11 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Phoenix

"In 1974, the cavers Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts looked for “a cave no one had ever found,” and they found one in the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains, about ten miles south of the town of Benson (and 160 miles southeast of Phoenix). They kept their discovery a secret until 1978 when they notified property owners James and Lois Kartchner about the limestone cave on their land. Tenen, Tufts, and the Kartchners sought potential avenues to preserve the cave and make it safe for the public. The Kartchners later sold the land to Arizona State Parks in 1988, and it finally opened to the public in 1999.

Today, Kartchner Caverns State Park utilizes air-lock doors, misting machines, and additional state-of-the-art technology to preserve the delicate environment of this cave. Inside, you will find Kubla Khan, Arizona’s tallest known column formation at 58 feet tall, and the 21-foot long “soda straw” stalactite that’s still growing. Outside, take advantage of the cooler fall weather and enjoy some desert scenery while hiking the Ocotillo Trail and Foothills Loop near the Discovery Center. After a long day of exploring the desert inside and out, turn in for the night at one of the park’s comfortable cabins."