On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. 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. This is a shared-use, non-motorized trail that is well-marked with directional signs. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. Every time, I see something I hadn't noticed before. Kartchner Caverns are the main attraction of Kartchner Caverns State Park, which is located near the town of Benson, Arizona along the San Pedro River. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Kartchner Caverns Prices and Discounts. 9 km long cave developed into a block of Escabrosa Limestone (Lower Carboniferous) in the Basin and Range of southeastern Arizona (Jagnow 1999). Bat Species Primary FoodDiscovered by 2 college spelunkers in 1974, Kartchner Caverns finally opened to the public in 1999. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. m. $34. That's a lot for a state park. 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. 8. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Attendance down at Kartchner Caverns. 9. " | Check out 18 answers, plus see 1,823 reviews, articles, and 404 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Table of Contents show. BENSON — On Saturday, hundreds of visitors explored a piece of living history at the 20th anniversary of Kartchner Caverns as a state park. Posting guidelines. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "Is it true that you're not allowed to have photo. Subscribe for $2. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 2023 Criaturas Curiosas. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. com or by calling (877) MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a. m. Down By The River Bed And Breakfast. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. The Throne Room includes the 58-foot-high Kubla Khan column (pictured) and a 21-foot, 3-inch soda straw stalactite. Get your points now!world. Make sure to stock up on snacks and supplies for your drive, as. Of those 10 only three are open to the public. The room rates for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns start at 116 USD per night, however the discounted rates with above promo codes start at 104 USD per night. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. Prices are subject to change. O. The limestone caverns were originally discovered in 1974 by Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen and feature more than 2. The tours take 1-2 hours each. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. The staff in the Visitor Center and leading the tour were very pleasant and. The Kartchner Caverns are located in the Whetstone Mountains near Benson, Arizona, which is 46. Votes. The cave is developed in a downdropped block of Mississippian Escabrosa Limestone. 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. P. Benson, Arizona 85602. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. It is also home to over 1,000 cave bats. The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. RV Length: 33'. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. MST. Day 2. Main Office. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. 835566 Longitude: -110. Reservations can be made up to one. On October 6-8, 2023, The Caverns. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. 7. Host to a world-class living limestone cave, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours for visitors to enter and enjoy unique formations underground. de Randy Tufts, Gary Tenen (1999): Discovery and History of Kartchner Caverns. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Acreage: 921. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. • Named after original property owners James and Lois Kartchner. Design a shortKartchner Caverns State Park is renowned for its stunning limestone cave system, which features intricate formations and a delicate ecosystem. Arizonans get $3 off the price of a cave tour through Oct. $3 off cave tours for Arizona residents. 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,. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSKartchner Caverns State Park Fodor's Choice. Fun things to do in Tucson with kids. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. 04 mi) Cochise Terrace RV Resort (9. As of Sep 7, 2023, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns on Sep 27, 2023 start from $112, excluding taxes and fees. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite. This site was kept secret until 1984 so it. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 31, state residents get discounts on. A 19 percent decline in visitors last. Good bathrooms, sort of heated, nice hot shower. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery. Hours & Pricing. 4 miles of passageways which were opened to the public for guided tours in. m. 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. Pressure: 29. 0. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Here are five activities you must do at this amazingly preserved. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Check our events page for dates and times. com. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Tombstone San Jose House. EXPLORE. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (13. These efforts involved the discoverers, selected cavers, the Kartchner family, the Nature Conservancy, and the Arizona State government—especially Arizona State Parks. Overall Rating. Take note, unlike other always-chilly caverns, Kartchner is quite warm, as it lies close to the surface. Nov 1999, Vol. Phone (520) 439-6400. Our Cafe and Gift Shop is open from 10am. To learn more, visit the neighboring Discovery Center, where you can learn about bats and some of the cave’s fossils. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. June 1-Dec. Over the years, the twinkling pinpoints of light have. We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere. 2D1S Events Promo. Just under an hour from Tucson, the impressive Kartchner Caves State Park showcases some of the most interesting underground formations in the state. Here's what Trippy members say about Kartchner Caverns State Park: " Mica Mountain and Mt Lemmon are both north of I-10 between Kartchner Caverns State Park and Phoenix. Discovered in 1974 by explorers Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen, and not revealed until 1988, the opportunity existed to preserve the caverns in near pristine condition. Great displays in the Visitor Center. Thank davidcF6746ZO . Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. , nine miles south of Interstate 10. ”. Birds of Southern Arizona State Parks Kartchner Caverns State Park. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). This Benson hotel is just off of Interstate 10, a 20-minute drive from Kartchner Caverns State Park. Dec. , year-round. The majesty of the cave. 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. The stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns, Arizona are a natural wonder. m. Arizona State Parks. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. m. 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. 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. In order to get into the Kartchner Caverns, it will cost $7 a vehicle and $3 for bicycles and walk-ups. Sunday, October 22 Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock . Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. Low Temp: 38 °F. Email: [email protected] hours: 7 a. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Written December 14, 2020. 2D1S Sponsors. If tickets are canceled after 5:00 p. Kartchner Caverns Park Map. Sahara Motel. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. Compared to other caverns, we'd rate Kartchner Caverns as a must see! Date of experience: December 2020. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, was. October 15 and 29, 2023 Sunday Geology Walk. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It's. It is warm inside due to the 99% humidity. 4 No. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. DEAL. With 306 lodges, cabins and hotels in the park and the surrounding towns, your perfect adventure is ready and waiting for you. m. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. Neighborhood Off Ariz. Kartchner Caverns State Park. to 5 p. m. The cave, first. – The Kartchner Caverns Tour is a guided tour of an underground cave system in Arizona. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. 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. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. of 2. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. . Time: 1¾ hours. thingpic. Camping & Cabins. This model should only be used as a probable scenario. Wear sensible shoes. Park Hours: 6 a. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. This magnificent state park is home to one of the most stunning limestone caves in the world. A microwave and refrigerator are also provided in each room. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. AZ Local Time. Email This BlogThis!Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. 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. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Kartchner Caverns in Benson, AZ, was opened for tourism in 1999 after a careful development protocol that was designed to maintain predevelopment conditions. Pool . The Kartchner Caverns are home to some of Arizona’s greatest treasures, including a “soda straw” stalactite that is over 21-feet tall, a column named “Kubla Khan” which is one of the world’s largest formation of brushshite moonmilk, and speleothem that have been growing for tens of thousands of years. Tour and Camping Prices. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave. Bats live and reproduce and raise their young in part of the cave. , Suite 100. m. s4. Published: Jun. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. 44 reviews. Free parking . School group planners have the opportunity to make arrangements with a specialized phone reservation attendant. Prickly things are blooming. If you are visiting with a family with varied tastes, a Luray Caverns ticket will even get you through to a host of other attractions, including Toy Town Junction, the Shenandoah Heritage Village, and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. The park is located west of AZ-90. Washington St. 9 mi • Est. 5. Fire start date: About 1 p. Phone reservations: (520)-586-2283. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. When co-discovers Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts found the blowhole entrance to the caverns in 1974 — beneath Kartchner Ranch, in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains near Benson —. 3-mile Mountain Viewpoint, and 1. 1:34 Arizona residents can save a little money when they check out one of the coolest things in our back yard this summer at Kartchner Caverns. Each one is a true “original. 69 km) Encore Valley Vista (12. Choose your dates for more accurate prices. The formations are extremely fragile and protected by law. Kartchner Caverns. Save. So, the design team for Kartchner Caverns built the public walkways with curbs. GPS Coordinates to park entrance. Table of Contents show. Arizona time. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. Just copy this coupon and apply it at check out. September 30-October 1, 2023 - Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - SOLD OUT. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 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. at March 04, 2023. 19-May 31 and 9 a. SAINT DAVID, Ariz. MARK LEVY HERALD/REVIEW;. 9 km) of passages. Shoppers save an average of View Deals. Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns is a 'live' cave where the glistening formations continue to grow and evolve. Take a guided cave tour to witness the breathtaking formations, including stalactites,. View more details. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. 1,809 Reviews. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Ticket Prices (Subject to Change) Adults 13 and up: $20. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Arizona State Parks and Trails. Each back-in site power post is 110 volt AC with a 30 amp RV connection and a 20 amp receptacle. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented. m. Photo credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock. Save your order $3, When you Spend Please pay attention to this great coupons - Save up to $3 off when you purchase at Dealbuyer. About Kartchner 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. 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. 4 and under: Free. The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a. 1. Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals. The spots are close together and the amenities include bathrooms and showers. Site description. Before CaveFest, call us (931) 516-9724, Mon-Fri, 9a-12p CT. Located in Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is nestled into the foothills of the scenic Whetstone Mountains. October 23-29, 2023. (Central) on the day of arrival. Nogales. Weather. Kartchner Caverns are located about 15 minutes from Benson. Details: 520-586-2283, azstateparks. Kartchner Caverns State Park The centerpiece of Kartchner Caverns State Park is a publicly-accessible limestone cave with 2. Kartchner is a beautiful cave because its carbonate speleothems are colorful (shades of red, orange, yellow and tan) and ‘alive’(still wet and growing). m. Fossils were found during exploration of the caves and dates back 80,000 years. The publicity that surrounded the official opening of Kartchner Caverns in 1999 was in marked contrast to the secrecy that shrouded their discovery 25. 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. Kartchner Caverns is located in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. $200 Now: Premium Annual Pass More. - 10 p. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 44. The cave was totally sealed up for 200,000 or so years until it was discovered in 1974, by two young cavers, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Office is closed Christmas Day. This is not stated on their website or the Tuscon passport site. In fact, its very location was kept secret for another 25 years in order to prepare for its opening as Kartchner Caverns State Park. Precipitation: 0. Kartchner Caverns was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The caverns, discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, have since. Listing coupon and discount codes websites about Kartchner Caverns Discount Coupons. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. 7. Chiricahua National Monument. from $55/night. per night. Public Talk. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. The Kartchner Caverns State Park was well maintained and everyone was very organized. Kartchner Caverns State Park really is the place to be. The park is celebrating its 10th Anniversary starting in the Fa. 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. Due to the high humidity (99 percent), some people may find it harder to breathe. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their. 8) The Kartchner Caverns Have the World’s Longest Stalactites. $72. Spend an extra dollar (and drive a bit) and for $23 go visit spectacular Kartchner Caverns SE of here. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. the day prior to your reservations, the $. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. 5 miles, rated moderate to difficult. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Parks of the Tuscon & Southern region in Arizona. The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3. 8366 lon:-110. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. $5 off cave tours for active duty military. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Cost: $94 per night, including $5 reservation fee. of I-10 exit 302 off SR 90, contains one of the world's few living wet caves open for viewing. It was the trails that drew us to this state park! There are three trails that run in the state park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. 58m. m. The history of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating. 21. Time Zone. What the group found, after a 130-foot rappel into the deep, cold cave. Lake Havasu State Park. 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. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. The walk is 1/2 mile and takes 1 1/2 hours. Get our Price Guarantee & make booking easier with. m. The park near Benson beat out 19. 45" Humidity: 35%. Cochise Stronghold, A Nature Retreat. (Given that it's underground, perhaps. Main Office. 7 miles east of Tucson. The tours take 1-2 hours each. Save. In: Journal of Cave and Karst Studies. As the sunset paints the desert, the little winged mammals to take flight, foraging for insects and pollen. Ever since I did the Rotunda/Throne Room Tour at Kartchner Caverns back in August of 2005, I've been dying to see what the Big Room Tour had to offer, as the latter is closed from April 15 to October 15 to accommodate a maternal bat colony. The property was owned by James and Lois Kartchner and Tenen and Tufts kept the cave a secret from them for almost four years. 15, Oct. At Benson's New Day Spa each independent, experienced and licensed therapists and. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Promo Code・Hotel Net Rates and Promo Codes. 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. Votes. Guided tours of the Big Room will pick up again.