Kartchner Caverns – Benson, AZ Bisbee, Lowell &Tombstone, AZ
This campground has a unique feature – a cavern. We secured our tickets months in advance. Tours book up fast, as we learned last year when we were here for a weekend. We have been to many caverns, but this was one of the best. It is pristine, and the state of Arizona has taken multiple steps to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. They spent $28 million on high-tech airlock doors, misting machines, and lighting to showcase the cave. A knowledgeable ranger who radiated the love of her job and the cavern was our tour guide. A colossal steel door guards the entranceway. That led into a misted vestibule area where another steel door awaits to be open. Those who remember the sitcom “Get Smart” with Don Adams would appreciate the feeling when he had to go through all the doors to get into headquarters. The second door allows entry into the paved pathway, which leads through the dimly lit cavern.
The pathway allows wheelchair access which most caverns tours do not offer. Visitors must remain on the path, touch nothing except for the steel rails along the way. It was amazing to see so many perfect stalactites and needles (thin strips of water droplets calcified over the years). Frequently, caverns are destroyed by those wanting to take a souvenir or paint graffiti. Interesting fact – the oil on your hands will stop the growth of the formations and, therefore, not allowed. The best part of this cavern was the Kubla Khan in the Throne Room. It had to be the most beautiful stalactite I have ever seen. It stands 58 feet tall and reminds me of an intricate totem carving. Thankfully, it will be there for eons. My only regret was not sharing the awe-inspiring cavern with you, as photography was not allowed.
The next day we rode to Bisbee to take the Cooper Queen mining tour. It was fascinating to learn about the workday of miners. They started mining in 1885, growing Lowell’s town’s development and ironically the cause of its demise. Lowell now consists of one street with several antique vehicles lining the street. It also has the best breakfast place – Brisbee Breakfast Club. This mine was the most productive copper mine in the early 1990s. In 1975, it closed as copper prices fell. Gold, silver, lead, and zinc were ores mined. The number of pounds mined of these ores was staggering. The salaries were high due to the hazardous nature of the job, and bonus incentives led to increased production. The tour provided a history not learned through books.
Afterward, we visited the town of Bisbee, where the miner’s homes and the buildings remain. Our tour guide purchased one of the homes built by the mining company for its workers. If you are ever in the area, this tour should be on your list of things to do.
We also went to Tombstone but it reminded us of some western theme park with actors in the street portraying comedic scenes from the days of Billy the Kid. We didn’t spend much time here to elaborate more on the town.
