Discover the world’s longest stalactite formation at Kartchner Caverns, a short drive from Tucson in nearby Benson. Take a guided tour to experience the incredible underground world, and learn about its delicate ecosystem.
Rotunda/Throne Tour
This Rotunda/Throne Tour tour is a half of a mile in length and will take approximately an hour and a half, approximately 50 minutes of the tour is underground. You will discover the role water plays in creating the caverns. You will see the discoverers’ original trail, 45,000-year-old bat guano, delicate formations and “Kubla Khan,” the largest column formation in Arizona. Ticket for the Rotunda/Throne Tour: Adults 14+ $23, youth 7-13 $13 and children under 7 $5.
Big Room Tour
This Big Room Tour is only available from mid-October to mid-April and are scheduled throughout the day. It is half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete, one hour of which is underground. You will hear the Kartchner Cavern story about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. Be amazed at the many strange and colorful formations in the cavern. Learn about the cave fauna, both living & ancient, and learn about new scientific research & discoveries as ongoing studies continue. Ticket for the Big Room Tour: Adults 14+ $23, youth 7-13 $13 and children under are not permitted.
Helmet & Headlamp Tour
Would you like to experience the cave as the discoverers did in 1974 using only the light provided by the headlamp on your helmet? These special tours are available year round. From October to April the tour takes place in Big Room, the remainder of the year the tour takes place in Throne Room/Rotunda. The Helmet & Headlamp Tour is currently offered only on Saturdays. Tour is half-a-mile long and takes an hour and 15 minutes to complete, one hour of which is underground. Ticket for the Saturday Helmet & Headlamp Tour: Ages 10+ $30. Children under 10-years-old are not permitted.
Reservations are highly recommended for all tours. Reservations can be made on the Kartchner Caverns website or by calling 877-MY-PARKS. Tickets not reserved in advance will be sold at the park on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour.
The Discovery Center is another must-see that further examines the cave that was accidentlaly discovered in 1974. The interactive exhibits demonstrate how the cave’s formations develop.
The park offers camping and RV sites off of the main road past the Discovery Center with electric hookup and water. Camping fees are $30 per night. There are also four camping cabins available at the park for $89 per night.
For more information to help you plan your Kartchner adventure, visit: azstateparks.com/kartchner/cave-tours/tours
