Posted in Arizona
August 22, 2020
Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Arizona’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls
Caves and waterfalls are equally awe-inspiring natural wonders, and this road trip leads you to some of the best of each that Arizona has to offer. The entire route is just shy of 550 miles, or 12.5 hours of driving time. We recommend spending the night at several of the stops (many have campgrounds) to get the most out of the trip.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Click here for the Google Map with exact addresses and directions to each place.
Just outside of Tucson, Kartchner Caverns State Park features over two miles of underground passages. On the eastern side of the Whetstone Mountains, this ancient limestone cave system boasts the world's longest stalactite formation. It's known as a "living" cavern because its speleothems, or mineral deposits, are still actively growing after 50,000 years. You might even spot some bats! Tours are offered daily, and there are hiking trails above the caverns available for public use. Park hours are 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, year-round.
Address: 2980 South Hwy 90,Benson, AZ 85602.
Address: 2980 South Hwy 90,Benson, AZ 85602.
Tucked away in the high desert landscape, Colossal Cave Mountain Park spans a whopping 2,400 acres of rugged beauty. A variety of different cave tours are offered, ranging from 40 minutes to 3.5 hours in length. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely, family-friendly stroll, full-blown spelunking adventure, or something in between, everyone is guaranteed to have a blast -- it's hard not to when you're exploring millions of years of cave formations six stories below the earth's surface. Above ground, you'll find hike and bike trails, horseback riding, a petting zoo and butterfly garden, cafe, and campsites. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Address: 16721 East Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641.
Address: 16721 East Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641.
Although cave temperatures are typically cooler than surface-level, it can still get stuffy underground. The solution? Hop in a waterfall-fed pool afterwards! A 1.8-mile trail is all that stands between you and the 80-foot Tanque Verde Falls. The hike isn't too difficult, though it does include a steady ascent and steep, slippery rocks throughout. Nevertheless, views this breathtaking are worth the effort.
To access the trailhead, drive east on Tanque Verde Road toward Reddington Pass.
To access the trailhead, drive east on Tanque Verde Road toward Reddington Pass.
Among the most popular hikes in Tucson, Seven Falls is a nature lover's paradise -- after all, it boasts seven waterfalls! Save for a handful of water crossings, the trail is relatively mild. When you come to a fork in the road, head left to find the falls, which cascade down a series of rocks before spilling into the pool below. From swimming to soaking up some rays to simply closing your eyes and listening to the peaceful sound of rushing water, there's much fun to be had.
Seven Falls is nestled in Sabino Canyon Recreation Center, located at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750.
Seven Falls is nestled in Sabino Canyon Recreation Center, located at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750.
Another Tucson-area hike, Romero Canyon Trail is a 5.5-mile adventure through Catalina State Park. Although more challenging than the previous two hikes -- it's virtually all uphill -- the reward is sweet enough that you'll forget about the difficulty. The pools feature several sets of falls and promise to rejuvenate weary hikers with their invigorating waters. Whether you take a dip or just enjoy the views, this trail is unforgettable.
The Romero Pools can be found in Catalina State Park, located at 11570 N Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85737.
The Romero Pools can be found in Catalina State Park, located at 11570 N Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85737.
Perhaps the most unique cave Arizona has to offer, this 0.75-mile natural wonder was formed about 700,000 years ago when lava erupted from a nearby volcanic vent. The outer edges solidified while lava in the center flowed out, creating a hollow tube now open to the public year-round. Make sure to bring 2-3 sources of light, closed-toed shoes with good grippage, and warm clothing -- it's near-freezing in the cave all year!
The waterfall at Fossil Creek is among the most popular in Arizona, and for good reason -- the trail to reach it is short, sweet, and easy. After just one mile of hiking, you'll come upon this unreal sight guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered cliffs, a steady stream of crystal-clear water flows into an even more pristine pool.
Note: You'll currently have to come through Camp Verde to reach the trailhead, as part of Forest Road 708 is closed due to collapse.
Note: You'll currently have to come through Camp Verde to reach the trailhead, as part of Forest Road 708 is closed due to collapse.
Not everyone knows this, but Fossil Creek is home to something else incredible: a hidden cave. You'll find it at the end of an eight-mile hike, Bob Bear Trail, and the turquoise waters will be calling your name after the long trek. Is this Arizona or Hawaii?
COVID Closure Note: As of publication, the Lava River Cave and Romero Pools are currently closed to the public. This road trip route is still manageable if you skip over those two spots, but make sure to revisit them when they open back up!
Have you been to any of these caves or waterfalls? If so, which spot do you like best? Did we leave off any of your favorites? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another epic road trip: Take A Terrifying Arizona Road Trip That’s Loads Of Scary Fun.
Address: Fossil Creek Road, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA
Address: 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641, USA
Address: Tanque Verde Falls, Arizona 85748, USA
Address: 171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Address: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
Address: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA
