 years in order to prepare for its opening as Kartchner Caverns State Park. If the Arizona State Park has a per person entrance fee, then. 00 Individual/bicycle: $3. 4700 ft. Go 9 miles south to the Kartchner Caverns State Park entrance on the right. 50/week. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. It's just one of the fun activities. 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. But this park has a few surprises going on above ground as well. 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. " | Check out 18 answers, plus see 1,823 reviews, articles, and 404 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. Benson Visitor Center. 5. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. 4 miles (3. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Public Talk. Free parking . The founders of the cave initiated conservation efforts, and the State Park was open to the public by 1999. Kartchner Caverns in Benson, AZ, was opened for tourism in 1999 after a careful development protocol that was designed to maintain predevelopment conditions. 9 km) of passages. 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. per night. m. Kartchner Caverns is obviously known for it’s cave tours, but pets are not allowed in the caverns. The state of Arizona is spending millions. The cavern has been surveyed at 2. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. 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. 7. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. to sunset (Central). thingpic. Kartchner Caverns State Park . Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more. The seven best caves in Arizona . 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. 4 Volunteer at Red Rock State Park! Red Rock State Park. 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. 33 mi) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on Tripadvisor Kartchner Caverns State Park. - 10 p. Tickets are $30 each. 22 Jun 2017. – 6 p. Order by phone Monday - Friday between 9 a. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. “The State of Arizona has done it again with the Kartchner State Park. It's. 14. As with most campgrounds, this one fills up in advance. 2D1S Latest Blog Posts 2. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 mi. 3. Parks of the Tuscon & Southern region in Arizona. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Vacation Rentals. They followed the opening, crawling until they entered a vast, pristine cavern. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Promo Code・Hotel Net Rates and Promo Codes. K. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. com. There, you can take in tours of the massive cave’s Big Room and Throne Room, which contain one of the world’s longest soda-straw stalactites. 2D1S Events Promo. All tours are guided by a trained tour guide. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. The roads within the park are minimal, reducing the chances you might get turned around, and getting to the park entrance couldn't be easier. Its discovery and development were made possible through the combined efforts of the cavers who discovered it, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen, and the landowners, the Kartchners. Come join us as we experience the beautiful desert evening, keeping in mind that we can’t guarantee that the. to buy tickets. O. GPSKartchner Caverns State Park. The extra vehicle fee does not apply to vehicles that are towed or set up to be towed behind a primary vehicle when the. Patricia's expert tip: Kartchner Caverns State Park is located approximately 50 miles from Tucson, but it's well worth the drive. m. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. Then, fearing that the cave's fragile limestone formations. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. Phoenix, AZ 85007. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). The park is open year-round, but the cave tours require advance. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers, assisted by state biologist Erick. 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. About. 18. According to AllTrails. Day 2. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. 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). The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. 8. Get $5 off RoadTrippers Plus with coupon BTR5QTP. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. If you have any questions please contact us! Open April 1st – November 29th 10am-5pm. Experience all the. from $64/night. Figure 2. But this narrative offers a chance to go beyond the guidebooks with its revealing look at this unspoiled natural wonder and the science of cave conservation. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. For Riordan Mansion State Historic Park (928) 779-4395. Neighborhood Off Ariz. 21. Save. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. EXPLORE. Days Inn by Wyndham Benson. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave. Pick One Up in Person — Stop by our Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center located within the Historic Pima County Courthouse at 115 N, Church Ave. Graham. m. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. 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. 1,824 Reviews. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. 3. 7-mile Ocotillo Trail. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery. Was this review helpful? Showing 5 of 203 Reviews. m. Many other fossils have been discovered inside the caves and range from horse skulls dating back 36,000 years, extinct pronghorn antelope, and more recent animals like coyotes and rodents within about the last century. All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water that makes this beautiful high-desert destination an RVers paradise with plenty to do. 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. They come in a variety of sizes and complement both. 2. The spots are close together and the amenities include bathrooms and showers. 30 per ticket processing fee is forfeited. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Tufts had long worked in community development, but in the mid-1980s he took a 14. Table 1. Office is closed Christmas Day. 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. com. Main Office. All Year Climate & Weather Averages in Kartchner Caverns State Park. Waking up at the KOA was exciting. com. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. Tufts had long worked in community development, but in the mid-1980s he took a 14. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. " | Check out answers, plus see 1,822 reviews, articles, and 402 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. About 1,500 bats live in a part of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. This Caverns is one of the largest accumulations of gem stone quality onyx in North America. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. 12 answers. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Washington St. An effort has been made to make the park as accessible as possible without damaging the natural formations. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. Email This BlogThis!Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. Dew Point: 34 °F. DEAL. 1,824 Reviews. It is located only 55 miles southeast of the city, near the town of Benson. Discounts of $2 per ticket are available online by using the code on rack cards. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. The checkin for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns is at 03:00 PM on arrival day, while the checkout is set at 11:. Arizona time. 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. Pine Grove Campground 19356 Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff Reservations: (877) 444-6777 Information: (928) 527-3600It grants entrance to all Arizona State Parks (excluding tours of Kartchner Caverns). Time for a new day! Breakfast was easy, as we just walked over to the on-site cafe for a home-style cooked breakfast. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. Buy five nights of camping and get two nights free: applies to everyone, regardless of residency or military! Enjoy a low-cost summer getaway in southeastern Arizona. Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park.