Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Although Kartchner Caverns State Park and the Throne Room tour opened to the public in 1999, it wasn't until 2003 that Arizona State Parks added the Big Room tour. On Friday, Nov. 8, as a special celebration of the Big Room's 10-year anniversary, Kartchner Caverns State Park will have special speakers and unique presentations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Presentations will start at 10 a.m., including a Development Presentation at 10 a.m., the Dedication of the Micro Bio Exhibit, VIP speakers at 1 p.m., Bat Presentation at 2 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. a meet and greet with alumni, staff, volunteers and guests. This event schedule is subject to change.

A Good Time To Explore

This day will be busy with presentations, booths and interpretive programs for all ages. Visitors should make plans now by scheduling their cave tours and weekend jaunts throughout southeastern Arizona. It is a good time to also explore other fascinating geologic wonders such as the Chiracahuas and Dragoon Mountains or historic towns such as Tombstone and Bisbee.

The Big Room Tour is half of a mile long and takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete. (Note: Big Room Tours are not available for children younger than 7 years of age.)

The Rotunda/Throne Room Tour is also available and is a half mile in length and takes approximately an hour and a half to complete. Both tours are $22.95 for those aged 14 and older and $12.95 for children aged 7 to 13. Children six and younger are free for the Rotunda/Throne Room tour but are not allowed in the Big Room tour.

The Discovery Center facility contains exhibits on cave formations, cave life, hydrology and history. In the Tenen-Tufts Theater, a video presentation (15 minutes long) plays twice an hour. The program highlights the discovery aspect of the cave.

The Extras: Gifts, Food

The Gift Shop offers a wide array of cave-related and Southwestern-themed souvenirs, gifts and practical items to meet the needs of travelers. The Bat Cave Cafe is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for dining while at the Park.

There are hiking trails for the beginner to advanced hiker and a large, modern campground adjacent to the Whetstone Mountains.

Reservations for camping or cave tours can be made 24-hours a day at AZStateParks.com or by calling (520) 586-2283 between 8am and 5pm (Mountain Standard Time) seven days per week. Reservations are highly recommended for all cave tours. Cave

Don’t Be Late

Tour tickets must be picked up at least one hour prior to your scheduled tour time. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located on Highway 90, nine miles south of I-10 near Benson, Arizona.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703).

Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.