I thought the trip to Kartchner Caverns was going to be like – Ok – saw it – let’s go!  Wrong! Kartchner Caverns, take my word for it – you need to go!  If you are visiting Southern Arizona put it on your list to make the drive to Benson Arizona and schedule a day to tour the largest living cave in Arizona.  From the 15 minute theatre presentation about the caverns discovery and preservation to the souvenir shop - it was great!

This cave was kept a secret for nearly 15 years by two Tucsonans who discovered it in the mid 1970’s.  You have to personally tour these caverns to realize how hard it must have been to keep that secret! 

Our tour guide was Jerri and she shared some fascinating facts about the discovery and preservation of this incredible living cave.  She answered all of our questions and seemed like an old friend by the end of the tour.  The temperature in the cave is around 70 degrees and about 90% humidity – kind of liking be in the jungle, yet in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.  My children especially enjoyed seeing the bones of the ancient sloth found in the depths of the cavern.  Lot’s of ooohs and aaahs!

If you rent a vacation home in Tucson or Green Valley you need to put Kartchner Caverns at the top of your list along with the Sonoran Desert Museum and the Chiracahua Mountains.  Be sure to make your reservations early and remember that the Throne Room is only available for viewing from mid October to mid April as the bats use the Throne Room as their maternity ward.  There are plenty of shaded picnic tables for outdoor dining, a small cafe and RV campground on-site.

Here’s the link for tickets and more info – Kartchner Caverns State Park Tickets and Info