Spelunking the Kartchner Caverns

Have you ever wanted to discover new and exciting things? If you find yourself traveling through Benson, Ariz., then make sure to visit Kartchner Caverns. Be a spelunker for a day or two.

Kartchner Caverns is so rare and beautiful because it is a “live” cave. This means that the cave itself continues to grow over time. However, very slowly, the formations such as stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the ceiling are constantly growing.

Kartchner Caverns was discovered by two spelunkers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, back in November  of 1974. While exploring the limestone hills in the Whetstone Mountains, they discovered a sinkhole that led to the cave.

What made this discovery even more exciting was the pristine condition of the cave. In 1978, the two spelunkers confided to the property owners of the cave, James and Lois Kartchner.

In 1988, the cave was purchased by Arizona State Parks. Even though Kartchner Caverns has been open to the public for tours, many precautions are taken on a daily basis to insure the cave’s pristine condition.

There are many interesting formations throughout the caverns. In the Throne Room, there is one of the world’s longest stalactites (21 feet 3 inches), and the tallest and most massive column in Arizona, Kubla Khan (58 feet tall).

In the Big Room, there is the world’s most detailed formation of brushite moonmilk and the first recorded occurrence of turnip shields. Also, there is the first recorded occurrence of birdsnest needle quartz formations.

While visiting the Kartchner Caverns, there are two different tours available. The Rotunda, or Throne tour, offers half a mile (1.5 hours) of exploring the original trail made by the first spelunkers, bat guano, formations and the Kubla Khan. The Kubla Khan is the largest formation in the entire state of Arizona. The second tour is of the Big Room. This is half a mile (1.5 hours) and just opened up to the public in 2003. Kids six and under are not allowed on this tour. The Big Room tour teaches the public about the cave and ongoing scientific research of the caverns.

Unfortunately, if you are an extreme adventure seeker and want to go out spelunking on your own, you can’t. All tours of the Kartchner Caverns are led by a trained guide. And for all you photographers out there, there are no cameras allowed inside the cave.

Also, remember to make reservations and buy your tickets in advance. Keep in mind that the Big Room Tour is only available October 15 through April 15.