Benson (Arizona)

Benson is a historic rail town, and is one of the few towns in the region which still has passenger rail service. For visitors there is little of interest in the town itself, but it does offer a range of options for accommodation and as such can be a good base for exploring the region.

• Benson Visitor Center

  phone: +1 520 586-4293
  address: 249 E 4th St
  Offers a helpful map with listings for restaurants and accommodation.

By plane

• Tucson International Airport

  phone: +1 520 573-8100
  address: 250 S Tucson Blvd
  Served by a number of airlines, this is the closest airport with commercial service.

By train and bus

• Amtrak

  address: 105 E 4th St
  Served by two routes: the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. Nearby is a replica of the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, which is used as a visitor center.

• Greyhound

  address: 618 S Village Loop
  As this just a pick-up and drop-off point, tickets should be purchased beforehand online or over the phone.

By car

Interstate 10 (I-10) is the main thoroughfare, with access from the northwest from Tucson and from the east from New Mexico.

Benson Area Transit (BAT) operates a "Fixed Deviated Route" service with bus stops throughout the City of Benson and Pomerene. Fixed route buses are wheelchair accessible.

• Kartchner Caverns State Park

  phone: +1 520 586-2283
  A living limestone cave with beautiful speleothems. The park also has two scenic hiking trails (map available here), as well as a campground with water (see listing below). Reservations for the cave tour are required.

• Gammons Gulch Movie Set and Museum

  phone: +1 520 212-2831
  address: 331 W Rockspring Ln
  This is a working movie set so it is best to call before arrival, as the site is closed to visitors during filming. There is also a small onsite museum with movie memorabilia and antiques.

• San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society

  phone: +1 520 586-3134
  address: 180 S San Pedro St
  A small museum with displays on local and regional history. There is also a small gift shop selling items made by local artisans.

• Benson Butterfield Rodeo

  phone: +1 520 586-9983
  address: Arena Bar, 250 N Prickly Pear Ave
  An annual two-day rodeo held in mid-October.

• Butterfield Overland Stage Days

  phone: +1 520 586-2842
  An annual three-day event held in mid-October commemorating the Overland mail route of the US Post Office Pony Express. A horse is ridden with mail from Benson to Dragoon with special postage stamp cancellation. The event also features entertainment and food.

• Whetstone MountainsThe Whetstones are known primarily as the backdrop for Kartchner Caverns, and for Mescal Springs, where Wyatt Earp shot and killed Curly Bill Brocius during the Earp Vendetta Ride in 1882. Most recently they have been noted for confirmed and extremely rare jaguar sightings. They offer a few challenging trails and climbing routes, as well as opportunities for birdwatching. This remote range does not receive many visitors, so hikers should take appropriate precautions.

• French Joe CanyonNamed after an early prospector, this canyon has reliable springs and is a good location for avid birders. It makes for a very challenging hike, and a 4WD is necessary to get to the trailhead. A good trail description can be found here. Allow at least 5 hours.

• Guindani Trail (#398)Hikers on this steep trail are rewarded with excellent views of the San Pedro Valley, with the Huachuca and Dragoon Mountains in the distance. Although the trail is almost entirely on National Forest Land, the trailhead is located within Kartcher Caverns State Park so an entrance fee is required. Allow 2.5-3 hours.

• Singing Wind Bookshop

  phone: +1 520 586-2425
  address: 700 W Singing Wind Rd
  Independent bookshop specializing in books on the region, with hard-to-find titles. The shop can be difficult to find; good directions are available here.

• Benson Donuts

  phone: +1 520 586-3966
  address: 690 N Ocotillo Rd
  Independent donut shop.

• Mi Casa Restaurant

  phone: +1 520 245-0343
  address: 732 W 4th St
  A very popular Mexican restaurant, unassuming from the outside but well worth the effort to seek out.

• Safeway

  phone: +1 520 586-9094
  address: 599 W 4th St
  Has a full-service deli and pharmacy.

• Bobby Joe's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 520-221-2325
  address: 3142 W Meadowlark Ln
  The kitchen is run by Robert Michel, former White House chef for Presidents Clinton and Bush.

Lodging

• Best Western Plus Quail Hollow Inn

  phone: +1 520 586-3646
  address: 699 N Ocotillo Rd
  Free breakfast and wi-fi, pool, pets accepted.

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 520 586-8800
  address: 630 S Village Loop
  Free breakfast and wi-fi, nonsmoking, pool, pet-friendly.

• Down by the River Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 520 720-9441
  address: 2255 Efken Place, St David
  Santa Fe-style lodging in a scenic location by the San Pedro River.

• Quarter Horse RV & Motel

  phone: +1 520 586-3371
  address: 800 W 4th St
  Has only four rooms which fill up quickly.

Camping

• Benson KOA

  phone: +1 520 586-3977
  address: 180 W Four Feathers Ln
  Spots for tents and RVs, cabins available. Hookups and water at some sites, showers and pool on the grounds. Free wi-fi, pets accepted.

• Kartchner Caverns State Park

  phone: +1 520-586-2283 (reservations)
  address: Hwy 90
  All sites have electric hookup and water; toilets and showers available. Suitable for RV hookups as well as tents.

• Benson Public Library

  phone: +1 520 586-9535
  address: 300 S Huachuca St
  Computers with internet access available, as well as free wi-fi in the building during opening hours.

• Benson Hospital

  phone: +1 520 586-2261
  address: 450 S Ocotillo Ave