Kartchner Caverns State Park

Not all tourist sites in Arizona are filled with expansive horizons and wide open spaces. Some of the most beautiful and unusual things to see are hidden away underground, just waiting for you to discover them. Kartchner Caverns is the perfect example. The cavern rooms offer some spectacular sights, with enormous limestone pillars and hanging stalactites. It’s like something out of a fantasy movie!

There are 2 sections of the cavern that are open for tours: the Rotunda and Throne Room, and the Big Room. Make sure you check the calendar before planning your trip as the Big Room is only open for tours between mid-October until mid-April to protect the colony of bats that roost there.

Unfortunately for the independent folks, all access to the caves is by guided tour only. No parts of the cavern can be explored on your own. And that means there is a pretty big demand for those tour tickets. If you plan on visiting Kartchner Caverns, it would be a smart move to reserve your tickets well in advance so you don't miss out. Children under 6 are not allowed on the Big Room tour, making it a possible problem for anyone on a family vacation.

Unlike many other canyon hikes in Arizona, walking through the caverns isn't overly strenuous and the rooms are large enough to keep you from getting too claustrophobic. Be prepared for a hot and steamy walk though. The temperature is usually quite warm, and the caves are extremely humid all year round. The tour routes are pretty level and have guard rails to keep you on track so you won't be doing any spelunking while you're down there!

For a bit more fresh air, you can do some hiking outside the caves, along several miles of trails through the hills, or set up camp for a couple of nights in one of the park’s beautiful campgrounds.

Quick Facts:
-- Some of the limestone formations have been forming for more than 50,000 years.
-- The caverns were first discovered in 1974, but not made public until 1988.