Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. At a typical star night event, you can hear a lecture (often with guest speakers), and view celestial objects (planets, nebulas, stars. m. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Pass is non-transferable and photo ID is required for. Kartchner Caverns State Park, AZ. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. This site was kept secret until 1984 so it would. The state of Arizona is spending millions. Posting guidelines. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. On October 6-8, 2023, The Caverns. Fossils were found during exploration of the caves and dates back 80,000 years. This trail is located in the Whetstone Mountains of southeastern Arizona, with excellent views from the saddle. Chiricahua National Monument. m. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a limestone cave that was explored in 1974 and became an official Arizona State Park in 1999. Forecasting more than 7 days ahead is challenging. 3-mile Mountain Viewpoint, and 1. There are no self tours into the caverns. They do not give a discount for the Golden Age pass. -6 p. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 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. KARTCHNER CAVERNS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The story of Kartchner Caverns is one of discovery, exploration, secrecy, and preservation. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26. to 5 p. Kartchner Caverns is a stunning limestone cave system considered one of the top ten in the world. Bullet Fire (Last updated June 13)Kartchner Caverns State Park 2980 S AZ-90, Benson (520) 586-4100 Reservations are recommended. com or by calling (877) MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a. P. Hwy 92, Hereford, AZ 85615 or call (520) 378-0311. September 16-17, 2023 - Slide Rock State Park, Sedona - SOLD OUT. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. The seven best caves in Arizona . By The Associated Press. Guided tours of the Big Room will pick up again. I also prefer the formations, particularly in the throne room. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. Recently Searched. m. Unfortunately, Randy. Details: 520-586-2283, azstateparks. Ticket Prices (Subject to Change) Adults 13 and up: $20. May 16 - December 21: Open daily, 9 a. Locals can descend into Kartchner Caverns State Park to view the cavernous bat habitat; hike aboveground on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, an 800-mile path running north-south across the state. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Free Wifi . The Rotunda/Throne Tour examines the role water plays in creating the caverns. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 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. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. m. DEAL. There are two tours to choose from, the Rotunda Room or the Big room Tour. RESERVATIONS: Go to AZStateParks. 1,824 Reviews. per night. Down By The River Bed And Breakfast. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave. Photo by. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZIn order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. 1,824 Reviews. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. 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. Arizona time at 877-MY-PARKS (877-697-2757). Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 mi. We enjoyed our stay at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Length: ½ mile. About Star Parties. Each one is a true “original. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. 4 and under: Free. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Kartchner Caverns State Park, opened in 1999, is one of Arizona's newest wonders. Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. Main Office. Kids of all ages are welcome on the Rotunda/Throne Tour. 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. Tombstone San Jose House. , nine miles south of Interstate 10. Posted on April 7, 2023 by Lars Hammar. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. In: Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. Katchner Caverns is one of the top 10 caves in the world. Rigged with special equipment to protect the still-living caves, Kartchner Caverns opened in 1999 and has 2. Phoenix, AZ 85007. com. October 14-15, 2023 - Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu. Kartchner Caverns is in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. You will definitely, want reservations at least during peak season for both the campground and the caverns tour. This natural wonder is a must-see. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Cochise Stronghold, A Nature Retreat. To learn more, visit the neighboring Discovery Center, where you can learn about bats and some of the cave’s fossils. This system works so well that the “lint party” held at Kartchner Caverns results in only a small ball of lint each year. 7 miles east of Tucson. Table of Contents show. Cabins are also available for rent. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. If tickets are canceled before 5:00 p. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool, hot daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The extra vehicle fee does not apply to vehicles that are towed or set up to be towed behind a primary vehicle when the. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Don’t miss these great Tucson kids activities:. If the Arizona State Park has a per person entrance fee, then. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (8. 18. Dew Point: 34 °F. Home • Schedule • Map • Concessions & Shopping • Festival Information. Alex and Ani promo codes. Nov 1999, Vol. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. 4-mile Foothills Loop (ask for a trail guide at the entrance booth), the 0. Among the three which are open to the public, only Kartchner Caverns is on this continent. Benson, AZ Frequent guided tours allow guests to explore the expansive limestone cave home to stunning living rock formations. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Map layout by Bob Buecher. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. How can you save on this tour? – You can save on this tour by using our exclusive promo code when booking your tickets. Children 5-12: $12. The caverns are always warm and humid so shorts are fine as are short sleeves. Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. Super 8 by Wyndham Benson. 0. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Subscribe for $3. The cave developed in a downdropped block ofThe 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. Please also review our service animal policy before heading out to our parks. The state park is a pretty special place. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Explore the sheer cliffs and granite domes of Cochise Stronghold, named for the famed Apache chief, and stop by Fort Bowie National Historic. 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. 144. Benson, Arizona 85602. Kartchner Caverns. Tours are $23. Body Candy discount codes. , year-round. Download schedule as a PDF to print. in case you can't find a place with the cards, the code is 'amazingcave15'. Arizona State Parks. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 14. Activities at. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. the day prior to your reservations, all fees are forfeited. Email: [email protected] hours: 7 a. 10 Best Back To School Gift Ideas For Kids In 2023. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. 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. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. EXPLORE. Kartchner Caverns State Park . The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. 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. My wife and I took part in both tours, but it was the Rotunda/Throne tour that led to my moment of shame. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. The cavesKartchner Caverns is proud to offer Bat Conservation International-guided Bat Walks. The cavern has been surveyed at 2. m. Free Wifi . TUCSON — A kerfuffle erupted last week between Benson city leaders and the state parks department over how a massive development proposed in the tiny Cochise County town could affect one. Take a guided cave tour to witness the breathtaking formations, including stalactites,. gov. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. Cavern tours are available Thursday through Monday. Find out how the network ofKartchner Caverns, Apple Annie’s, Willcox, Sierra Vista, Benson: All That Cochise County Has to Offer. Kartchner Caverns promo code & coupons. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. 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. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. m. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. $3 off cave tours for Arizona residents. The park has 23 permanent employees, 20 part-time, and about 80 - 100 volunteers. Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow, Benson Arizona. Recommend making reservations to ensure you get a long enough spot and get a spot in a tour of the caverns. Nicely laid out park. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. January Climate & Weather Averages in Kartchner Caverns State Park. amazon. m. Arizona State Parks and Trails. Phoenix, AZ 85007. Walk-ins are allowed. 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. About. October 21-22, 2023 - Roper Lake State Park, Safford. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "Is it true that you're not allowed to have photo. ”. The park service goes to great lengths to keep the cave alive and well. See 333 traveler reviews, 66 candid photos, and great deals for Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, ranked #1 of 5. Today 6 active codes. They were then kept a secret by the discoverers until 14 years later, when they and the caverns' private landowners carefully approached the State of Arizona to come up with a plan to. 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. 13. Phone information (520) 586-4100. Dr. Tours are $23, $13 for ages 7-13. to 5 p. Table of Contents show. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. Use the fields below to create a notification alert. The park near Benson beat out 19. 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. Special offer. Take note, unlike other always-chilly caverns, Kartchner is quite warm, as it lies close to the surface. Cave tours are approximately 75 minutes long, 45 minutes are underground. (lat:31. to 5 p. This tour is available year-round, but as the seasons change, so too does the room in which it takes place. 3. 2. November 4-5, 2023 - Oracle State Park, Oracle. These areas are home to wildlife of all kinds, including various species of exciting and beautiful. O. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. itinio. Red Rock State Park. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. - 5 p. Our Book with Confidence guarantee gives you 24/7 support. Tumacácori National Historical Park. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. to buy tickets. Fun things to do in Tucson with kids. Star Calendar Blog. It's. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. They followed the opening, crawling until they entered a vast, pristine cavern. Office is closed Christmas Day. GPS: 31. 44 reviews. 273 reviews of Kartchner Caverns State Park "Unlike most cave parks in the world, the Kartchner caverns weren't discovered by humans until relatively recently, in 1974. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 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. An RV parked in a camping space at Kartchner Caverns State Park. GPSKartchner Caverns State Park. 72 mi) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (8. View more 8 Other Reasons promo codes. Table 1. Roper Lake State Park is located 6 miles south of Safford in Graham County in southeast Arizona and sits at the base of Mt. We have 15 8 Other Reasons coupon codes today , good for discounts at 8otherreasons. Highlights: Weird and wonderful underground rock formations, a chance to escape the heat in the summer. m. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. In November 1974 two young cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, were exploring the. Fees are based on one vehicle per campsite. Read more. There are two regular cavern tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. Guided tours inside the cave are available for an additional fee. Select Room. There are campgrounds and cabins. Discover this 1. Size: Approximately 550 acres. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. The Caverns: 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, TN 37366. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. 3. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Looking for more caves near Phoenix? Keep reading this extended list. . m. com Kartchner Caverns State Park. Washington St. This is a shared-use, non-motorized trail that is well-marked with directional signs. 7. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 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. Camping with electric and water hook-ups is $30/night. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. Containment: 100%. The 2. com or by calling (877) MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a. 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. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. m. Park admission fee is waived for visitors with cave-tour or camping reservations. The formations are extremely fragile and protected by law. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Both were full/sold out during our stay in late March. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. de Randy Tufts, Gary Tenen (1999): Discovery and History of Kartchner Caverns. 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. The Rotunda/Throne Tour is available year-round and lasts about 90 minutes. See 4 traveler reviews, 9 photos and blog posts Arizona Benson Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Parking Lot. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. View more details. An effort has been made to make the park as accessible as possible without damaging the natural formations. There are 3. Welcome to the Willcox / Cochise KOA Holiday! Reserve Your Campsite Today! An easy 80-mile drive east of Tucson, this new KOA offers an idyllic high-desert getaway in the shadow of 10,720-foot Graham Peak. If you’ve ever been to Kartchner, please leave a comment below and share your experience with my readers and me. ) (You pay more for the microwave and mini fridge. Sunday, October 22 Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock . Iconic locations, stunning natural beauty, and like-minded co-workers who support your success define our National Parks career experience. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located just south of the town of Benson, Arizona and features a breathtaking limestone cave with over 2 miles of passages. Wind: 8 mph. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. 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). High Temp: 93 °F. Unfortunately, our trip to the Kartchner Caverns led to some embarrassment, a result of my attempt to show off my literary background. 4 helpful votes. Getting there: Take Interstate 10 east past Tucson to State Route 90 (Exit 302). Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The majesty of the cave. . While nature is rarely ADA–compliant, much of the development of public access at Kartchner was done post-ADA. 16,112 likes · 180 talking about this · 48,666 were here. 12”E) were visited on 28–29 November 2017. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. 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,. to 5 p. For more information, contact: Sierra Vista Ranger District, 5990 W. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. 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. For caves such as Kartchner that are used for tourism, research is critically needed to. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Yes, no photography is permitted in the caverns. 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602 520-586-4100 Official Website. Search Text (3 Character min) About Kartchner Caverns State Park. The guided 1. 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. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. m. Camping & Cabins. At Kartchner the caverns are very warm. In November of 1974 two local cavers were exploring around the base of the Whetstone Mountains when they noticed a narrow opening leading into the hillside. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 1,823 Reviews. 50/week. m. Go 9 miles south to the Kartchner Caverns State Park entrance on the right. com or 1-877-697-2757. As the sunset paints the desert, the little winged mammals to take flight, foraging for insects and pollen. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. 69 km) Encore Valley Vista (12. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSKartchner Caverns State Park Fodor's Choice. 86 km) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (14. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Promo Code・Hotel Net Rates and Promo Codes. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Taking visitors. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Driving to Kartchner Caverns is fairly quick, especially if you live in the Tucson area. Phone reservations: (520)-586-2283. 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. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night More. Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. 4 miles of passages, the cave is teeming with life. com. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. Grab it now! Get Deal. The park strongly encourages you to make reservations before. 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. The caverns were ultimately purchased by the State of Arizona and developed as a state park. Click the button and enjoy get extra coupon when you purchase at Arizona State Parks online shop. 00. Sun & Moon. 8/10 Very Good! (417 reviews) Flexible booking options on most hotels. The cave has an average temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) and 99 percent humidity year-round. m. 5 miles, pretty easy and gives good vistas. 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. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. 7 Smart Money-saving Tips On Back To School Expenses. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602.