Same day Kartchner Caverns and Chiricahua National Monument

Question

When staying in Tucson, I'm thinking about doing a first-thing in the morning tour of Kartchner Caverns, then from there driving to Chiricahua National Monument for the rest of the day.

Will be with 2 elementary age kids, so will not be doing any crazy long hikes at Chiricahua - mostly just want them to do the very short hikes and get a glimpse of the rock formations.

Is doing this all in 1 day reasonably doable?

Answer

Yes, it is technically possible to visit both Kartchner Caverns and Chiricahua National Monument in one day from Tucson, but there are several important factors to consider to make the day manageable, especially with elementary-age kids.

Kartchner Caverns:

Located about 1 hour southeast of Tucson.
First-thing-in-the-morning tours usually start around 9 AM; it’s essential to book in advance as tours can sell out.
The tours generally last about 1 to 1.5 hours, which is reasonable for kids, but they do involve walking and some stairs inside the caverns.

Drive to Chiricahua National Monument:

From Kartchner Caverns to Chiricahua National Monument is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and exact route.
This means you would likely arrive at Chiricahua around early afternoon if you leave right after the cave tour.

At Chiricahua National Monument:

With young children, focus on the short, easy trails and viewpoint stops, such as the Echo Canyon, Massai Point, and Faraway Rock areas.
You can enjoy the unique rock formations without doing any strenuous hikes, but keep in mind that some trails still involve uneven terrain and slight elevation changes.
Allow for breaks, water, and snacks since the kids may get tired after the morning cave tour and long drive.

Practical Considerations:

Expect a very full day with a fair amount of driving (roughly 4–5 hours total). Kids may get restless during the drives.
Consider packing lunch or snacks, as food options inside Chiricahua are very limited.
Check the park hours for both locations; Kartchner Caverns closes earlier in the afternoon.

Recommendation:

While doable, this itinerary will be a long and busy day. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might consider visiting one location in the morning and the other the following day, or prioritizing Kartchner Caverns and doing Chiricahua on a separate day.
If you decide to do both in one day, start very early and prepare for a full day of sightseeing and driving.

Overall, with careful planning, this day trip is possible, but be mindful of the driving times and energy levels of young children.