If you are vacationing in Arizona, put the Kartchner Caverns State Park on your "must do" list! This state park is located about 50 miles south of Tucson and 12 miles south of Benson, Arizona.
These caverns were discovered in 1974 by two college fellows who spent their free time "caving". In the bottom of a sinkhole the young men found a narrow crack leading into the hillside. They felt warm, moist air flowing out which signaled to them the existence of a cave. After several hours of crawling, they entered a pristine cavern! In 1978 the young men finally fold the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. about their amazing discovery. The Kartchners and the young discoverers realized that the cave with all of its spectacular formations must be preserved.
This discovery continued to be kept secret for many years and finally announced to the world in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park. The cavern was not opened as a state park until Novmember 12, 1999. Unbelievably difficult work has been done by the state of Arizona to protect the cavern's pristine environment, to create appropriate lighting and to build safe, concrete walkways that can also accommodate wheelchairs.
What can you expect to see in these caverns? In these stunning limestone caves you will see dynamic structures such as stalactites dripping down like icicles and giant stalactites reaching up from the ground! You will see many unusual formations such as shields, totems, helictites and so much more. The average temperature in these caves is 70 degrees with 99% humidity year-round...much effort is put into maintaining this climate so the caves awesome features are protected.
To prepare you for the tour, there is a Discovery Center where you can view world-class exhibits, regional displays, view a movie in the amphitheater about the caverns and pick up information about the tour, the campgrounds, hiking trails and picnic areas. In the gift shop one can purchase books and other cavern information, souvenirs, etc. A food concession is also available.
All tours are led by a trained guide... no self-guided tours are available. The tour guides are excellent and well trained....our guide happened to be a geologist. Twenty tours are available year round for the Rotunda/Throne Tour and 15 tours are scheduled daily for the Big Room Tour from mid-October to mid-April. (Children 6 and under are not allowed on the Big Room Tour). The park service recommends that you book your tour as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.
To purchase tickets in advance call (520 586-2283) or you can purchase tickets online.
You may use either a Visa or Mastercard for your reservation payment. A confirmation letter will be mailed to you with more tour information. (You cannot buy tickets for same day tours via telephone or computer. For same day tours , you will need to purchase walk-up tickets at the park if they have any open reservations available for that day.
This is a great educational opportunity. This would be an incredible learning experience for Grandchildren. We were totally "blown away" with the entire experience!
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