Kartchner Caverns marks decade as Ariz. state park

Posted - 11/6/2009 at 4:17PM

BENSON, Ariz. (AP) - State parks officials are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of Kartchner Caverns State Parks this weekend with two days of tours and historical presentations. Known as the crown jewel of the Arizona parks system, the site was discovered by two cave explorers in 1974 in the Whetstone Mountains in Benson.

Cavers Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts never imagined they would find the ever-changing wonder of rock formations that now draws more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Tenen and Tufts kept the find a secret from all but a few friends, then spoke with the landowners. After meeting with James and Lois Kartchner, they agreed that state park status was the best option.

It took 25 more years for the site to become a state park.

For more information, visit http://www.azstatepark.com or call (520) 586-CAVE

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