Kartchner Caverns State Park
A spectacular living limestone cave system with stunning formations, discovered in 1974 and carefully developed to preserve its pristine condition while allowing public access.
Kartchner Caverns State Park is home to one of the world's most magnificent living cave systems. Discovered in 1974 by local cavers Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, the caverns remained a closely guarded secret for 14 years while the discoverers worked with the Kartchner family (who owned the land) and Arizona State Parks to protect the pristine cave system.
Unlike many caves that are dry and dormant, Kartchner is a "living" cave, where water seeps from the surface and continues to create the stunning limestone formations. The cave features remarkable speleothems (cave formations) including massive columns, delicate soda straws, and the world's longest formation of brushite moonmilk. The caverns are also home to an impressive 58-foot column known as "Kubla Khan." To protect these delicate formations, the cave maintains a controlled environment with airlocks and specialized lighting that prevents algae growth.
Park Information
Visitor Information
Photos
Cave Tours and Trails
Rotunda/Throne Room Tour Easy
The most popular tour, featuring the historic discovery site, the Rotunda Room, and the 58-foot tall Kubla Khan column. Highlights include the "Strawberry Room" with its red-colored formations and numerous shields, soda straws, and stalactites.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 0.5 mile (in cave)
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Big Room Tour Easy
Showcases the largest room in the cave system and includes a massive flowstone formation called "Bacon Flitch." This tour also features the world's most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk and a nursery colony of Myotis velifer bats (seasonal).
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 0.5 mile (in cave)
Note: This tour is closed from mid-April to mid-October during bat roosting season
Helmet & Headlamp Tour Moderate
A specialized tour where visitors wear helmets with headlamps to experience the cave as early explorers did. This tour follows the Rotunda/Throne Room route but provides a more adventurous experience with different lighting.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 0.5 mile (in cave)
Note: Limited availability; age restrictions apply
Foothills Loop Trail Easy
An aboveground interpretive trail that loops through the desert foothills, showcasing native plants, wildlife, and geology of the Whetstone Mountains. Informational signs describe the natural and cultural history of the area.
Length: 0.5 mile loop
Elevation Change: Minimal
Surface: Paved and accessible
Ocotillo Trail Moderate
A slightly more challenging desert trail that climbs the hillside behind the Discovery Center, offering panoramic views of the San Pedro Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Length: 0.75 mile
Elevation Gain: Approximately 150 feet
Surface: Natural, rocky in places
Frequently Asked Questions
Cave tours at Kartchner Caverns are extremely popular and typically sell out in advance, especially during peak seasons. Here's how to make reservations:
- Online: The easiest method is to book through the Arizona State Parks reservation system
- By Phone: Call the park's reservation line at (877) 697-2757
- In Person: Visit the park visitor center, though same-day availability is limited
Recommended Booking Timeframe:
- Weekend tours: 2-3 months in advance
- Holiday periods: 4-6 months in advance
- Weekday tours: 2-4 weeks in advance
- Summer (June-August): 1-2 months in advance
Note that the Big Room Tour is closed annually from mid-April through mid-October for bat maternity season, so plan accordingly if you wish to experience this portion of the cave.
To protect the delicate cave environment and preserve the experience for all visitors, there are strict photography restrictions inside Kartchner Caverns:
- No photography or video recording of any kind is permitted inside the cave
- All electronic devices, including cameras, smartphones, and tablets must be turned off and stowed away during the tour
- These restrictions help prevent:
- Light damage to formations (which can promote algae growth)
- Disruption to the carefully controlled cave environment
- Interference with other visitors' experience
The park does sell professional photographs of cave formations in the gift shop, and the visitor center features extensive displays and videos showing the cave's interior. Photography is permitted throughout the rest of the park, including on the hiking trails and at the Discovery Center.
Kartchner Caverns State Park offers several accommodation options for visitors who want to stay overnight:
Camping Options:
- Developed Campground: 62 campsites with electric (30/50 amp) and water hookups
- Amenities include:
- Modern restrooms with hot showers
- RV dump station
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
- Accessibility features for visitors with disabilities
- Reservations: Can be made up to 12 months in advance through the Arizona State Parks website
Cabins:
- The park offers four furnished cabins
- Each cabin includes:
- Queen-sized bed and bunk beds
- Electricity, heating, and air conditioning
- Covered porch with seating
- Nearby restrooms and showers
- Cabins book up quickly, especially during peak seasons
Nearby Lodging:
- Benson (9 miles north) offers several hotels and motels
- Sierra Vista (30 miles south) has a wider range of accommodation options
- Tucson (45 miles west) provides numerous lodging choices including resorts, hotels, and bed & breakfasts
For the best experience, consider staying at the park campground or cabins, which allows for early morning access to tours and stargazing opportunities in the dark skies of the area.
Kartchner Caverns can be visited year-round, as the cave maintains a constant temperature of 68°F (20°C) and 99% humidity regardless of outside weather conditions. However, there are some considerations that might influence when you plan your visit:
Tour Availability:
- Big Room Tour: Only available from mid-October through mid-April (closed during bat maternity season)
- Rotunda/Throne Room Tour: Available year-round
- Specialty Tours: Offered on limited schedules throughout the year
Seasonal Considerations:
- Fall (October-November): Ideal time with mild outdoor temperatures and the reopening of the Big Room
- Winter (December-February): Less crowded, comfortable for hiking, and all cave tours available
- Spring (March-April): Beautiful wildflower displays and pleasant temperatures before the Big Room closes
- Summer (May-September): Hot outside temperatures (often exceeding 100°F/38°C), but the cave remains cool; Big Room Tour unavailable
Crowd Levels:
- Peak Season: Spring Break, summer vacation periods, and holidays
- Less Crowded: Weekdays during winter and early spring
If you're interested in seeing both cave tours, plan your visit between mid-October and mid-April. If hiking the park's trails is also important to you, the ideal times would be fall and spring when outdoor temperatures are most comfortable.
Nearby Attractions
Coronado National Forest
Surrounding area, hiking and outdoor recreation in the Dragoon Mountains
Tombstone
25 miles south, historic wild west town with attractions and reenactments
Bisbee
45 miles southeast, historic mining town with art galleries and shops
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
50 miles west, another historical cave system with guided tours
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
20 miles east, important bird watching area along the San Pedro River
Saguaro National Park
60 miles west, iconic Sonoran Desert landscape with giant saguaro cacti