That idea has turned into a reality, as Kartchner is one of the few state parks to stay open without the assistance of a third party or other state funds.Īlthough the caverns carry a high humidity rate, they also stay around 70 degrees, a far cry from the triple-digit temperatures Tucsonans see in the summer. Located less than 50 miles away from Tucson, near Benson, Kartchner opened as a state park about 20 years ago, with the understanding that its vast caves would be such a crowd-pleaser that it would create enough revenue to stay open and prosperous, Bilbrey says. Not to be outdone, Arizona State Parks' Kartchner Caverns is a prime destination for cave enthusiasts from around the world, says Ellen Bilbrey, public information officer for Arizona State Parks. ![]() You can go out, but still be in," Hohl says. The best part for visitors ailing from the summer heat may be Colossal Cave's friendly climate, which stays dry and cool, with temperatures steadying around 70 degrees. "The park is kept primitive on purpose," she says. "It's definitely more than just a trip outside of town."Īlthough Colossal Cave tours have been in full force since 1923, Hohl says cave officials take pride in the relatively undisturbed nature of the cave system. "You can come out here several times and have a different experience each time," says Lauren Hohl, Colossal Cave's education coordinator. Used for more than 1,000 years, the cave system holds an air of mystery and intrigue, with about three miles of passages-not counting as-yet unexplored parts-and multiple entrances and exits that provided a sanctuary for outlaws and bandits in the 1800s. Southern Arizona has two cave systems that are nationally renowned and home to thousands of visitors every summer.Ĭolossal Cave is located just outside of the Tucson city limits, near the growing Vail area. "name": "Air - MedRect Combo - Inline Content 3",ĭuring Tucson's ungodly hot summers, there are creative ways to get out of the sun.īeyond the movie theaters and ice cream shops, there are other places Tucson residents and visitors can frequent that will take them off the beaten path for a fairly small amount of money. "name": "Air - MedRect Combo - Inline Content 2", "parentWrapperClass": "fdn-ads-inline-content-block" "name": "Air - MedRect Combo - Inline Content 1", Rotunda/Throne Tour: $22.95 for adults $12.95 kids 7 to 13 free children 7 and younger reservation needed Regular entrance fee: $6 per vehicle (one to four adults) $3 individual or bicycle fee waived for tour-ticket-holders Wild Cave Tour: $55 to $75, with reservation Ladder Tour: $20 to $45, with reservation Regular tour: $11 adults $6 kids 5 to 12 free children 4 years old and younger no reservation required ![]() Regular use fee: $5 per auto (with $1 per person more than six people) $2 motorcycle $1 bicycle
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