Astonishing Kartchner Caverns - Arizona state park

The story of Tufts and Tenen's discovery is well documented throughout the visitor center. But a small glass case probably tells the history best. Neatly spotlighted by a bright halogen beam are the worn, mud-soaked boots the men wore when they first entered and explored the cave.

RELATED ARTICLE: Kartchner Caverns travel planner

Kartchner Caverns State Park is near Benson, Arizona, approximately 60 miles southeast of Tucson. From 1-10 in Tucson, drive east 50 miles to State 90 (exit 302). Drive south for 9 miles to the park entrance. The cave is open 7:30-6 daily (closed Christmas Day). Entry fee is $10 per vehicle for up to four adults; additional adults are $1 each. Cave tours cost $14, $6 ages 7-14. Reservations recommended; call (520) 586-2283. For general information, call 586-4100 or visit www.pr.state.az.us.

Area code is 520.

Amerind Foundation. This private archaeological museum in Dragoon is devoted to native peoples of the Southwestern United States and Mexico; the facility also houses a gallery specializing in Western art. From Benson, take 1-10 12 miles east to Dragoon Rd. (exit 318); the museum is 1 mile east. $3, $2 ages 12-18. 10-4 daily; 586-3666.

Cochise Stronghold. The Apache leader Cochise hid out here in the Dragoon Mountains, enraging his Anglo adversaries. These days it's part of the Coronado National Forest, and you can hike, picnic, see the ruins of an old Butterfield Overland stage stop, or view ancient petroglyphs. From Benson, take 1-10 east about 22 miles to U.S. 191 (exit 331). Go south 12 miles to Ironwood Rd. (FR. 84), then west 8 miles to the Stronghold. $3 trailhead parking, $5 day-use campsites, $10 camping; 364-3468.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park. One of Arizona's other developed caves in nearby Vail is "dry" and no longer growing, but the formations are still fascinating. The 45-minute tours involve climbing up and down stairs. You'll learn about the cave's ancient inhabitants, its days as a bandito hangout, and its 1920s exploration. From Benson, take 1-10 west approximately 30 miles to Colossal Cave Rd. (exit 279); head north 7 miles to the cave. 9-5 Mon-Sat, 9-6 Sun; $7.50, $4 ages 6-12.

Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve. A remodeled visitor center will mark the early January reopening of this canyon preserve in the Huachuca Mountains. Known for its abundance of hummingbirds and butterflies, the preserve is also home to scores of other bird species. From Kartchner Caverns, take State 90 south 19 miles to Sierra Vista, then State 92 south for 6 miles to the Ramsey Canyon turnoff. 9-5 daily; 378-2785.

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The San Pedro River has been called one of the West's greatest free-flowing rivers for its biodiversity. In the 40-mile-long conservation area, which runs from just south of Benson to the Mexican border, you can check out the rich bird life and wildlife, hike, and enjoy the tush riparian surroundings. Sunrise to sunset daily; 458-3559.

Dining

Chute-Out Steakhouse & Saloon. This is cattle country, so go for a ribeye, porterhouse, or fillet and a starter plate of deep-fried jalapenos. 161 S. Huachuca St., Benson; 586-7297.