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Kartchner Caverns State Park, Huachuca Mountains Travel Guide

4.8 (3416)

Explore a world of underground wonders and natural beauty at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona. A must-see destination for cave enthusiasts!

Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns State Park is home to a stunning limestone cave system that has been growing for over 50,000 years. The park offers guided tours through the caverns, showcasing unique formations and preserving a delicate ecosystem. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, a Discovery Center, and camping facilities.

A brief summary to Kartchner Caverns State Park

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kartchner Caverns State Park.

  • Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as they often sell out in advance.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time to allow for check-in and preparation.
  • No bags, cameras, or cell phones are allowed in the cave during tours. Lockers are available for storage.
  • The cave maintains a constant temperature of 70°F (21°C) and 99% humidity year-round, so dress accordingly.
  • Check the park's website for seasonal tour availability, as the Big Room Tour is closed from mid-April to mid-October to protect roosting bats.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Kartchner Caverns State Park is located south of Benson, Arizona, off of Highway 90. From Interstate 10, take exit 302 for AZ-90 S and follow the highway for approximately 9 miles. The park entrance is well-marked on the west side of the highway. Parking is readily available in the park's main lot. General parking is available throughout the lot, with accessible parking spaces and RV parking. Parking fee is included in the park entrance fee. Park Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (2-4 people). Individual/bicycle: $5.

  • Walking

    From the main parking lot, the Discovery Center and cave tour entrance are easily accessible via paved walkways. The Discovery Center is located on the northeast end of the parking lot. Allow approximately 5-10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Discovery Center, where you will check in for your tour. Ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. This allows ample time to pick up your tickets and experience the Discovery Center activities.

Discover more about Kartchner Caverns State Park

Kartchner Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains near Benson, Arizona, protects a remarkable cave system discovered in 1974 by cavers Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. The two kept the cave a secret for many years while they looked for ways to protect it. The cave remained a secret until 1988 when the landowners sold the area to the state. The park officially opened in 1999, after a $28 million investment in a high-tech preservation system.The caverns are carved out of limestone and boast stunning speleothems that continue to grow. Visitors can explore this underground world through guided tours, including the Rotunda/Throne Tour, which features Kubla Khan, a massive 58-foot column, and the Big Room Tour, available from October 15 to April 15, showcasing colorful and bizarre formations. A Helmet & Headlamp Tour offers a unique experience of exploring the cave with only the light from your helmet. To protect the cave's delicate environment, no personal items like bags or cameras are allowed inside during tours.Above ground, the park offers a variety of activities. The Discovery Center features exhibits about the cave's geology, history, and ecology. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails with views of the Whetstone Mountains, camping and cabin rentals, and a hummingbird garden. Kartchner Caverns State Park is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.
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