Explore Arizona's Hidden Treasure
Voted "Best Arizona Attraction" by USA Today
2017 Reader's Choice Awards.
Enter a secret underground world millions of years in the making — bounding with exotic cave formations rarely seen elsewhere. Marvel at nature's creations in this living and contained ecosystem. Discover delicate soda straw formations, gravity-defying helictites, drapes of waving flowstone, and the grandeur of Kubla Khan — a formation standing six-stories tall.
As you explore the caverns, you'll learn about the unique life cycle of our bats that have called this distinct moist and breathable microclimate home for thousands of years.
For adventurous types, check on availability of special headlamp tours to see the cave as the discoverers did back in 1974. Kartchner Caverns is also recognized for accessibility enabling access for a wide range of differently abled communities.
Visitor Tip: Selecting a Tour Time
Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your first tour. This will allow you enough time to check in, learn a bit about the cave and orient yourself to the facilities. Discovery Center doors open at 8am. Note that commuter traffic from Phoenix and around Tucson can increase your travel time, so plan ahead for potential delays.
