Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson, Arizona, is one amazing adventure — below and above ground.
For solar viewing during the day and “celestial amazement after sunset” don’t miss “Kartchner Star Party” on Saturday, April 7 and Oct. 13, 2018 between 2 -9 p.m.
Look at the magnificent skies through professional telescopes provided by the Huachuca Astronomy Club who will answer questions and discuss the elements of the Arizona sky.
Be sure to bring a folding chair, red light, sweater or jacket, and “enthusiasm to enjoy and conserve our beautiful night skies.”
There will be a special presentation by Dr. Grant Williams of the MMT (Multiple Mirror Telescope) Observatory in the indoor movie theater April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
While in the Discovery Center take a look at the museum exhibits, regional and educational displays.
When:
Saturday, April 7 and Oct. 13, 2-9 p.m. Presentation: 5:30 p.m.
Also enjoy Earth Day at Kartchner Caverns on Sat., April 21, 2018, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you go:
Kartchner Caverns State Park
on AZ-90, 9 miles south of I-10
Benson, Ariz.
520.586-2283
Cost: $7/vehicle.
GPS
Latitude: N 31 50.134
Longitude: W 110 20.621
URL: https://azstateparks.com/kartchner
While you’re there:
If you want to make a day of it, arrive early and take in one of the two fascinating 1½ hour cave tours.
The Big Room is open only half the year, from mid-Oct. to mid-April, because a resident bat population calls it home the other six months of the year.
Cost: $23/adults; $13/ youth 7-13; Under 7 years: Not Available.
The Rotunda/Throne Tour – On this tour, visitors will discover the role that water plays in creating the cavern and see the discoverers’ original trail.
Cost: $23/adults; $13/ youth 7-13; Under 7 years:$5
For tour tickets, reserve online or call (877) MY-PARKS. You can call seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Click here for complete Cave Tour Information Page
The Discovery Center is open Dec. 19-May 31 from 8 a.m.-6 pm.; and June 1-Dec. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kartchner Caverns State Park (Click here) RV and tent camping Fees: $30-$35. (All sites have electricity and water hookups).
For more information on the Kartchner Caverns read Tina and Russ DeMaris’ RV Short Stops article on “Arizona’s Kartchner Caverns a Great Summer Cool Spot.”
— Julianne G. Crane
To read more articles by Julianne G Crane about the RV lifestyle, go to RVWheelLife.com
Photo: Source: Kartchner Caverns State Park.
