We're trying to decide if this is worth a sidetrip but since you have to make reservations, I am guessing it is. We'll not be able to do the longer tour as my son will have just turned 5. So, worth the slightly out of the way trip ? or not ? Opinions & experiences welcomed.

Karchner Caves are well worth the drive. All of our children have loved the experience, from pre-schoolers and up. THe walkways are lighting are very well done. You can go to Tombstone for lunch after your Karchner tour.

Thx HT - kind of what I thought. Others ?

Hi

Kartchner Caverns are quite remarkable. These are living caves, where the forces of nature, that created all the marvelous formations, are still at work. I found that the formations, while not on the same grand scale as perhaps those in Carlsbad or Mammoth caves, are more interesting, more intimate.

Since theses caves were so recently discovered, they have not suffered the detrimental effects of careless human visitation and Arizona has gone to great lengths to protect them and keep them in their pristine condition.

Yes, Kartchner Caverns is definitely worth a sidetrip.

Pamela

EC - Thx for the comparison, I was curious how they would stack up.

I would suggest Bisbee in lieu of Tombstone for lunch.

Having spent a huge amount of time on hold, I am still trying to get reservations.

we loved it so much and hope to go back. They really put a great deal of thought in how they were going to show it to tourists and still keep it preserved. make sure you go early enough to have time to view the museum area before going on the tour. i also would say bisbee over tombstone, but we do not have children and tombstone might be more fun with a child. we just felt it was very touristy.

I am not overly fond of touristy, Bisbee it is & Thanks to all.

I too think that while Karchner Caverns may not be the largest or most impressive -- they really are quite nice and the tour is highly professional and educational as well.

I'd probably agree that Bisbee might me better for lunch for me, but I kind of think with a 5 year old boy in tow -- my choice would be Tombstone.

We really liked Karchner Caverns when we went there with our 2 boys. I'm trying to remember how old they were - 3 and 6? They enjoyed it - the 6 year old more so. I think my younger son ended up falling asleep on dad. We would like to go back there sometime.

We went to Tombstone after and it wasn't that great. I don't think the kids were overly impressed with Tombstone either.

Not the costumed cowboys who stroll up the street, or the stage coaches which circle around town, or the gunfight going on? That just seems surprising. Heck, I even get a kick out of those things.

My Son probably would get a kick out of that...we'll see how it goes.