Mountain Matron

Kartchner Caverns State Park | Benson, Arizona | Hiking Arizona 

Description:  Kartchner Caverns are part of the Arizona State Parks system and located in southern Arizona. Offering RV camping, hiking, interpretive exhibits, an indoor Discover Center, but best of all, guided tours through the captivating underground caves.

This state park has a 60-unit campground complete with electric and water hook-ups. There are restrooms with showers and flush toilets. There is a dump station just outside the campground. The campground limit is 14 days. Be sure to read the state park camping information. The tour and discovery center are wheelchair accessible. The cave is dim on light but not completely dark and the walk is about a half mile long. They sell tickets starting for 7yr old children for that reason. The walk is long and the atmosphere could be too extreme for anyone younger or possible sensory sensitivity. Here you have this live cave right before your eyes. Very large, fairly dark, generously humid and within hands reach, but must not touch and I think for many adults that concept can be difficult to adhere to, especially for over an hour.

The cave is said to be 99% humiditity inside but it didn't seem too uncomfortable for anyone on either of my 2 tours.

That said, there are many beautiful areas in and outside the Discovery Center that could be appealing to those a little younger or not comfortable with a cave tour. One of which is the Hummingbird Garden. A lovely outdoor patio with a walkway joined with a beautiful plaque of Mr. & Mrs. Kartchner. It also has paved paths to view the flora. You can picnic under the many Ramada areas placed throughout the park's open-space with the lush desert landscape as your backdrop.

Enterance Fees:

Car(up to 4 ppl)- $6

Individual/Cyclist- $3

Cave Tours:

(entrance fee waved for  those who *reserve* tour tickets) 

14+ $23.00

7-14yrs- $13.00

Amenities: 

Bat Cave Cafe(food)- Gift Shop(gifts)- Flatten Your Penny Coin Souvenir Machine($.51cents)

TidBit:

There are many options on times to tour the cave but make sure to reserve your tour as soon as you can. Some tours can fill fast and there is not a pre-hold option without purchase. If you are on a time restraint this is a must! It wasn't pleasant to see visitors be turned away.

Also, food and drinks are NOT allowed past the Discovery Center doors. However they don't discourage keeping a cooler with food and drinks in your vehicle and also offer a few small lockers(needing 4 quarters). 

Visit Kartchner Caverns Website

Disclosure: As with any outdoor activity you need to plan properly and adhere to all National, State and City ordinances. We only offer an insight to our own experiences and do not take any responsibility for you or any persons accompanying you on this or any outdoor recreation activities listed on this website or any other Mountain Matron Social Outlets.