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Arizona
Kartchner Caverns State Park- Benson, AZ (outside Tucson)
thank you to Bob and Connie from Wisconsin for this recommendation
- not a hike but a cool, unique experience! a living cavern with beautiful cave formations
- world's first wheelchair accessible cavern
- tram to cavern is accessible
- two paved trails through caverns (two seperate tours); each a little over .5 miles long
- per website trail includes switchbacks and "some grades of up to 12%" on trails so it may not be appropriate for everyone
- per website "wheelchairs with a seat width of 18" or less and an overall width of 30" are permissible"; see website for more detailed info
- warning: humidity level in caverns is 97 to 100% with an average temperature of 71 degrees- can feel very warm
- The Big Room Tour is approx 1 1/2+ hours long
- lots of accessible parking, restrooms (including a family restroom), cafe and visitor's center
- note: the hiking trails in park are not accessible per the ranger
- $6/vehicle entrance fee to park ; additional fees for tours
- (520) 586-2283 for tour reservations- Big Room Tour is closed mid-April to mid-October (due to bat activity)
- for more info go to http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/access.html
- photo courtesy of Ellen from Arizona State Parks
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