OPTIONAL - CAVE TOURS
$20 Per Person, Per Tour
In order to register for these Cave tours, you must have already registered for the Kartchner Caverns campout - click here.
All Cave Tours - Meet at Discovery Center.
Cave tour – Big Room Room - Saturday tours
- 1st tour - meet at 9:15 am (SOLD OUT)
- 2nd tour - meet at 10:15 am
Cave tour – Rotunda/Throne Tour - Sunday tours
- 1st tour - meet at 8:50 am (1 LEFT as of 2019-08-10)
- 2nd tour - meet at 9:30 am
Cancellation Policy: No refunds for cave tours unless there is a wait list.
Big Room Tour Length: ½ mile. Time: 1¾ hours. Saturday.
The Kartchner Cavern story is about amazing discoveries past, present, and future. Marvel at the many strange and colorful formations. Learn about the cave fauna, both living and ancient. Experience the wonder of the cave’s discovery and learn about new scientific research and discoveries as ongoing studies continue.
Rotunda/Throne Tour Length: ½ mile. Time: 1½ hours. Sunday.
Discover the role that water plays in creating the caverns. You will see the discoverers' original trail, 45,000-year-old bat guano, delicate formations and “Kubla Khan,” the largest column formation in Arizona.
Cave Tours - Rules
Kartchner Caverns is now following established nationwide protocols to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that is killing bats. We request that if you have been in another cave or mine since 2005 you do not wear or bring any of the same clothes or shoes as on your other cave trips. If you arrive to Kartchner Caverns wearing shoes that have been in another cave, you will be asked to visit a White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Station, where your shoes will be sprayed down with rubbing alcohol to kill the fungus. Thank you for working with us to protect our bats!
The following are NOT permitted on cave tours:
- Pets (except certified service animals meeting ADA standards). Please do not leave pets in vehicles.
- Purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, baby backpacks or other bags/items.
- Binoculars or flashlights.
- Photography or video equipment (to include phones, other electronic recording devices, and tripods).
- Food, gum, tobacco products and drinks (including bottled water).
- Strollers, walkers, crutches.
- Touching or damaging formations (punishable by law).
- Littering or tossing coins.
Please plan to leave all items in your vehicle or in the lockers located on the rear patio of the Discover Center. Heavy clothing will not be necessary in the warm, humid cave. A coat or jacket appropriate to the outside weather is all that you will want to bring with you on tour.
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the trip/hike leader if you wish.
