How would you like to go on a spelunking expedition similar to those of original cave explorers? Kartchner Caverns offers a lantern-lit tour where the underground passageways are illuminated only by the light from your hardhat. This unique, family-friendly adventure just might be one of the best hidden gems in Arizona.
Voted “Best Arizona Attraction” in the 2017 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a subterranean treasure just 45 miles outside of Tucson.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park This archaic underworld dates back millions of years, and you can explore its rugged beauty firsthand.
On Saturdays, a special Helmet & Headlamp Tour is offered that harkens back to the times of the earliest cave explorers.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park You’ll traverse the underground passageways, guided only by the light emitted from your hardhat, following in the footsteps of the brave souls who discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974.
For just over an hour, you’ll embark on a half-mile journey through ancient history.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park Learn about how the caverns came to be and what role erosion played, get up-to-speed on the latest discoveries, and marvel at all sorts of fascinating speleothems — including the largest column formation in Arizona, known as “Kubla Khan.”
As you forge ahead, visibility is limited. There’s strength in numbers, however, and your entire group should generate enough light to navigate the narrow corridors.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park Tickets are $30 each. Please note: Children under 10 are not allowed on the Helmet & Headlamp Tour.
This tour is available year-round, but as the seasons change, so too does the room in which it takes place.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park From October-April, the Helmet & Headlamp Tour is held in the Big Room. In the remaining months, spelunkers gather in the Throne Room/Rotunda.
Other tours at Kartchner Caverns include the Rotunda/Throne Tour, Big Room Tour, and Photo Tour.
TripAdvisor/lynnkmc Prices vary, and reservations are required. Tours may be booked online or by phone.
Although the main attraction is underground, there’s plenty to do on the surface, as well!
Wikimedia Commons/Shaunnamm Three hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty, meander around the regal Whetstone Mountains. There’s also a Discovery Center where you can learn more about the park, as well as cabin and tent camping opportunities. Kartchner Caverns boasts some of the darkest skies in Arizona, so you’ll definitely want to spend the night and stargaze!
Please note: the Helmet & Headlamp Tour has been put on pause due to COVID-19. Visit the Kartchner Caverns website or Facebook page to be the first to know when it comes back. The Big Room Tour is still available, as are the Discovery Center and aboveground attractions. Discovery Center hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. from May 19 through December 6, and 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. the remainder of the year.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park
This archaic underworld dates back millions of years, and you can explore its rugged beauty firsthand.
You’ll traverse the underground passageways, guided only by the light emitted from your hardhat, following in the footsteps of the brave souls who discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974.
Facebook/Kartchner Caverns State Park
Learn about how the caverns came to be and what role erosion played, get up-to-speed on the latest discoveries, and marvel at all sorts of fascinating speleothems — including the largest column formation in Arizona, known as “Kubla Khan.”
Tickets are $30 each. Please note: Children under 10 are not allowed on the Helmet & Headlamp Tour.
From October-April, the Helmet & Headlamp Tour is held in the Big Room. In the remaining months, spelunkers gather in the Throne Room/Rotunda.
TripAdvisor/lynnkmc
Prices vary, and reservations are required. Tours may be booked online or by phone.
Wikimedia Commons/Shaunnamm
Three hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty, meander around the regal Whetstone Mountains. There’s also a Discovery Center where you can learn more about the park, as well as cabin and tent camping opportunities. Kartchner Caverns boasts some of the darkest skies in Arizona, so you’ll definitely want to spend the night and stargaze!
Have you ever taken the Helmet & Headlamp Tour at Kartchner Caverns? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Let us know how it went, and check out our previous article for an epic road trip to the best caves and waterfalls in Arizona.
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Address: Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
