Kartchner Caverns – EAST

February 25

Kartchner Caverns – EAST

Name: Kartchner Caverns – EAST
Start: 2025-02-25T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-02-25T23:59:59-07:00

February 25, 2025
$138

In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource. Today we have an opportunity to experience this stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. This “live” cave, is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. Water percolates from the surface and calcite formations continue to grow, including stalactites dripping down like icicles and giant stalagmites reaching up from the ground. Tour guides will unveil this fascinating underground landscape during a memorable 1-hour tour. We’ll also enjoy lunch on self, prior to our cave tour, at a nearby plaza that offers a variety of fast-food restaurants.

Depart: Phx 8 a.m. Sct 8:15 a.m. Mesa 8:45 a.m. R: 6 p.m.

Cancellation Policy — ONE-DAY Van or Motorcoach Tours must be paid for when you make your reservation. Reservations can be made either by phone or online. One-day tours are nonrefundable within 30 days of the tour.

Departure Locations — We can only guarantee pick-up from the locations listed below. If you’re requesting pick-up from an unofficial location, please call our office at 480-497-2478 to confirm. It never hurts to ask!

Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.

Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights

Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.