Caves Near Tucson, AZ - 2

Tours

There are several different cave tours from which to choose as well as a plethora of options in the Discovery Center and Park. The latter opportunities are referred to as “above ground” programs and include interactive displays, educational programs, hiking and walking trails and picnic and camping areas. Reservations for cave tours are essential and can be made by phone or online.

The park’s Web site indicates it is “not uncommon” for young children to become uncomfortable during the tour. My youngest son was 10 when we toured, and he had no issues. It did not occur to me that children would find the experience anything less than fascinating. However, this may be something to consider. Also, due to wet conditions, no strollers are permitted.

Rotunda/Throne Room tours: Oct.-July, are $18.95 for adults 14 and older, $9.95 for children 7-13 and free for children under 7; Aug.-Sept., $16.95 for adults, $8.95 for children. Big Room tours are $22.95 for adults 14 and older and $12.95 for children 7-13. Children must be 7 or older to take the Big Room tour. Tel. 520-586-CAVE (2283); www.kartchnercaverns.com.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

This dry cave is thought to have provided refuge for Hohokam Indians more than 1000 years ago. Miscellaneous bandits and train robbers also hid out in Colossal Cave back in the 1800s. However, it was not officially discovered until 1879, when a rancher came upon the entrance while searching for stray cows.

Today, visitors can choose from ongoing daily tours that provide a good overview of the cave’s formations or participate in more rigorous tours through dark and narrow passages. For that, you’ll need a hard hat and a healthy heart.

• Colossal Cave boasts many gigantic stalactites.
• Courtesy of the Metropolitan Tucson CVB

Tours by Candlelight

For the most adventuresome, choose a tour where each visitor is given a lighted candle to experience the cave as it might have appeared for the Hohokam Indians. Dark!

The basic cave tour takes about 45 to 50 minutes and covers about a half mile. As your guide explains your surroundings (“yes, there are seven species of bats that live in this cave”) and offers a bit of cave history (“the cave has been dry for as many as 10,000 years”) you will walk down and back up about six-and-a-half stories—363 steps to be exact. It sounds more difficult than it is.

Tours are given daily, year-round. They are not pre-scheduled, but a cave spokesperson said you will never wait longer than 30 minutes after you purchase your ticket. There are many other activities—horseback riding, birding, hiking, picnicking—and interesting exhibits taking place in the 2,000-acre park, so be sure to check the Web site when you plan your visit.

The more rigorous tours have age limits and may require advance reservations, so check specifics before you head to the park. 

Daily park use fees: $5.00 per auto. Tel. 520-647-7275; www.colossalcave.com.