Please excuse our mess. We are working hard to make future improvements to the Kartchner Caverns campground. Several areas are under construction and there may be construction noises as early as 7:00 a.m.

Please see our Cave Tours page for information on how to prepare for your visit.

Celebrate 50 Years of Discovery

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join Kartchner Caverns staff and friends of the park from the last 5 decades as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Kartchner Caverns! This year, we also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of Kartchner Caverns State Park, leaving no shortage of occasions to celebrate.

The day will offer fun children's activities, cave tours available by reservation, delicious bites available for purchase from food truck vendors, conservation exhibitors, and educational panels on the discovery and conservation of Kartchner Caverns. Kids' activities include a craft table, nature walk, scavenger hunt, and a bingo game.

Event Schedule and Programming

Panel Discussion: Cave Discovery to Acquisition (1974 - 1988) at 10-11:30 a.m.
Located in the Tenen–Tufts Theater. Featured panelists include:
Kartchner Family Members, landowners of the cave
Dr. Erica Scott Tufts, surviving spouse of the late Randy Tufts
Charles Eatherly, park historian (1971 - present)
The Nature Conservancy, partner in State Parks acquisition

Panel Discussion: Cave Development (1988) to Present Day at 2-3:30 p.m.
Located in the Tenen–Tufts Theater. Featured panelists include:
Ken Travous, former Arizona State Parks Director (1987-2009)
Debbie Buecher, Bat Consultant and Pre-development studies (1980s - present)
Dr. Rick Toomey, former Cave Resource Manager (2000-2005)
Jeff Dexter, former Park Manager (1998-2002)
Chelsea Ballard, current Cave Resource Manager

Food trucks, kids' activities, vendors and exhibitors open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors and Exhibitors: Bisbee Science Lab, Cochise County Master Gardeners, Colossal Cave, Copper Queen Mine, Coronado National Forest, Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club, Las Milpitas Community Farm, Local Caving Grottos with the National Speleological Society, National Caves Association, National Weather Service of Tucson, The Nature Conservancy of Arizona, Old Tucson Studios, San Pedro Friends Group, Water Wise, Tucson Audubon Society, United States Geological Survey.

Food Trucks: Guadalajara Street Tacos, Gyfted Creations, MorQBBQ, Road Running Woodfire Pizza, Jake's Donuts and Treat Trolley