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. The price is $72 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15. The caverns were discovered in 1974 and. 31, state residents get discounts on. 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. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. Decimal Degrees (WGS84) Latitude: 31. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Purchase an Annual State Parks Pass. Wear sensible shoes. Save up to 50% Off with these current Arizona State Parks Coupons for November 2023. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. The cavern has been surveyed at 2. expires soon 108 . Tombstone hosts daily re-creations of the infamous O. 1256. Closed for the season December thru March. , Suite 100. 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). How much does Kartchner caverns cost? Admission: $7 per vehicle, waived for those with tour tickets or campground reservations. If you’ve ever been to Kartchner, please leave a comment below and share your experience with my readers and me. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona. 4 helpful votes. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Next stop was Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Arizona. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. See 4 traveler reviews, 9 photos and blog posts Arizona Benson Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Kartchner Caverns State Park Overflow Parking Lot. EXPLORE. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Kartchner Caverns - See 1,814 traveler reviews, 395 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. For additional distribution outlets, please contact the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance at (520) 499-2662 or email info@TucsonAttractions. com. This model should only be used as a probable scenario. View more 8 Other Reasons promo codes. Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602. It begins in rugged old. DST Changes. Votes. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Published November 1, 2017. 58m. Lake Havasu State Park ~ Lake Havasu, AZ Kartchner Caverns State Park. You’ve probably heard about Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona. 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 was voted the best cave in the United States in the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is warm inside due to the 99% humidity. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. 72 mi) Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns (8. Admission at the gate is covered with the price of a tour if your group chooses to partake in one. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. Today 6 active codes. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. 00. - 4 p. Back To School Supplies: 6 Tips To Save Money With Coupons. 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. 2D1S Sponsors. 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. azstateparks. No. About. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. This is a good place to stay if youre visiting tombstone, and other things in the area. 1,824 Reviews. 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. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 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. 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. Don’t miss these great Tucson kids activities:. Patricia's expert tip: Kartchner Caverns State Park is located approximately 50 miles from Tucson, but it's well worth the drive. m. 85701. Just copy this coupon and apply it at check out. This Benson hotel is just off of Interstate 10, a 20-minute drive from Kartchner Caverns State Park. Afterpay financing. 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. K. Kartchner is a beautiful cave because its carbonate speleothems are colorful (shades of red, orange, yellow and tan) and ‘alive’(still wet and growing). Red and Crystal Arizona Caves and Caverns. You can click below to reserve your cabin online or call us at the Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. So on Friday, November 17th, I finally got to complete my experience of these wonderful, living caves. Located near the town of Benson, Kartchner Caverns offer an absolutely unique and stunning look into a subterranean world that is rarely seen, making them one of those must-see things to do on your trip to Pima and southern Arizona. Since then, the Park has hosted several such events per year and IT is increasingly. They average to be around twenty-one feet and three inches long. The Campsite is beautiful in a way only the desert can be and Kartchner Caverns is breathtaking. 9-mile out-and-back trail near Benson, Arizona. It is also home to over 1,000 cave bats. Bat species netted or observed on the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park. The caverns, discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, have since. 21. June 1-Dec. On site, you will find ADA-accessible restrooms, camping cabins, and camping for RVs. The tour begins with boarding a small. Acreage: 921. Only you can decide if it's compelling enough for. Rigged with special equipment to protect the still-living caves, Kartchner Caverns opened in 1999 and has 2. 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. Days Inn by Wyndham Benson. to 5 p. We're here to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Not Carlsbad, but see it anyway - See 1,820 traveler reviews, 402 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Arizona time. Now $122 (Was $̶1̶4̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Comfort Inn Benson Near Kartchner Caverns, Benson. Please also review our service animal policy before heading out to our parks. There are two regular cavern tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Olympia, Washington 7 Votes The caverns are always warm and humid so shorts are fine as are short sleeves. The first section is a little difficult to navigate but there are cairns to help find. The guided 1. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. s4. Encore Valley Vista. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave. MST. Experience a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. While nature is rarely ADA–compliant, much of the development of public access at Kartchner was done post-ADA. Precipitation: 0. Take note, unlike other always-chilly caverns, Kartchner is quite warm, as it lies close to the surface. 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. 1,820 Reviews. Main Office. Arizona time. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. the day prior to your reservations, all fees are forfeited. Kartchner Caverns State Park campground has 64 single-family sites with electric hookups and is located off the main road past the Discovery Center. Reservations are necessary and easy to make online on their website. O. Weather. Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. According to AllTrails. m. The Throne Room includes the 58-foot-high Kubla Khan column (pictured) and a 21-foot, 3-inch soda straw stalactite. Throughout history, people have looked to the stars for answers. Kartchner Caverns State Park 14 Day Extended Forecast. 7. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. Kartchner is a wet, “live” cave. to buy tickets. Recommend making reservations to ensure you get a long enough spot and get a spot in a tour of the caverns. The park near Benson beat out 19. 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. Become a Junior Ranger. About Kartchner Caverns State Park. to 5 p. Hike the extensive trail network into the Whetstone Mountains, visit the park discovery center, or. The cavesKartchner Caverns is proud to offer Bat Conservation International-guided Bat Walks. 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. [1] The park is located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Benson and west of the north-flowing San Pedro River. Rickard Tomey, Cave Resources Manager for Kartchner Caverns State Park, looks over stalagmites, stalactites, and columns in the Big Room, November of 2003. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Benson. Alamo Lake State Park Cabin Fee for $65 Per Night. The relative humidity inside the cave averages 99. There are two tours through different parts of the caverns. Lake Havasu, AZ Home of the original London Bridge since 1971, featuring lake beaches,campsites, trails & a garden with wildlife. For tour reservations, call 1-877-697-2757, or visit. The Story of Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. 1. Download schedule as a PDF to print. Time Zone. In fact, its very location was kept secret for another 25 years in order to prepare for its opening as Kartchner Caverns State Park. If the Arizona State Park has a per person entrance fee, then. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Jeff Dexter was selected as the first Park Manager. 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. Discover this 1. Ticket Prices (Subject to Change) Adults 13 and up: $20. The International Dark Sky Association has designated two Arizona state parks as Dark Sky Parks: Oracle State Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park. m. 1,820 Reviews. Discount is good for day entry to parks only. 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. Miles of winding pathways carved deep into Paleozoic rocks. Kartchner Caverns State Park. 4 miles (3. Add one of these 2 verified Arizona State Parks Black Friday Promo codes into your cart. Great displays in the Visitor Center. Kartchner Caverns State Park. How can you save on this tour? – You can save on this tour by using. 15, 22, 28 and Nov. Phone information (520) 586-4100. Fees are based on one vehicle per campsite. On this trip we hiked the Foothills Loop trail which is approximately 3 miles long and is a moderately difficult trail. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. Bullet Fire (Last updated June 13)Kartchner Caverns State Park 2980 S AZ-90, Benson (520) 586-4100 Reservations are recommended. Site Number: 18. 8366 lon:-110. Free Wifi . m. 2 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. m. There’s no reason why Kartchner Caverns State Park shouldn’t be at the top of your must-see list. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Big Room Tour - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Prickly things are blooming. Graham. " | Check out 18 answers, plus see 1,823 reviews, articles, and 404 photos of Kartchner Caverns State Park, ranked No. The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a. access@azstateparks. The Rotunda/Throne Tour examines the role water plays in creating the caverns. Hotels near Kartchner Caverns State Park: (13. 22 Jun 2017. We were very early for our tour and asked if they had room in an earlier tour and they were able to accommodate us. 2980 Arizona 90. Save. Park Hours: 6 a. Cochise County residents and active-duty military members get a $5 discount during that period. Pool . Think Florida in August. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. 12”E) were visited on 28–29 November 2017. Acquisition of the Kartchner property was finalized on September 16, 1988. s. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave. A well-known, more family-friendly cave to visit is the Kartchner Caverns, with guided tours and paths to see the wondrous geological formations within. Kartchner Caverns is in the Whetstone Mountains, ~13 km south of Benson, Arizona, USA, just west of Arizona State Highway 90. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. It is one of the top 10 caves in the world in terms of mineralogical diversity. Dew Point: 34 °F. 7. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a. As with most campgrounds, this one fills up in advance. , Tucson, AZ. Tumacácori National Historical Park. The majesty of the cave. Admission: $7 per vehicle, waived for those with tour tickets or campground reservations. Kartchner Caverns are less than an hour SE of where I stayed in Tucson. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. June 22. Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Get and use it immediately to get coupon codes, promo codes, discount codes. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. 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. m. Standard Link for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. GPS: 31. Visitation is by guided tour only and special efforts are being made to maintain the caverns in. Phone (520) 439-6400. Kartchner Caverns Cave Tour Tickets. 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM PDT. Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, featuring a show cave with 2. This natural wonder is a must-see. Nature & Parks, State Parks, Caverns & Caves. Two Tucson cave explorers — Gary Tenen and the late Randy Tufts — discovered majestic Kartchner Caverns southwest of Benson in 1974. Kartchner Caverns is the second state park in Arizona with this honor; Oracle State Park received the designation in 2014. BENSON —Fewer people are visiting Kartchner Caverns. O. Kartchner Caverns State Park. gov. Select Room. 699 N Ocotillo Rd, Benson, AZ. Chiricahua National Monument. Kuala Khan stands at 58 feet tall. Table of Contents show. They’re called soda straw stalactites. See All Photos. 334. You will definitely, want reservations at least during peak season for both the campground and the caverns tour. 4. More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. The Caverns: 555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham, TN 37366. The Magnitude of Kartchner Caverns State Park. Also interesting rocks and vegetation (desert ferns!). Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 69 °F. It highlights the original trail pioneered by cave. 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. from $85/night. We didn't have a reservation which I would recommend. 4 miles of accessible passages. m. It was the trails that drew us to this state park! There are three trails that run in the state park. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. Park Entrance Fee Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7. The cavern has been surveyed at 2. 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. Cabins are also available for rent. You need to make reservations for the tour on line. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Closed on Thursdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and November 24th and 25th. 835566 Longitude: -110. 602-542-7389. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. m. DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Vacation Rentals. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. Kartchner Caverns State Park provides easy access, ample parking, and well-paved roads. Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more. In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. Use the fields below to create a notification alert. This 200,000-year-old cave was only recently discovered – in 1974 by cavers. They feature vibrant colors, organic textures, and design motifs that vary from piece to piece or artisan to artisan. m. Convenient if you’re planning a trip to see the caverns. m. 10 reviews. Caves Giant crystal formations and bandit hideouts. from $50/night. Take Interstate 10 to Arizona Highway 90 (Exit 302), and head about 10 miles south. 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602 520-586-4100 Official Website. The seven best caves in Arizona . You see, the most. Select Room. Day 2. Re: Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns. Overall Rating. 621 West Commerce Dr, Benson, AZ. 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. Degrees, Minutes & Seconds Latitude: N31 50 08 Longitude: W110 20 37. Kartchner Caverns State Park. You need a reservation to take a tour of the Kartchner Caverns Caves and they can book months in advance. 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). to buy tickets. $3 off cave tours for Arizona residents. 2 Thank Patrick D . Details: Information, 520-586-4100; tour reservations. The checkin for Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns is at 03:00 PM on arrival day, while the checkout is set at 11:. Written May 1, 2022. 2. Both were full/sold out during our stay in late March. Kartchner Caverns State Park is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. About 1,500 bats live in a part of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. RV campers will appreciate the broad, sweeping turns, large pull-off area, and general layout of the campground area. DEAL. m. Have some free time to kill? Head on over to Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson and explore the great outdoors. Take advantage of free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Comfort Inn Benson near Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park: Great campground - See 1,824 traveler reviews, 404 candid photos, and great deals for Benson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. During construction of Interstate 35, they were required to do regulation core testing, which required them to drill into the ground. Kartchner Caverns. Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona: 203 reviews, 124 photos, & 97 tips from fellow RVers. In addition to the caves, the park has picnic and camping areas. Thank davidcF6746ZO . Driving to Kartchner Caverns is fairly quick, especially if you live in the Tucson area. the day prior to your reservations, the $. 1,824 Reviews. 8. 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. Visitors Welcome! 1110 W. 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,. 8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews) Quality Inn Benson I-10 Exit 304. #2 of 16 things to do in Benson. Low Temp: 38 °F. 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. 2980 S Hwy 90, 9 miles south of Interstate 10, Benson, AZ 85602. Our team is available to help you plan your visit to Kartchner Caverns seven days a week from 8 a. Kartchner Caverns State Park has not had an incident like this since it opened in Nov. The formations are extremely fragile and protected by law. Kartchner Caverns State Park. The Big Room, closed from mid-April to mid-October each. 49. August 1999, S. Experience all the.