Kartchner Caverns State Park

The Kartchner Caverns are a system of limestone caves which were discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974. They were exploring the limestone hills and discovered a narrow crack leading into the hillside. After hours of crawling they found the pristine caverns. The Caves were only shown to the property owners in 1978 and then in 1988 the Caverns became public knowledge as an Arizona State Park. There have been many measures taken to preserve the Caverns pristine nature and is closed over the summer as it is a nursery for over 1000 bats.
Above, A photograph of the Big Room in the Caverns.

Cave Bacon

Below, a photo of one of the Caverns when filled with water from rainfall.

Types of Formations in the Caverns All the stalactites are formed from sediment which has been eroded from acidic rain. This rain then reaches the caverns where it drips down and evaporates leaving the mineral deposits. The different structures are created from different areas of the caverns. Soda Straw Stalactites: These formations are made through cracks in the ceilings of caves. (Shown below)

The Largest and most massive column structure in Arizona called Kubla Khan which is 58 feet tall. (Shown below).

The worlds largest formation of brushite moonmilk, the big room.

the first reported occurrence of turnip shields the first cave occurrence of birdsnest needle quartz formations

Many other unusual formations such as shields, totems, helictites, and rimstone dams.

Bell canopies are created from water pouring over a rock ledge and dripping over the edge. Shown to the Right

Bats
On the 1 5th of April every year the Big Room is closed until the 15th of October. This is due to the migration of bats which inhabit the caverns over the summer to feed, give birth and raise their young. Over the winter they hibernate in a mountain over 40 miles away from the caverns. During their hibernation the body temperature of the bats reduces from around 37 C to around 10 C. Their heart rate also drops from around 1000 beats per minute to only 12-15 beats. This allows them to sleep and feed only on a few grams of stored fat over the months of hibernation.

Over the years the population of bats inhabiting the caverns has been carefully monitored to make sure the changes to the caverns have not affected their reproduction. Between 2001 and 2003 the count increased from 1000 to 1800 bats. In 2003 the Big Room tour opened during the winter months after the bats migrated away. 2004 saw the population at just over 1000 which steadily increased to around 1700 in 2007.

Contact the Park: (520) 586-2283 Reservation Line (520) 586-4100 Information Line Kartchner Caverns SP P.O. Box 1849 Benson, AZ 85602 9 mi. S of Benson on Hwy 90 Park Entrance Fees: Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $6.00 Rotunda/Throne Tour: $22.95 Big Room Tour: $22.95
Map of the Tucson area with the Caverns shown by the marker. From the Centre of Tucson the trip will take 1 hour by car.

The following are NOT permitted in the Discovery Centre:

The following are NOT permitted on Cave Tours:

Food and drinks (including bottled water) Smoking Pets (Except certified assistance animals). Littering

Purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, baby backpacks or other bags/items. Binoculars or flashlights. Photography or video equipment (to include phones, other electronic recording devices and tripods). Food, gum, tobacco products and drinks (including bottled water). Strollers, walkers, crutches. Touching or damaging formations (punishable by law). Littering or tossing coins.