KARTCHNER CAVERNS-DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT

In 1974, two young cavers, Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen, explore a warm stream of air emanating from a crack in a sinkhole located in the Whetstone Mountains and discover a major cave system. Tufts and Tenen keep their find secret till 1978 when they approach the Kartchner family, the owners of the land under which the cavern system is located. Plans are formulated to protect and develop the cave. In the meantime, the cave's existence is kept secret from the general public. Negotiations are begun with the State of Arizona in regard to possible state acquisition of the caverns. In 1988, the Arizona State Parks board purchases the caverns for 1.8 million dollars. The general public is finally informed of the existence of the caverns. In 1999, after more than a decade of development, tours of the caverns are opened to the public. Today, the Kartchner Caverns draw over 200, 000 visitors annually. Larry Elkins elkinsphotos.com