Hundreds of them precariously extend downward, many beaded with a drop of water at the tip that will only make them longer. Another soda straw not within public view in Kartchner measures 21 feet. They are not much thicker than kite string as they dangle from the ceiling for one, two, three, up to nine feet as seen on the tour. If you wonder what it means for a cavern to still be in its virgin state, just check out the soda straws. Kartchner is a rare cavern that offers visitors a look at the entire family of colorful cave formations: stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave popcorn, shields, columns, totems, drapery, bacon and the massive 58-foot-tall Kublai Khan column in the Rotunda Room. Their early explorations can be replicated by visitors who go on the all-new Helmet & Headlamp Tour, a half-mile specialty tour available on limited basis. The footprints of Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen can be seen preserved in a small lake of mud. It was good fortune that the two young spelunkers who discovered the 200,000-year-old cave in 1974 appreciated this pristine treasure and initiated conservation efforts that led to the creation of the state park in 1999. Here is a glimpse of what you’ll see down below: Kartchner Caverns State Park® Each offer guided tours that make it easy for novice cavers who want to discover spectacular natural wonders. These amazing attractions have very different experiences so you’ll want to explore both. The gift shop also has several fun souvenirs, especially for younger children.If you’ve ever wondered about the earth below your feet, satisfy your curiosity by visiting the two show caves in southern Arizona: the living, underground oasis of Kartchner Caverns State Park® and the dry, crystal-filled maze at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. If you decide to book this particular tour, know that the child needs to be 7 years old and older in order to go on the Big Room Tour. Why? Because the bats are in the Big Room during the remaining months. Visitors can tour the Big Room but only during October-April.

And speaking of the bats, they were in the Big Room. And wanted to know why we couldn’t see the bats. He enjoyed it, and asked us several questions about the different formations. And I’m now relieved to write that it was a success. I think preparation is a huge part when planning a trip with children, so my husband and I explained to our son several times that he wouldn’t be able to touch anything while inside the cave. It was a great way to end our tour.Īs for my son? I was nervous because no one is allowed to touch the cave and I hoped that my son wouldn’t be the rule breaker.

And the finale? We were taken to the throne room, where we were able to sit down on benches and look at a light show accompanied by music. It was simply amazing, looking at all the different formations. I don’t have pictures of the caverns since no one is allowed to take pictures inside (for the sake of preserving it), but even so, I don’t think the pictures would have done it justice. We passed the sinkhole, which is the area in which the caverns were discovered. From there, we hopped on a tram which dropped us off at the entrance to the actual caverns. She not only told us about Kartchner Caverns, but also answered any questions we had. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and detailed. We walked around a bit, ate a quick lunch (I enjoyed a prickly pear lemonade!), and we gathered around for our tour.

Colossal cave or kartchner caverns