Kartchner Caverns

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Kartchner Caverns State Park

This is a new state park and a “new” cavern. It was discovered in 1974 by Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen. They kept it a secret even from the property owners until 1978. A main concern was to protect the cave in it’s pristine condition and this was also shared by the property owners. The cave’s existence became known to the public in 1988 when it was purchased by Arizona State Parks. Then the process began to protect it and develop it. A lot has been learned from the others caves in the world. The cave was opened to the public in 1999.

To enter this cave does not require a descent down into the earth. It is a horizontal entrance into the side of a hill. There are 2 chambers that are like air locks, to keep the climate inside the cave separate from the climate outside the cave. Also we had to walk through a misting area that humidified us, including our clothes and hair. The temperature inside Kartchner Cavern is 70 degrees and the humidity is 98-100%! (MISSING)It felt warm and humid the entire time we were in the cave,

which is a different experience from other treks we’ve taken into caverns.

We were not allowed to bring into the cave any cameras, fanny packs, bags, or other loose items. That is different from other caves we have visited. Our guide turned the lights on as we visited each area, and turned them off behind us. We toured the Rotunda as The Big Room was sold out. The Big Room is only open for tours From Oct 15 - April 15 due to the bats returning for the summer. The Big Room is a bat maternity ward and nursery during the months it is closed to the public.

Each cave that we have ever entered has had unique features and this was no exception. It was awesome and beautiful. Besides the usual stalactites, and stalagmites there were helictites, shields, drapery and so much more.

Being we couldn’t take any pictures I have listed a website that does have picture:
http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_kartchner.html

This is the website for the Arizona State Parks and has information about making reservations for the tours:
http://www.azstateparks.com/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html

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Photos

Discovery Center
There are a variety of displays and a short movie in the Discovery Center. It was a good place to get an overview of the cavern.

Kartchner Cavern
The hill is where the entrance is located. An electric powered "train" transports the tour groups from the Discover Center to the cave entrance. The vehicle is visible by the cave entrance on the hill.

Comments

[Phyllis]

looking forward to the visit
Thanks for the heads up on the cavern. We will be staying in that area on the way to Tucson and will be visiting the cavern in April.