Site description. Don’t miss these great Tucson kids activities:. The two wanted to discover a cave that “no one had ever found” and were successful in their endeavor. Children 5-12: $12. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. Park passes will not be replaced or refunded if lost or stolen. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 18. The campground is adequate but not amazing. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Figure 2. K. In addition to the caves, the park has picnic and camping areas. 2. The cave, first. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. 1999. com is currently on sale store-wide for a limited time. View more details. October 23-29, 2023. 2D1S Sponsors. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. All tours are guided by a trained tour guide. • Discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, who were looking “for a cave no one had. Special OfferBook Direct For Lowest Price! Visit hotel website . Getting there: Take Interstate 10 east past Tucson to State Route 90 (Exit 302). 3. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. In November of 1999, 25 years after its discovery, Kartchner Caverns State Park opened to the public. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Fun for the whole family. Last Price. Kartchner Caverns Big Room Tour. to 5 p. 1: Kartchner Caverns - Benson, Ariz. Kartchner Caverns is beautiful inside and out. 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. By The Associated Press. Bats live and reproduce and raise their young in part of the cave. - 10 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 01”N 118°15ʹ4. 19-May 31 and 9 a. WHO: Kartchner Caverns State Park. to sunset (Central). More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value. Washington St. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Website: Caverns: These caverns at the western base of the Whetstone Mountains were discovered in 1974 and their existence was kept secret for many years. My wife and I took part in both tours, but it was the Rotunda/Throne tour that led to my moment of shame. Main Office. Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park. The highway coincides with part of the Kartchner property’s eastern boundary and passes Figure 1. The tours take 1-2 hours each. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. Benson Visitor Center. m. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Red Rock State Park. The two kept their discovery secret from even the property owners until. Unfortunately, Randy. Tombstone San Jose House. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. June 22. 93 km) Butterfield RV Resort & Observatory; View all hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park on TripadvisorGetting There & Parking. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson is rated 9. An effort has been made to make the park as accessible as possible without damaging the natural formations. If you’ve ever been to Kartchner, please leave a comment below and share your experience with my readers and me. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 00. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Arizona time. Kartchner Caverns is obviously known for it’s cave tours, but pets are not allowed in the caverns. P. They’re called soda straw stalactites. Prickly things are blooming. If you have any questions please contact us! Open April 1st – November 29th 10am-5pm. Precipitation: 0. Time for a new day! Breakfast was easy, as we just walked over to the on-site cafe for a home-style cooked breakfast. m. Visibility: 32 mi. May 16 - December 21: Open daily, 9 a. I also prefer the formations, particularly in the throne room. There are 3 tours available at Kartchner Caverns Cave tour: The Big Room Tour, The Rotunda/Throne Room Tour, or The Headlight and Helmet Tour. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. Once they lost those 8 drill bits. Read more. O. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Loved the new cabins!!! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. But this park has a few surprises going on above ground as well. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave. Admissions prices are: 13 to 61 years old, $10; 6 to 12 years old, $7; 0 to 5 years old, free but a ticket is required to enter; 62 and over, $8; active-duty military with ID, $8. The Kartchner Caverns cave was discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in November 1974. 9 mi • Est. 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. In November 1974 two young cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, were exploring the. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. FOX 10 Phoenix. Admission: $7 per vehicle, waived for those with tour tickets or campground reservations. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour. 12856 East Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA. Hours & Pricing. See All Photos. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Madai Cave, Baturong Madai Forest Reserve, Class VI (Virgin Forest), Kunak, Sabah (4°41ʹ10. 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. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Star Calendar Blog. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Also, there are two caverns. Take Interstate 10 to Arizona Highway 90 (Exit 302), and head about 10 miles south. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. m. The cave, first discovered in November 1974 by two University of Arizona students, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. 1,823 Reviews. Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (64) Amenities Overview of Kartchner Caverns State Park Campground Entrance fee included in campsite fees. $34. October 14-15, 2023 - Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu. Washington Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (877) MY-PARKS (877-697-2757) ONLINE RESERVATIONSMain Office. 00 Cave tour tickets are extra. 15, 22, 28 and Nov. Kartchner Caverns State Park. The park near Benson beat out 19. Kartchner Caverns State Park ® is a stunning limestone cavern system in Southeastern Arizona. Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. manifold1. Most campsites are $30 to $35 per night and require a two-night minimum stay. Sales. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. 3. Wear sensible shoes. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the underground wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. 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. 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. 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. 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. If in the event you need to file a complaint, please read this instruction sheet and complete the attached form. 602-542-7389. m. The Kartchner Caverns are located in the Whetstone Mountains near Benson, Arizona, which is 46. m. Tufts had long worked in community development, but in the mid-1980s he took a 14. With 2. Kartchner Caverns is the second state park in Arizona with this honor; Oracle State Park received the designation in 2014. Campground Details: Price: $30; Number of sites: 58In the heart of Cochise County, Benson proudly calls itself home to the living caves of Kartchner Caverns State Park and the peaceful Holy. See All Photos. Please also review our service animal policy before heading out to our parks. We have 15 8 Other Reasons coupon codes today , good for discounts at 8otherreasons. Neil Miller (2008): Kartchner Caverns: How Two Cavers Discovered and Saved One of the Wonders of the Natural World, University of Arizona Press, 224 pp. Both were full/sold out during our stay in late March. How much does Kartchner caverns cost? Admission: $7 per vehicle, waived for those with tour tickets or campground reservations. Attendance down at Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson: "If you only have time for one cave tour, which is. The caverns were ultimately purchased by the State of Arizona and developed as a state park. per night. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. Corporate reservations can also enjoy discounted rates. 22 Jun 2017. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. Cave tours cost $23-$30 for adults and $5-$30 for children. Down By The River Bed And Breakfast. Map layout by Bob Buecher. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Vacation Rentals. Looking for more caves near Phoenix? Keep reading this extended list. Photo by. Save up to 50% Off with these current Arizona State Parks Coupons for November 2023. 4 miles (3. Water percolates from the surface and calcite features continue to grow in the darkness. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 by the Texas Highway Department. Through its parks, cities, and state-of-the-art observatories, the Grand Canyon State offers some of the best stargazing in the country. 2 Thank Patrick D . m. com. Park Hours: 6 a. 31, state residents get discounts on. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great Caverns - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. The park near Benson beat out 19. Iconic locations, stunning natural beauty, and like-minded co-workers who support your success define our National Parks career experience. It is home to a large colony of myotis velifer bats as well as countless microorganisms and macroinvertebrates. 1256. Kartchner Caverns State Park enjoys a privileged location in the Sonoran Desert, isolated from the pesky city lights. It is rocky at times so my hiking poles were helpful - I’m older. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Amazing cavern - See 1,823 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. Overview. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry. Recommended for Sightseeing because: Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave formation full of out-of-this-world stalactites. The International Dark Sky Association has designated two Arizona state parks as Dark Sky Parks: Oracle State Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park. The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. 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. 12 answers. Grab it now! Get Deal. 50/week. Super 8 by Wyndham Benson. 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. 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). com. m. Oct. So on Friday, November 17th, I finally got to complete my experience of these wonderful, living caves. Grab the kids when you head to this park ? its family-oriented atmosphere perfect for the whole clan. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 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. 334. Kartchner Caverns’ Throne Room which holds the tallest most massive column in the state, Kubla Khan, was on full display during Saturday’s 20th anniversary for Kartchner Caverns State Park. Published November 1, 2017. According to the park’s website , “The trail system inside Kartchner Caverns is one of only a select few that was developed specifically for people with limited mobility with their. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. to 4 p. Kartchner Caverns State Park Fast Facts. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. Motel 6 Benson, AZ. Elevation: 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) above sea level. Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more. The summits along the crest of the Whetstone Mountains are over. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (13. Benson, Arizona 85602. A microwave and refrigerator are also provided in each room. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Looking for the CLOSEST Hotels or Lodging near Kartchner Caverns State Park? Save 10% w/ Insider Prices on Cheap Kartchner Caverns State Park Hotels. Kartchner Caverns State Park is known for its impressive limestone caverns featuring over 2. 96 km) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (12. Free parking . Votes. Kartchner Caverns State Park also offers hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, and cabin rentals. How can you save on this tour? – You can save on this tour by using. Keep in mind that evenings in the desert can be cool! The Discovery Center has a gift shop, Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. 1110 W. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 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. 2D1S Events Promo. 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. 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 —. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Special offer. This is a popular trail. NPR's Howard Berkes reports on Kartchner Caverns near Tuscon, Arizona. The trail has beautiful views and is pet friendly. October 21-22, 2023 - Roper Lake State Park, Safford. 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. Discover genuine guest reviews for Comfort Inn Benson near. m. Two tours are offered daily. 1,824 Reviews. Olympia, Washington 7 Votes The caverns are always warm and humid so shorts are fine as are short sleeves. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. Kartchner Caverns State Park. . Graham. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located in southeastern Arizona, 14 km (9 miles) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains. With Kartchner Caverns Promo Code, you can shop happy and worry less about your wallet. 16,112 likes · 180 talking about this · 48,666 were here. Cave Discovery: Discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974. Next stop was Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Arizona. Featuring Patagonia Lake State Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tumacacori National Historical Park, Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, Coronado National Memorial, Coronado National Forest, Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge, Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Located 9 miles south of Benson and 48 miles northwest of Tucson, this unique park features camping, cabins and trails in addition to its daily cave tours. MARK LEVY HERALD/REVIEW;. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. Tunnels had to be created in order to allow safe and easy access. 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. Tonto National Monument. While nature is rarely ADA–compliant, much of the development of public access at Kartchner was done post-ADA. There are two tours through different parts of the caverns. 4 helpful votes. Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about halfway between Benson, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. m. You state you want a compelling reason as to why. On October 6-8, 2023, The Caverns. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns Promo Code・Hotel Net Rates and Promo Codes. This allows the walkways to be hosed out once a week and all the water and debris (e. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Definitely worth a visit! - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Votes. September 30-October 1, 2023 - Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson - SOLD OUT. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Lake Havasu State Park. The award-winning Dark Sky Places Program was started by IDA in 2001 to encourage communities around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting polices and public education. P. The history of Kartchner Caverns is fascinating. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. The microbial research joined a steady drip of science that has echoed through Kartchner’s limestone caverns almost since their discovery. The walk is 1/2 mile and takes 1 1/2 hours. BENSON — On Saturday, hundreds of visitors explored a piece of living history at the 20th anniversary of Kartchner Caverns as a state park. Kartchner Caverns State Park has not had an incident like this since it opened in Nov. at March 04, 2023. It is formed by water flowing over a bump on the wall, then dripping to create this beautiful formation. “This is a big day for us,” said Heidi Lauchstedt, a cave unit ranger. With Willsey was Ricky Toomey, former science manager of State Parks, Ginger Nolan, former cave manager, and Ronnie Sidner, a bat researcher. Our Cafe and Gift Shop is open from 10am. Published: Jun. 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. - 5 p. Two-room camping cabins with a view of the Whetstone Mountains are available at Kartchner, right in the park. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 1,823 Reviews. 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 limestone caverns were originally discovered in 1974 by Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen and feature more than 2. 630 South Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602, Arizona, United States. ) Advantage: Cabin. 2 on Tripadvisor among 26 attractions in Benson. If you’re looking for a cave tour with beautiful sights and colors. 10 reviews. Washington St. 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. Camping Reservations at. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Thank davidcF6746ZO . 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Cabins: $60-$65 at most of the parks; $89 at Kartchner Caverns. 5 miles, rated moderate to difficult. Kartchner Caverns State Park connects the public with the wonders of a pristine underground world. Rigged with special equipment to protect the still-living caves, Kartchner Caverns opened in 1999 and has 2. crackerbunny (crackerbunny) After their discovery in 1974, these limestone caverns were kept secret for more than a decade as their discoverers sought a way to preserve their untrammeled. MST. Compare 307 hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson using 11,383 real guest reviews. The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3. Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns. 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. - 10 p. 7 miles east of Tucson. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere. – 6 p. Dec. Dr. 334 reviews. The majesty of the cave. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. in case you can't find a place with the cards, the code is 'amazingcave15'. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Prices are subject to change. Find out how the network ofKartchner Caverns, Apple Annie’s, Willcox, Sierra Vista, Benson: All That Cochise County Has to Offer. 45" Humidity: 35%. 14 Day API Weather Forecast. m. 1,824 Reviews. Find out the important role these bats play in the ecosystem of the caverns. m. The Rotunda/Throne Tour examines the role water plays in creating the caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park. ) (You pay more for the microwave and mini fridge. ”. Long hidden from view, the caverns were discovered in 1974 by local cavers. They average to be around twenty-one feet and three inches long. For Reservations Call: (877) MY-PARKS - 8 a. 7 Smart Money-saving Tips On Back To School Expenses. The caverns are always warm and humid so shorts are fine as are short sleeves. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Caves Giant crystal formations and bandit hideouts. 4 years ago. It is warm inside due to the 99% humidity. Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. School group planners have the opportunity to make arrangements with a specialized phone reservation attendant. RV campers will appreciate well-paved, flat roads, broad sweeping turns, and ample parking. Length: ½ mile. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. The Kartchner Caverns story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. A 19 percent decline in visitors last. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. 271 reviews. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. 4. 90, 9 miles south of Benson Hours Park 8:30am-5:30pm Phone 520/586-2283 for reservations, 520/586-4100 for information Prices Admission $6 per car (up to 4 adults). 3 star rating from 217 community reviews. m. Elevation. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602.