Community: Benson

Introduction

Benson services Lodging: Make hotel reservations in Benson. David Sanders / Staff Living cave: Rickard Toomey, resources manager for Kartchner Caverns, explores stalagmites and stalactites in the Big Room. The world-famous caverns are among Benson's nearby attractions.

Benson serves as the western gateway to the scenic and historic attractions of Cochise County and has copyrighted the name "Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park." Located in the historical San Pedro Valley, it offers proximity to both Tucson and Sierra Vista. Its rugged mountains, grassy valleys, moderate climate, and proximity to many historical sites makes it a popular tourist attraction.

Nearby is the world famous Kartchner Caverns State Park and Old Tucson's Mescal movie site. Other attractions include: Tombstone, 20 miles from Benson; Gammon's Gulch Movie Set & Museum; historic Fort Huachuca, with its 1880s buildings and an Indian war days museum; the Amerind Museum which features remnants of prehistoric Indian cultures; and the Holy Trinity Monastery along the San Pedro Riparian Area. In addition, there are numerous mountain ranges that provide rock hounding, photography, picnicing, hiking, camping, bird watching and hunting opportunities.

FOUNDED: 1880
DISTANCE TO PHOENIX: 156 miles
HIGHWAYS: SR-90, SR-80, I-10
ENTERPRISE ZONE AVAILABLE
INCORPORATED: Yes - 1924
ELEVATION: 3,685 feet
DISTANCE TO TUCSON: 45 miles
COUNTY: Cochise County