Explore These Underground Caverns in Arizona to Discover a Whole World of Living Rock Formations

Arizona packs a lot of remarkable gems that everyone needs to visit and appreciate. Among these gems include this amazing Catholic Church in Sedona and this place that looks like a Swiss country. But if you’re looking for something that will really blow your mind away, you might want to check out Kartchner Caverns Arizona! The pandemic crisis may have locked you inside the house for a considerable amount of time. That doesn’t mean you can’t admire and explore the underground attraction from the comfort of your home, though. Keep reading…

The Kartchner Caverns is the Best Cave in the U.S.

Source: Life’s Incredible Journey

Discover a whole world of living rock formations by exploring Kartchner Caverns. These caverns are one of the best southern Arizona gems, as it boasts the world’s longest stalactite formation. Those who have already visited and spent some time here can definitely attest to the wonderful and unforgettable experience.

So, what will you see here?

You will be in awe while you marvel at the state’s tallest natural column formation. The towering structures are created by water. You can only imagine how Mother Nature put together such a beautiful work of art. In fact, because water is continually dripping from the ceiling of these caves, the towering formations eventually grow and twist into different shapes over time. What you will see now may change after a few years.

Source: Instagram

On top of that, Kartchner Caverns gives quite a display of its outstanding features with the giant stalagmites and stalactites. The gravity-defying helictites, rimstone dams, and drapes of the waving flowstone will leave you speechless. And interesting enough, it is home to some minerals and friendly winged friends.

Let your imagination lead your exploration in the Kartchner Caverns! You won’t be disappointed.

The History of Kartchner Caverns: A Living Cave

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It was in 1974 when Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts explored the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. The two were out for a big search, hoping to find a cave “no one had ever found.” Fate seemed to be on their side because they really did find it. They kept it a secret for a few years, and in February 1978, they told property owners James and Lois Kartchner, about the discovery.

In order to protect the cave from being damaged due to unregulated use, Tenen and Tufts spend most of their time trying to come up with ways to develop the cave themselves. It went on for several years until the Kartchner family got inspired by the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. So they approached the management of the said park, hoping they could help and acquire the discovery in their land.

The rest is history. Many years later, people are finally allowed to admire and explore this beautiful resource.

The Life Inside These Underground Caverns is Delicate, But It’s Simply Marvelous

Perhaps you need more reason to believe that anyone will fall in love when they see Kartchner Caverns Arizona right before their eyes.

Source: Instagram

It looks surreal, doesn’t it? Well, you have a long way ahead. Go and explore the mysterious world of caves.

Source: Instagram

Nature definitely has the power to give you feelings of awe. Get a good look of the beautiful formations inside the cave, just like the famed “Kubla Kahn” column. It’s enormous!

Visit These Otherworldly Caves Now!

The caves may be ancient, but it’s living and growing. The caverns also have what it takes to impress a lot of people with its awesome rock formations. If you leave it completely to your imagination, you may start to think an ancient dragon is also just resting somewhere in the tunnels. The cost for the tour ranges from $23 to $30 for adults, $23 to $30 for children aged 7 to 13, and free or $5 for children under 7. You can explore different parts of the caverns depending on your preference.

Take a look at the table below to see the rates:

Source: AZ State Parks

You should also remember that the caves are very delicate. Because of this, video or photography is not permitted inside the cave. They are only allowed at certain occasions. Otherwise, the tours are held without photography. Don’t worry. The experience is unmatched and you’re surely going to have a great time!

What You Should Know

Source: My Favorite Westerns

• The Kartchner Caverns Arizona have an average temperature of 70° Fahrenheit or 21° Celsius. The cave also experiences 99% humidity all year-round.
• Anticipate dimly lit and narrow passages inside the caverns.
• Kartchner Caverns was voted as the “Best Arizona Attraction” in USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards.
• You are not allowed to touch the rock formations inside the caverns. These are fragile and can break easily. Once a formation is damaged, it would stop growing.
• The caves are open May 19 to December 6 from 8 am to 6 pm, as well as December 7 to May 18 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The park entrance fee is $7 for adults (1-4 adults per vehicle) and $3 for adults coming individually or in bicycles.

Location: 2980 S Hwy 90, Benson, Arizona (9 mi. South of Benson on Hwy 90)
Website: https://azstateparks.com/kartchner

Once you’re done exploring the beautiful caverns, you can just head to other nearby attractions to do fun recreational activities!