Living limestone show cave in the Whetstone foothills south of Benson, discovered 1974 and kept secret until state protection. Arizona State Parks operates climate-controlled tours of the Throne Room (Kubla Khan column, long soda straws) and seasonal Big Room; surface desert hiking trails above the karst system. Model of high-tech cave conservation (airlocks, misting).
Field facts
| Region | Cochise County, AZ |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 31.8356, -110.3437 |
| Discovered | 1974 (public 1988; tours from 1999) |
| Formations | Speleothems still growing; brushite moonmilk |
| Access | Paved from AZ-90 near Benson |
| Nearby | Benson / San Pedro River / Fairbank Historic Townsite |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- TrailheadSt. David Cienega - Land Corral11 km away
- TrailheadPresidio Santa Cruz De Terrenate Trailhead15.5 km away
- Visitor centerPresidio Santa Cruz De Terrenate Interpretive Site16.3 km away
- Visitor centerFairbank Interpretive Site19.3 km away
- TrailheadFairbank Trailhead19.4 km away
- ParkingFairbank Parking Area19.4 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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