Thanks to A-list destinations such as Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona is known for its abundant natural beauty and plethora of outdoor recreational options. Additionally, travelers can head below ground to check out some of the state’s diverse caves and caverns.
“There are several caves in Arizona that boast rare formations, and each of these diverse natural wonders has a story of its own. Some are developed, and others are untouched,” says Olivia Hall, travel industry marketing manager for the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Visiting them is a great summer activity for groups since the caves stay around 70 degrees, no matter what the temperature is outside.”
Here are details she shared on four of the top spots:
Kartchner Caverns State Park
During 90-minute guided tours, guests learn about this “living” limestone cave in southeastern Arizona, which boasts stalactites that drip down like icicles and stalagmites that reach up from the ground.
Grand Canyon Caverns
This natural limestone cave is the largest dry cavern in the United States. Tours range from 25 minutes to 2.5 hours, and the Cavern Grotto, with seating for 16 people, offers a unique underground dining experience.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
On the National Historic Register, the 2,400-acre park is home to the crystal-filled Colossal Cave. During the hour-long tour, guests see boxwork, flowstone and helictites, and learn about Colossal’s history and geology.
Bisbee Queen Mine
VIsitors ride a train into this former copper mine in southeast Arizona on tours that are led by former miners. When the mine closed in 1975 after a century of operations, it had produced metals valued at $6.1 billion.
To learn more, email Hall or go to visitarizona.com.
Top photo: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Photo by An Pham
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Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
