Kartchner Caverns was discovered in 1974, but the discovery was not made public knowledge until 1988. Located 12 miles south of Benson, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns is a mere 30-minute drive from your new home in Sierra Vista. This state park has 13,000 feet of passages plus two enormous rooms where visitors can view pristine cave formations. Kartchner Caverns was officially opened in November of 1999, and hosts thousands of visitors each year eager to see this fascinating underground world. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Kartchner Caverns State Park.
When to Go
Kartchner Caverns State Park is open 364 days a year, only closing for Christmas Day. Be aware that there are no tours leaving after 12 noon on Christmas Eve, as well. Since the park is open year-round and the temperatures in the cave average 68 degrees Fahrenheit, you can visit in any season, no matter what the weather is outside. The park is open at 7:30 a.m., and closes at 6:00 p.m. with tours running every 20 minutes from 8:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Because of the relative newness of the park, plan on making reservations for your tour before you arrive so that you don’t miss out.
What to Bring
The formations inside of Kartchner Caverns are very delicate, and any contact with human hands or foreign objects can change them forever. All you need to bring with you on your cave tour is a light jacket if the outside weather calls for it. Inside the cave is warm and humid, so you should be comfortable. Leave your backpacks, snacks, flashlights, and cameras at home or in your car to help preserve this natural wonder.
What to Expect
During your guided tour of Kartchner Caverns, you’ll see incredible cave formations in an array of colors unlike anything else you’ll see in the U.S. In fact, Kartchner Caverns has been named as one of the top 10 caves in the world for its mineral deposits, and is the only one on the list open to the public in the U.S.
Kartchner Caverns State Park is just one of the fascinating natural attractions that will be close by when you live in your new home in Sierra Vista. Contact Castle & Cooke at (520) 378-5110 to learn more about available homes in the area. Visit our website to learn more about our services.