If you have the time, on your way from Tucson to Tombstone and Bisbee, stop at Kartchner Caverns State Park for a guided tour. Very worthwhile but you will need reservations.
Kartchner Caverns is sorta on the way from Tucson to Tombstone and Bisbee. To get directly from Tucson to Tombstone and Bisbee you take I-10 east to Rt 80 south. However, if you take I-10 east to Rt 90 south at Benson you will soon come to Kartchner Caverns. More on that in a minute.
To get to Tombstone and Bisbee from Kartchner Caverns, continue south on Rt 90 until you see the sign (stop light) indicating a left turn to Tombstone. This is Rt 82 and it will take you to Rt 80 and Tombstone. Going this way, you will cross the San Pedro River. It’s a pretty drive.
Back to Kartchner Caverns. Guided tours only. You usually have to have reservations: (520) 586-2283. You have to pick up your tickets at least an hour prior to your tour or they become open for grabs.
This is an informative tour of a living cave. The visitors center is one of the best. Excellent exhibits. We have taken friends and family here many times. Everyone likes it. Unless, of course, you’re claustrophobic.
There are several tours you can enjoy. The Rotunda/Throne tour is actually our fav. The Big Room is only open October – April. From April on, it is left to accommodate the myotis bats which fly in to use it as a nursery. Children under 7 are not allowed on the Big Room Tour. For the more adventurous there is the Helmet and Headlamp Tour. See it as the explorers saw it.
Visit the Website
2890 route South 90, Benson AZ 85602
