Kartchner Caverns Visitor Information

Hotels and Lodging

Hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfast Inns are available in Benson, Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tucson Arizona . Tombstone , another Arizona historical destination also offers fine lodging facilities. Please support our lodging advertisers listed in sidebar locations.

Camping Facilities

Campgrounds are available at Kartchner Caverns State Park with reservations. Call (520) 586-2283 for detailed information on the 60 campsites, which are typically available on the same day. There are also campgrounds in nearby Benson and its surrounding area. Contact the Benson Chamber of Commerce at (520) 586-2842 for more information.

General Park Information

Kartchner Caverns State Park is located 50 miles southeast of Tucson, between Benson and Sierra Vista. Drivers should exit interstate I-10 at Exit 302 and proceed nine miles south on Arizona 90. See Map Location

Entrance onto the 550-acre park is $10 per car (up to 4 persons, $1 for each additional person) and includes admission to the Discovery Center.

Kartchner Caverns State Park is open 7:30am - 6pm daily, except Christmas Day.

Cave tours are offered by reservation only at a cost of $14 for adults (14+), $6 for children 7-13, and children under 6 are free. Tours are scheduled every 20 minutes from 8:40am - 4:40pm, but often require booking several weeks in advance to ensure space. No cameras are allowed in the caverns.

Those who intend to visit the park more often may opt to purchase the $65 Unlimited Annual Permit, which allows access to the park, hiking trails and the Discovery Center throughout the year.

For more information, contact:
Kartchner Caverns State Park
P.O. Box 1849
Benson, Arizona 85602
520-586-4100
For reservations: 520-586-2283

Hiking Trails

Visitors to Kartchner Caverns State Park can access three distinct hiking and walking trails.

Guindani Trail (level ranges from easy to difficult)
A kiosk on the west side of the campgrounds denotes the trailhead for the 4.2 mile Guindani Trail. This well-marked path through Coronado National Forest begins at 4900' and summits at over 7000' along the crest of the Whetstone Mountain range. Bicycles are allowed on this shared-use trail.

The Foothills Loop Trail (level is moderate-difficult)
There are two entrances to the Foothills Loop Trail, one at Hummingbird Garden and one at the northwest end of the Discovery Center parking area. Strictly utilized for hiking (no bikes or motor vehicles are permitted), this 2.5 mile loop touts several scenic highlights with information signs.

The Hummingbird Garden Walk (level is easy)
On the southwest side of the Discovery Center, a wide variety of native plant species lines the path through Hummingbird Garden. A leisurely stroll gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about local desert vegetation.

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