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Benson is a small, quiet town on interstate 10 in Cochise County, 45 miles west of Tucson and 314 miles from the next major city to the east, Las Cruces in New Mexico. The town was founded in 1880 as a stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad, and the addition of two branch lines to the nearby copper, silver and gold mining centers of Tombstone and Bisbee meant it soon became a thriving community. Today Benson survives mainly on faming and tourism, as well as being a useful overnight stop for cross-country travelers on I-10, and has a population of around 4,000. It is reached by exits 303, 304 and 306 of I-10, and from the south by state routes 80 and 90.
The town has recently adopted the motto of 'Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park', in reference to the newly discovered limestone caves a few miles to the south, which became a state park in 1999. The caverns are certainly spectacular but rather expensive to visit, with tours ranging from $19 to $28. They are found on the east side of the Whetstone Mountains, within the Coronado National Forest, which has another unit southeast of Benson, enclosing the Dragoon Mountains, and another two to the north.
Elevation: 3,585 feet
Situation: Benson is situated in the wide, bushy, meandering San Pedro River Valley with arid, gently sloping desert plains at either side and higher mountains in the distance. Officially though Benson is not located in a desert, being just between the ranges of the Sonoran and Chichuahuan Deserts to the west and east.
Weather: Temperatures in Benson are generally in the 90s in summer, when afternoon thunderstorms are common; July and August are the wettest months. May to September have all recorded highs over 100, and while December to February see below zero nights most of the time, winter highs are still usually in the 60s.
Weather forecast for Benson (from The Weather Channel) |
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Hotel in Benson:
Holiday Inn Express Benson
The Holiday Inn Express (630 S Village Loop, Benson) is located in a mostly rural area a mile west of Benson town center, beside exit 302 of interstate 10 - just off AZ 90 which leads south towards the Kartchner Caverns, Fort Huachuca, Coronado National Memorial and the Mexican border. The hotel is generally considered the best of the rather limited choice of accommodation in Benson, and features 62 very clean rooms & suites, a nice pool with views over the desert, a fitness room, and a dining area for the free continental breakfast. There are a few fast food places nearby but most restaurants, and all other facilities, are in the town center.
Check rates at the Holiday Inn Express Benson |
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Best Western Quail Hollow Inn
Occupying a quiet site along the mostly undeveloped Ocotillo Avenue, between downtown Benson and interstate 10 (exit 304), the Best Western Quail Hollow Inn was fully renovated in 2007 and caters for guests in 83 modern, comfortable rooms (equipped with microwave/refrigerator), arranged in 3 blocks either side of the parking area, courtyard and outdoor pool. Above average free continental breakfast is served, and the adjacent Country View Restaurant is open all day for other meals.
Check rates at the Best Western Quail Hollow Inn
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Satellite Photo/Map: View above Benson:
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