advertisement
22 January 2024
Beneath Arizona’s Tucson landscape lies an astonishing world of natural beauty and geological marvels. Kartchner Caverns State Park, tucked away in the state’s southeastern part, boasts one of America’s most remarkable cave systems. Though it might not have the fame of other caves, Kartchner Caverns has a unique allure.
Kartchner Caverns remained hidden for thousands of years until 1974 when two amateur cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, stumbled upon its entrance in the Whetstone Mountains. Inside, they uncovered a breathtaking world adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
What sets Kartchner Caverns apart is that it’s a “living” cave, still evolving with formations actively growing and changing. This makes it distinct from most caves, where formations have stopped developing.
Two main sections of the cave, the Throne Room and the Big Room reveal the cave’s grandeur. The Throne Room features impressive stalactites, including the famous “Kubla Khan.” The Big Room, the largest chamber, boasts colossal formations like columns and curtains shaped by nature over countless years.
Kartchner Caverns hosts a delicate ecosystem, with creatures like myotis bats and cave crickets adapted to its unique environment. Park officials are committed to preserving this ecosystem while allowing responsible cave exploration.
Beyond its natural wonders, Kartchner Caverns symbolizes successful conservation. The state of Arizona purchased the land in 1988 to safeguard it from development. A careful balance between public access and cave preservation is maintained through guided tours and strict visitor guidelines.
Visitors can join guided tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels to explore the cave’s wonders. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the cave’s geology, history, and ecosystem.
While the caverns steal the show, the park’s surface is equally captivating. Hiking trails wind through the beautiful desert landscape, providing opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and picnicking. The discovery center offers interactive exhibits to deepen your understanding of the cave’s geological significance.
Kartchner Caverns State Park may not be as renowned as other caves, but that’s part of its charm. It offers a chance for discovery, a glimpse of the natural world’s wonders, and an appreciation for delicate ecosystems. If you ever find yourself in Arizona seeking an underground adventure, don’t miss Kartchner Caverns. It’s an expedition that transports you from the desert’s surface to the cool, enigmatic depths below, leaving you with memories of an extraordinary subterranean realm.
advertisement
Arizona is home to an incredible array of museums, botanical gardens, historical landmarks, and art centers that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. However, for many individuals and families, the cost of visiting these treasures can be a barrier. Enter Act One’s Culture Pass program, a remarkable initiative that opens doors to Arizona’s arts and culture, making it accessible to everyone, from students to retirees and under-resourced families. What is the Culture Pass? The Culture Pass is a free program offered by Act One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to the arts across Arizona. Through partnerships
Arizona may have seen some relief in median rents from the end of 2023 to 2024, with some cities experiencing drops of up to 10% due to more available housing and the departure of pandemic-era residents. However, despite these decreases, the state remains relatively expensive in terms of housing. Arizona ranks higher in housing affordability than the rest of the nation. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Arizona has the 14th highest housing wage in the U.S. This is the average amount an individual must earn to afford a “modest” one-bedroom apartment. Why Is Living Alone in Arizona
When it comes to iconic desert landscapes, both Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park stand out for their unique features. While both are desert regions with distinctive plant life—Joshua Trees and Saguaro Cacti—they each offer vastly different experiences in terms of scenery, wildlife, and overall ambiance. For anyone who’s already visited Joshua Tree and is considering a trip to Saguaro, here’s how the two compare. Joshua Trees vs. Saguaro Cacti Joshua Tree is known for its granite outcrops and expansive, rugged landscapes. The park’s namesake Joshua Trees—strange and otherworldly—dot the Mojave Desert, creating a scene filled with grandeur.
Arizona, particularly the Valley, is home to a vibrant pizza scene, from classic New York-style slices to deep-dish masterpieces. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the best pizza in Phoenix and its surrounding areas can be a delightful (albeit deliciously difficult) task. Here’s a rundown of some of the most beloved pizzerias in the Valley, according to the locals. advertisement 1. The Red Devil A favorite for many, The Red Devil has been serving up delicious pizza and wings since the early 1960s. Known for its consistently great quality, the original location at 30th Street and McDowell is
