The Lantern-Lit Cave Tour In Arizona Is A Unique Way To Experience Kartchner Caverns
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 18, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
How would you like to go on a spelunking expedition similar to those of original cave explorers? Kartchner Caverns offers a lantern-lit tour where the underground passageways are illuminated only by the light from your hardhat. This unique, family-friendly adventure just might be one of the best hidden gems in Arizona.
Voted "Best Arizona Attraction" in the 2017 USA TodayReaders' Choice Awards, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a subterranean treasure just 45 miles outside of Tucson.
You'll traverse the underground passageways, guided only by the light emitted from your hardhat, following in the footsteps of the brave souls who discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974.
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For just over an hour, you'll embark on a half-mile journey through ancient history.
Learn about how the caverns came to be and what role erosion played, get up-to-speed on the latest discoveries, and marvel at all sorts of fascinating speleothems — including the largest column formation in Arizona, known as "Kubla Khan."
As you forge ahead, visibility is limited. There's strength in numbers, however, and your entire group should generate enough light to navigate the narrow corridors.
Three hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty, meander around the regal Whetstone Mountains. There's also a Discovery Center where you can learn more about the park, as well as cabin and tent camping opportunities. Kartchner Caverns boasts some of the darkest skies in Arizona, so you'll definitely want to spend the night and stargaze!
Please note: the Helmet & Headlamp Tour has been put on pause due to COVID-19. Visit the Kartchner Caverns website or Facebook page to be the first to know when it comes back. The Big Room Tour is still available, as are the Discovery Center and aboveground attractions. Discovery Center hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. from May 19 through December 6, and 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. the remainder of the year.
