Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson

About Kartchner Caverns State Park

Kartchner Caverns State Park protects a limestone cave discovered in 1974 and opened to the public in 1999, where visitors take guided tours through chambers filled with soda straw formations, columns like Kubla Khan, and colorful mineral deposits. The cave was developed with extraordinary precautions to preserve its near-pristine condition, and the underground trail system was specifically designed for people with limited mobility. The park operates a Discovery Center and hosts Star Parties where visitors observe the night sky through astronomers' telescopes; Kartchner holds International Dark Sky Park designation from the International Dark-Sky Association. Bat Fest, held annually, celebrates the cave's flying residents with park rangers, partners, and vendors. Over 150,000 people visit yearly from around the world. The park lies near Benson, Arizona. Active duty military, reserves, and National Guard members receive 50 percent off day-use admission. Veterans with VA-certified 100 percent service-connected disability enter free, along with up to three accompanied adults. Admission prices are published on azstateparks.com.