Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona

Discovered in 1974 but only open to the public since 1999, Kartchner Caverns State Park in Arizona features a limestone cave full of 13,000 feet of interesting and adventurous passages. Arizona's newest state park showcases two gargantuan underground rooms, each of which encompass an area the size of a football field.

Park rangers provide guided tours on a thirty-minute cycle. Unfortunately, the Big Room Tour is only offered between the months of October and April. Plus, this time period excludes the first half of October as well as the latter half of April. The reason for this is simple enough even if it is a bit out of the ordinary. Once a year, every summer, the Big Room is transformed into a giant nursery and underground ecosystem for more than one thousand baby bats.

The Rotunda/Throne Room sits for a distance of an entire half-mile. It provides a perfect portrayal of the unique part that water played in the fascinating formation of Kartchner Caverns as it is now. Moreover, Kartchner Caverns is noted to be in the list of top ten rock formations to see. Within the Rotunda/Throne Room, visitors are bedazzled with some of the tiniest rock formations in existence. The intricacy of these formations is enthralling. Plus, the color variations add to the intrigue of this exhibit. The rock column that is located here is the largest one in Arizona.

Once you are finished exploring the inner sanctum of Kartchner Caverns, you can explore the area on one of several hiking and walking trails. In particular, the Guindani Trail offers a non-motorized path above the caves that takes hikers through the Whetstone Mountains. This trail can be accessed through the Kartchner Caverns State Park campgrounds. It showcases several interesting geological formations, as well as a large variety of native vegetation.

The Foothills Loop Trail, which tends to be somewhat of a moderate to difficult hike, traverses through native vegetation that includes Indigo Bush and Desert Bird of Paradise. This trail is as educational as it is physically invigorating. Eventually, it takes hikers to Mountain View Lookout where they can gaze upon all of the panoramic beauty in the area.

The Kartchner Caverns State Park features an outstanding Discovery Center that also includes an amphitheater. The Discovery Center offers several interesting interactive displays. Plus, its educational resources not only detail information about the Kartchner Caverns, but also, they provide information relating to the native vegetation and wildlife.

Fascinating facts about the history of the caves are presented with a multi-screen video along with information on the efforts that have been taken to preserve them.

Souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop that is located onsite. Moreover, more than sixty campsites are available for overnight stays.

For those who love the delightful trilling of birds, the Hummingbird Garden offers not only a fascinating look at the hummingbird, but also, a look at gorgeous native vegetation. The fluttering of wings and the dazzle of bright colors will lure you to stay here for hours as you sit back and relax amidst natural beauty.

Kartchner Caverns State Park also provides every amenity that is necessary for a pleasurable stopover. Located near the Discovery Center, visitors can find shaded armadas, pretty outdoor dining areas, clean restrooms, accessible telephones, well-stocked vending machines, and roomy lockers to store their items for a more enjoyable visit.

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Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona