Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, AZ,

[Bill]

Kartchner Caverns is a very large cave - actually, two caves - in southern Arizona. The complex was discovered in 1974 by two college students at UofA in Tucson. They kept the caves a secret for four years, so that the caves wouldn't be spoiled by developers and souvenir hunters. In 1978, they revealed the existence of the caves to the Kartchner family, who owned the land. The Kartchners started private talks with the State, with the goal of protecting the caves by turning the area into a state park. In 1988, that goal was accomplished. Today, the caverns are in near-pristine condition, and the state runs careful but comprehensive tours on wheelchair-accessible pathways through the caves. The two caves are visited on separate tours, each lasting a bit less than 2 hours. The tours are limited in size, ranger-led, and are spectacular.

Within the state park is a very nice camping area. The spaces are big and clean, and each has water and electricity. A dump station is located on the access road. The campground is way off the road and so is very quiet at night. Dark, too! The stars were wonderful. The Host was great, too. We truly enjoyed being there, and met some nice folks.

Although we had been in the area before, this was our first trip to Kartchner. We loved not only the caves, but the surrounding area. We are hikers and geocachers, and there are a lot of caches within a few miles. Some are easy to get to, but some require a substantial hike out through the desert hills. This is open range, and on one trail we had a long discussion with a few cattle about who had the right of way. The cows were pretty reasonable about it, but the bulls were a little harder to convince. Fortunately, my wife grew up on a dairy farm, and knows how to talk to all of them. Other caches can be reached by primitive roads, for which a high clearance (but not 4WD) vehicle is needed. We picked up several caches by driving a few miles on these roads - not necessarily a smart idea, as the paint on my Explorer will attest.

Anyway, this was our first time at Kartchner, and we can't wait to go back. The cavern tours sell out, and should be reserved several days in advance. The campground is FC/FS, but didn't fill up while we were there (weekends may be different). Plan on arriving by early afternoon if you can. Although most of the Arizona State Parks are scheduled to close due to budget concerns, Kartchner is self-supporting and will remain open. Check out http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/KACA/

By the way, although the pictures show our TV antenna raised, only 2 stations are within range - both in Mexico. We don't speak Spanish.

Bill

I really agree with Bill. The caverns are really epic and should be a 'must see' for anyone visiting the area. This is one of the best preserved cave systems in the world, and while not too large are very interesting. They have gone so far as to have visitors enter through an air lock (keeps outside air out) and walk on pathways which have been designed to be hosed off (washes away stuff like hairs and skin cells). The caves were not opened to the public until they were completely protected.

We would agree, what a neat cavern. We made the trip last year and had a wonderful time. While in that area a trip to Tombstone, AZ should also be on the agenda. It was the original capitol and is famous for the OK corral shootings. A nice side trip and good for lunch and an afternoon.

[Bill]

Just a quick addition. We have local friends who have decided to go to Kartchner on our recommendation. Although they have been in AZ for years, they have never gone because, as the wife says, "I am not good in closed spaces - I panic".

My wife is also a bit claustrophobic. She has managed a few caves with minor discomfort, but when we came out of Kartchner, she said "Wow! I forgot to get scared!"

The caverns are big, they are well-lighted, and the walkways are smooth, paved (wheelchair accessible!), and easy. No tight cramped spaces for visitors at Kartchner! If you don't get claustrophobia in a gymnasium, you won't in Kartchner.

Bill