California Cavern Walking Tour

Join us!

About

At California Cavern, we offer two cave walking tours depending on the time of year.
• Summer & Fall (Dry Season) - Trail of Lights Tour : 60 - 80 Minutes Long
• Winter & Spring (Wet Season) - Trail of Lakes Tour: 45 - 60 Minutes Long

The Trail of Lakes tour is very similar to the Trail of Lights tour with the exception of pools of water that form throughout the cavern when the water table rises. Depending on the water levels in the cave, a few rooms may not be accessible on the Trail of Lakes tour, But in trade, you enjoy the mirror effect of the water reflecting the crystalline formations along the trail.

Both cave walking tours meander over nearly level, well lighted passages and walkways. There are approximately 60 steps throughout this tour. Experienced, professional guides lead groups into the “Jungle Room”, named for the array of crystalline "vines" covering the ceiling, many of them several feet long. Groups learn about the rich history of the cavern and the surrounding countryside, and cavern formation and geology. For safety reasons, we do not allow children to be carried in backpacks on this tour. Front packs are allowed, but are not recommended.

What to Expect

Summertime temperatures outside the cave reach over 100 degrees and in the winter time temperatures can be at or below freezing with up to a foot of snow possible. The cave itself, however, is always 54 degrees inside.

There are no age requirements for the tour but please be aware that infants and children may not be carried in backpacks. Front-packs are ideal for this trip and we have several loaners we can provide if necessary. Carrying children in arm is possible but not advised due to safety reasons.

California Cavern is a very well preserved cavern, to continue this we must restrict what guests can bring into the cave.

On the tour absolutely do NOT bring:

• Food
• Chewing gum
• Drinks
• Water (including bottled water or camel-back style back-packs)
The delicate chemistry and biology of the cave can be dramatically altered by any of these items.
• Camera attachments such as extra lenses or tripods/selfie sticks. These items can be dropped and lost in the cavern and could possibly damage the ancient crystal formations irreversibly.
• Backpacks or large purses are not permitted. These items reduce the amount of space available on the tour and could damage the cavern by scraping against the crystal walls.
• Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed inside the cave for any reason. Service animals with proper documentation are allowed as per California law but please be aware that leashes are a tripping hazard and any mess is the responsibility of the owner.
• Walking sticks are not allowed because they create a tripping hazard and can damage the crystal formations. Guests can bring their walking sticks to the mouth of the cave, but not inside. There are handrails along the steps throughout the cave.