In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource.
Explore Kartchner Caverns
Get involved with conservation work at Kartchner Caverns with this public volunteer opportunity held four times annually. The program involves gently brushing lint off of curbs and rocks near the trail system.
READ MOREJoin Kartchner Caverns State Park on November 22 as we partner with The Nature Conservancy of Arizona in BioBlitz event. Using iNaturalist, we will record as many plants and animal species as possible.
READ MOREDuring this holiday season, help us give back to the community! Contribute to a food drive to support local food banks by dropping off your donation at Kartchner Caverns State Park.
READ MORECome start your New Year off right and hike our Foothills Loop Trail with us. Join rangers on a moderate 2.5 mile guided hike for the first day of the new year!
READ MORENew ongoing events and programs are added to the park calendar each month. Check back right here for the latest ongoing activities for Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Discovery Center
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00
Cave tour tickets are extra. Park entrance fee is waived with cave tour and campsite reservations.
