Micro-Destination: Kartchner Caverns AZ

BENSON, AZ

James Kartchner was the first to notice something odd about his property in southeastern Arizona as he rode horseback tending his cattle herd. His horses hooves made a peculiar hollow sound on the limestone rock.

Whetsone Mountains known for extensive limestone deposits; sinkholes

An area rich in limestone may contain caves since limestone dissolves when water seeps through it, forming underground cavities. There had been talk of possible caves beneath the Whetstone Mountains, an area riddled with sinkholes as well as the most extensive limestone deposits in southern Arizona, but so far no important discoveries had been reported.

Discovered by cavers but kept secret

Then, in 1974, two young cavers stumbled on an open area in a sinkhole large enough for them squeeze through and explore, and what they found so astonished and thrilled them that they kept their find a secret for four years while they could decide what to do. They feared tourist invasion & resulting vandalism that occurred in other caves and wanted to preserve this beautiful natural phenomenon. 

One of the few "living caverns" in the world 

What makes these caverns particularly fascinating is that it's one of the few "living caverns" in the world, and possibly the only that is open to the public while employing extreme measures to keep it pristine. A living cavern is one that is still evolving; water is continuing to seep in through cracks in the outside surface; stalactites and stalagmites are still being formed. In order to preserve this state the atmosphere is kept as near to its original condition as possible. This is done by controlling the number of people inside at any one time, and at the end of the day washing down the elevated tour paths and any rocks that have been touched with distilled water.

Precautions taken to preserve the original

Before boarding a three car tram that takes you to the entrance of the caverns you're told nothing can be brought into the caves except the clothing on your body; no cameras, purses, backpacks, etc. If you don't wish to leave your belongings in your car lockers are provided. Since the atmosphere inside the cavern is in the 70s, with almost 100% humidity your jacket or sweater must be rolled up and wrapped tightly around your waist. 

After proceeding through an air lock that prevents outside air from entering you are told nothing must be touched with the exception of railings on the paths. If you accidentally touch something or observe something being touched you are to report it to the guide who will include the violated spot in the nightly wash down. Lighting is kept to a minimum; turned on only as a tour group approaches and turned off as they move on. The result of all this precaution is the advantage of seeing what a "real" cave looks like.

Arizona park system purchases property 

Four years after their discovery--in 1978--the two cavers finally informed the Kartchners, who agreed on the importance of preserving this cavern of wonders. They were "in complete disbelief at it's size and beauty," according to a Kartchner son. "It was almost a sacred experience, so exquisite and out of this world."

Finally, in 1988, after appealing to state authorities, the cavern was purchased by Arizona State Parks and is still being explored. It is now open to the public on guided tours at 20 minute intervals by appointment only. (Buy tickets online)

Directions: 49 miles southeast of Tucson. Take Interstate 10 to exit 302, State Route 90, and follow signs. Kartchner Caverns State Park entrance is on the right side of the road.