Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997... both at pio at azstateparks.gov
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KARTCHNER CAVERNS LAUNCHES
SUMMER 50% DISCOUNT PROMOTION
Mention Arizona State Park's 50th Birthday
and Get 50% off your ticket!

(Phoenix, AZ - July 5, 2007) - Kartchner Caverns State Park cave tours will be discounted by 50% this summer to celebrate the State Parks' 50th Anniversary. "We have analyzed our visitation and traditionally the months of July, August and September are much slower at Kartchner Caverns, than the rest of the year," said Assistant Director Jay Ream. "What we need to do is fill up those tours and offer this great opportunity to families that have not been able to take the time to go down there yet," he said.

"From July 9 until September 24 we will be offering these 50% discounts, but we recommend that you book your reservations on the internet or call right away to be sure you will be able to go on a tour. Weekends are usually busy, so for those days you should always try to get reserved tickets. There are only a small amount of walk-up tickets an hour that are offered, so you may not be able to get onto a tour if you just drive down there, unless you arrive very early," he said.

"We are even offering the camping at 50% off so you can stay at the park for the weekend and travel to other State Parks in the system. If you travel east you can visit Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and to the West is Patagonia Lake State Park."

"If you are trying to get out of the heat of the large cities, you actually gain elevation to about 4500 feet from the Phoenix and Tucson valley areas. The air is cooler there and the cave temperature runs about 20 degrees colder than the city outside temperatures," said Ream.

Park visitors can tour the 23,000-square-foot Discovery Center and all the geology exhibits, sign up for the interpretive programs, and see the filmed documentary of the explorers explaining the importance of stewardship of natural resources.

If you book on the Internet or call the park for RESERVED cave tour tickets, the prices are (adults $10.98, children $6.48) and you will be guaranteed your tours when you arrive at the park. If you are just in the area and stop by for a walk-up ticket, there is a $5 park entrance fee and the tickets are (adults $9.48 and children $4.98.)

It is always best to guarantee your cave tours and book online at www.azstateparks.com as there is no waiting on the phone. You can also call (520) 586-2283 to reserve your tickets if you prefer the telephone or don't have a computer.

Camping is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and the picnic and group areas are available throughout the year. Group tours are always welcome and special accommodations can be made, but tour operators are encouraged to call for information in advance.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free 800-285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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