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. They do not give a discount for the Golden Age pass. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. 8/10 Very Good! (417 reviews) Flexible booking options on most hotels. Convenient if you’re planning a trip to see the caverns. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. Kartchner land very accessible. Through the application process, these two parks demonstrated that they have an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nighttime environment that we protect for its scientific. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. Just copy this coupon and apply it at check out. 4. Red Rock State Park. EXPLORE. Kartchner Caverns State Park is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. Download Printable Park Map Park Map shows you an overview of the park. m. WHO: Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Day 2. During construction of Interstate 35, they were required to do regulation core testing, which required them to drill into the ground. Kartchner Caverns State Park The centerpiece of Kartchner Caverns State Park is a publicly-accessible limestone cave with 2. At this time the Big Room is closed to visitors because of bats who use the caverns for a nursery but the Rotunda/Throne tour is available. 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. That's a lot for a state park. (KSAZ) - It's been more than 40 years since Gary Tenan and Randy Tufts discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974. Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. This is not stated on their website or the Tuscon passport site. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Worth the time - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Uncover the Secrets of America’s Largest Nuclear Weapon. The festival will be held on Saturday, October 21 and feature a variety of activities, crafts, book readings for kids, and educational talks. 3489) Phone: 520-586-4100. The foothill hike around Kartchner is 2. Reservations can be made up to one. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Such an informative tour - See 1,822 traveler reviews, 402 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 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). Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. You state you want a compelling reason as to why. The trailhead begins as a spur from the Guindani Trail at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Taking visitors. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns Campground WoW !!! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. Length: 9. (Central) on the day of arrival. September 16-17, 2023 - Slide Rock State Park, Sedona - SOLD OUT. the day prior to your reservations, all fees are forfeited. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns is a 'live' cave where the glistening formations continue to grow and evolve. All campsites at Kartchner feature electric hookups and water that makes this beautiful high-desert destination an RVers paradise with plenty to do. daily. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. 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. com, there are 2 camping trails in Kartchner Caverns State Park and the most popular is Ocotillo Loop Trail with an average 4. Table of Contents show. Patricia's expert tip: Kartchner Caverns State Park is located approximately 50 miles from Tucson, but it's well worth the drive. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). Time for a new day! Breakfast was easy, as we just walked over to the on-site cafe for a home-style cooked breakfast. 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of. Generalized map of Kartchner Caverns showing locations mentioned in the text and indicating the order of early discoveries. 13. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. If a site becomes available you will receive an email notice. Access to the Guindani Trail is located on the west side of Kartchner Caverns State Park campgrounds; a kiosk marks entrance to trail. Get your points now!world. This natural wonder is a must-see. Due to the high humidity (99 percent), some people may find it harder to breathe. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 12 answers. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. azstateparks. 4 years ago. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. This is a popular trail. We found a $4 off coupon in a brochure that we found on the caverns. to 5 p. 1110 W. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. to 5 p. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. Time/General. 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602 520-586-4100 Official Website. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Graham. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns. Nicely laid out park. The trail has beautiful views and is pet friendly. A popular trail to enjoy the scenery of the Grand. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 4 miles (3. I also prefer the formations, particularly in the throne room. Written May 1, 2022. Spas & Luxury. This is a good place to stay if youre visiting tombstone, and other things in the area. A. 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. Address. Closed for the season December thru March. m. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. 7. GPS Coordinates to park entrance. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Apache Chief Cochise's stronghold is nearby. Table 1. This is a shared-use, non-motorized trail that is well-marked with directional signs. These areas are home to wildlife of all kinds, including various species of exciting and beautiful. com or 1-877-697-2757. The Rotunda/Throne Tour examines the role water plays in creating the caverns. They’re called soda straw stalactites. Activities at. Dec 14 - Dec 15. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Encore Valley Vista. . . Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. Benson Visitor Center. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Copper Stay Inn. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Dec. Reservations are taken from 8 a. High Temp: 93 °F. Low Temp: 38 °F. The price is $72 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15. – 6 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. m. Overall Rating. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Vacation Rentals. We took the smaller tour as it was a two hour wait for an opening on. It's. 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. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite. to 5 p. 3 star rating from 217 community reviews. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. Phone information (520) 586-4100. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented atmosphere perfect for the whole clan. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. of I-10 exit 302 off SR 90, contains one of the world's few living wet caves open for viewing. Phoenix, AZ 85007. If the Arizona State Park has a per person entrance fee, then. Sun & Moon. 1,824 Reviews. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Length: ½ mile. Standard Link for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. 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. With 306 lodges, cabins and hotels in the park and the surrounding towns, your perfect adventure is ready and waiting for you. Elevation: 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) above sea level. Highlights: Weird and wonderful underground rock formations, a chance to escape the heat in the summer. 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. Weather. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. to buy tickets. 72 mi) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (8. Kartchner Caverns State Park Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. ) Advantage: Cabin. Web Visit website. They told us that we were supposed to purchase tickets online and then come in with the coupon and get a refund. Of those 10 only three are open to the public. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Kartchner Caverns State Park Information: Kartchner Caverns map: Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "Is it true that you're not allowed to have photo. Map layout by Bob Buecher. FOX 10 Phoenix. This bell canopy is one of many fascinating features on the Rotunda-Throne Room tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park. How to say Kartchner Caverns in English? Pronunciation of Kartchner Caverns with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns, one of the world’s 10 most interesting caves from a mineralogical standpoint (Hill and Forti 1997), is a 3. Dripping stalactites and stalagmites. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. A maternity colony of a species known as cave myotis lives there from approximately May through mid-September. 4 miles of passages. -6 p. Book your tour in advance to avoid $7 entrance/parking fee to the park. 7. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Are you interested in nature and geological wonders? If so, you’ll want to check out Kartchner Caverns State Park. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. - 4 p. There are three different campgrounds for lakeside camping as well as fishing, bird watching and water activities. com or by calling (877) MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a. 96 km) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (12. Kartchner Caverns State Park also offers hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, and cabin rentals. It begins in rugged old. Camping Reservations at. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. The Magnitude of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Save. June 1-Dec. An outline of this sequence of events, inte-grated with respect to regional events, has been compiled from the literature and from the results of this Symposium (Table 1). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Park Hours: 6 a. 3. Kartchner Caverns. 1,820 Reviews. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. As a part of an ongoing effort to determine the impact of humans on this limestone cave, samples were collected from cave rock surfaces along the cave trail traveled daily by tour. Peachin. October 21-22, 2023 - Roper Lake State Park, Safford. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night More. 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. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. 9. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. Special offer. to 4 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. 00 per night. (Given that it's underground, perhaps. October 23-29, 2023. Photo by. of 2. 1,824 Reviews. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Throughout history, people have looked to the stars for answers. This park is home to a large variety of bird species, offers great seasonal fishing, and is within. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. 00. Click the button and enjoy get extra coupon when you purchase at Arizona State Parks online shop. The tours take 1-2 hours each. " See More " Phoenix is a city of approximately 1. January Climate & Weather Averages in Kartchner Caverns State Park. 3. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Rigged with special equipment to protect the still-living caves, Kartchner Caverns opened in 1999 and has 2. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers, assisted by state biologist Erick. Choose your dates for more accurate prices. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 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. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 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. The seven best caves in Arizona . 21. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite reservations. Kartchner Caverns now attracts 180,000 visitors a year, with many lining up each day at 4 a. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. ) (You pay more for the microwave and mini fridge. Please also review our service animal policy before heading out to our parks. – The Kartchner Caverns Tour is a guided tour of an underground cave system in Arizona. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. A 19 percent decline in visitors last. m. This model should only be used as a probable scenario. Driving to Kartchner Caverns is fairly quick, especially if you live in the Tucson area. Sahara Motel. For more information, contact: Sierra Vista Ranger District, 5990 W. Save your order $3, When you Spend Please pay attention to this great coupons - Save up to $3 off when you purchase at Dealbuyer. Although Myotis veliferwas the predominant species that utilized the cave, other bat species forage over the park or roost in small nearby caves (Table 1). At Benson's New Day Spa each independent, experienced and licensed therapists and. Experience all the. Save. 15, Oct. 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. This tour is a half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete one hour of which is underground. Kartchner Caverns is one of those unique sights that is certainly worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been to a cave before. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park's patrons can find places to park in the area. Sunday, October 22 Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock . Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Located in Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is nestled into the foothills of the scenic Whetstone Mountains. It's water seeps through the layers of earth and keeps the stalagmites and stalagtites growing. The tour begins with boarding a small. About 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. The Campsite is beautiful in a way only the desert can be and Kartchner Caverns is breathtaking. 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. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. Kartchner Caverns State Park is. The cave is developed in a downdropped block of Mississippian Escabrosa Limestone. 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. 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. 4700 ft. Pool . 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. 1,809 Reviews. See 333 traveler reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, ranked #1 of 5 hotels in Benson and rated 4. 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. Box 1849. m. 2 Thank Patrick D . Indulge your Wild West fantasies near the Benson KOA, in a quiet, high desert valley just off I-10. Sites vary in length from 35’ for. 8. Free Wifi . Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. 14. By The Associated Press. - 10 p. 7-mile Ocotillo Trail. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. 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. If you are driving from the Phoenix area, it should only take about two and a half hours, mostly on Interstate 10. Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow, Benson Arizona. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. School group planners have the opportunity to make arrangements with a specialized phone reservation attendant. Pressure: 29. Lake Havasu State Park. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. to buy tickets. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Chiricahua National Monument. Neighborhood Off Ariz. If you’re looking for a cave tour with beautiful sights and colors. Tufts had long worked in community development, but in the mid-1980s he took a 14. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. Published: Jun. Length: 1. NPR's Howard Berkes reports on Kartchner Caverns near Tuscon, Arizona. From October-April, the Helmet & Headlamp Tour is held in the Big Room. Miles of winding pathways carved deep into Paleozoic rocks. m. 334 reviews. Great displays in the Visitor Center. MST. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. Wear sensible shoes. Compare from agencies. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. The walk is 1/2 mile and takes 1 1/2 hours. ”. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 2D1S Latest Blog Posts 2. m. DEAL. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26. Thank davidcF6746ZO . Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. GPS: 31. manifold1. The caverns, discovered on. Explore the sheer cliffs and granite domes of Cochise Stronghold, named for the famed Apache chief, and stop by Fort Bowie National Historic. Main Office. m. We have 15 8 Other Reasons coupon codes today , good for discounts at 8otherreasons. The tours take 1-2 hours each. Search from 81 Benson Arizona stock. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. 9 km) of passages. 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). Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. Size: Approximately 550 acres. Time Zone. Roper Lake State Park is located 6 miles south of Safford in Graham County in southeast Arizona and sits at the base of Mt. Time: 1¾ hours. 271 reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. Day Use Fees at our parks range from $2–$30. 38 km) Down By The River Bed And Breakfast (13. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a limestone cave that was explored in 1974 and became an official Arizona State Park in 1999. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. 8.