FAQ
Is the cavern open year round?
No. Highway 180, the road to access the cavern, is closed every winter. The road is generally open between late April and mid-November, but exact dates can vary.
What should I bring on my tour?
You will need to bring your camera (photos are allowed and encouraged!), and a small bottle of water if needed. It is 55°F (~12.5°C) year-round inside the cave, so you might want to bring a jacket. Wear shoes that you would wear hiking. Depending on the season and weather conditions, you may have the option to get your feet wet by walking in our natural creek bed. We recommend having a change of shoes or hiking/water sandals (closed-toe recommended). No Flip Flops! We sell water shoes at the cave!
What you cannot bring:
Tripods, monopods, walking sticks
Bags of any kind, size, or type (including baby carrier backpacks, front carriers are OK)
Food or drink, gum, candy, etc. Water is OK, but no large metal water bottles inside the cavern
Strollers or other wheeled items (the cavern is not wheelchair accessible)
We recommend leaving these items in your vehicle, but if you forget and have them at the entrance, we have a small box in which you can leave them. The box inside the cavern is unattended.
Can I take my pet?
No pets are allowed inside the cavern. Service dogs are allowed but we do appreciate knowing in advance so we can limit the number of service dogs on one tour. There are two sections of metal grate decking on the trail to the cavern that are not comfortable for dog paws, so we recommend booties or carrying your service dog over those areas. Service dog allowances do not include Emotional Support Animals.
There are no kennel services that we know of nearby. Please research where dogs can go in the area as it is quite limited (no dogs on trails in National Parks). Dogs must be leashed at all times.
How strenuous is the tour?
The walk up to the cavern is generally the most challenging part. It is a short but very steep walk that takes most people about 5 minutes. Once inside the cave, you will need to duck, stoop, turn sideways, walk on loose rocks, walk up and down stairs and slopes, and navigate slippery areas.
We discourage guests with pre-existing conditions, or high-risk factors from taking the tour. The cavern tour has some tight areas and can be an uncomfortable environment for some people.
Do I need a flashlight?
On the regular walking tour, the cavern will be lit for you, but you are welcome to bring a flashlight to peer into corners and crevices! Please avoid shining the flashlight into others’ eyes (and instruct your kids to keep it pointed down).
How long is the tour?
Tours last 45-60 minutes round trip. Your tour will depart at your tour time, and the walk up to the cave takes about 5 minutes. We ask that visitors arrive 15-30 minutes before their tour. So, if you plan to take a 12 pm tour, arrive by 11:45. At 12 pm, we will send all ticket holders up the path. At about 12:10, your guide will arrive to cover the safety briefing before leading you into the cave. The tour goes back about 750 feet into the cave. You can expect to be reemerging into daylight at about 1 pm. You can walk back down the path at your leisure (it’s a beautiful view of the canyon!).
All guests who purchase tickets online must check in at least 10 minutes prior to your tour, or you may forfeit your tickets or be bumped to the next available tour.
How do I get to the cavern?
We are located 19 miles east of Grant Grove on Highway 180.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
It depends! We do not release all our availability online for advance purchase, and almost always have walk-up tickets available in the morning. However, sometimes those walk-up tickets do come with a wait, which can be much longer on weekends. On holiday weekends, we can end up selling out for the whole day by early afternoon.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, contact us by email as soon as possible! We will always try to work with you to come to a resolution.
For cancellations made by you: Any cancellation made at least 72 hours in advance is fully refunded. Cancellations between 72 hours and the midnight prior to your tour are refunded minus a fee of 18% or rescheduled at no cost to you to any available date and time. Same day cancellations are not refunded, but we still encourage you to contact us ASAP!
For cancellations made by us: We hate to cancel tours, but unexpected things can happen! If we have to cancel your tour for any reason (natural disaster, government closure due to pandemic, staffing issue), we will automatically refund you 100%. While we’d love for you to rebook with us if you can, we don’t believe in-store credit for our guests; as for many of you, the trip here is once or twice in a lifetime. So we’d rather not give people the extra step of having to cash in-store credit for a full refund. If we cancel a tour, we will contact you by email as soon as we can.
Can I use flash photography?
Yes! As long as there are no bats present, you can use flash photography. Your guide will let you know if there are any restrictions in place. We also offer private extended tours, which are perfect for people who want to take their time to get the perfect shot, set up external flash or other lights, or use a tripod/monopod.
Are there bats in the cave?
Sometimes! Bats don’t frequent our cave very often. However, there are many other caves in the area that bats use. We occasionally will have bats – if we do, your guide will let you know not to use your flash, and we will pass through that room quickly and quietly. Don’t worry; the bats won’t bother you!
What age is appropriate for the cave tour?
We have had babies up to octogenarians on our tours. The walk up to the cave is very steep, so it can be strenuous for children and the elderly. However, we can let you start walking up the path early so that you can take your time! Babies can be worn in carriers only if they are worn in front. Some babies love the cave – but some have not and have left the tour early. Walking toddlers to preschool age may find the cavern fascinating, or may be bored with the slower pace of the tour and information provided at each stop. You’re the best judge of whether or not you or someone in your group can take the tour. If you’re not able to complete the tour, just let the guide know you need to exit early, and they will make sure that you get to the gate.
Can I buy snacks or drinks at the gift shop? What else do you sell?
Yes! We sell water, soda, and other beverages in the gift shop. You can also buy chips, granola bars, and other snacks. If you want a hot meal, your closest option is in Cedar Grove, 10 miles away, or Grant Grove, 19 miles away. Please check the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park website for the most up to date information on restaurant services in those areas.
We also sell souvenirs like shirts, hats, mugs, shot glasses, and magnets. Check out our cool collection of rocks and minerals for sale! We even have unopened Geodes that you can choose and crack on site. Geodes are a special kind of rock that, when cracked or sawed open, reveals beautiful crystals!
If there is something you wanted that we didn’t have, let us know!
Can I have a picnic?
Only if you promise to enjoy it! We might be biased, but we think our picnic area is one of the best places to have a meal or take a rest before or after your tour. You’ll have a fantastic view of the canyon and river. Just a warning, though, we are next to the Windy Cliffs, which live up to their name! So please be careful with napkins and small items that may blow away to avoid littering our beautiful canyon.
Are there restrooms?
We have three primitive pit toilets in our parking area. There is no plumbing/running water at Boyden Cavern.
Can I still take a tour if it is raining?
Yes! One of the great things about the cave is its constant temperature and protection from the elements! If it is raining during your trip, do take your time driving and watch for falling rocks in the road. It rarely rains during the summer season, but if it does, we’d ask you to also take extra care on the trail to the cave.
When did the cave reopen?
The cavern and gift shop was closed from August 2015 to May 2019 due to the Rough Fire of 2015. A new company has taken over operations as of 2019, and we are excited to be offering tours again. We reopened on May 15, 2019.
The cavern was also closed all of 2023 due to significant road damage that took months to repair. It reopened again in May of 2024.
We hope to see you in the cave!
I am interested in working at Boyden Cavern, how do I get more information?
You can get more information by emailing us at info@boydencavern.com. We strive to hire people who are enthusiastic and can provide excellent guest service!! Cave knowledge is not required. We can teach you all you need to know, and most guides end up learning on their off time, too; caves are just that fascinating!
