Cave and Mine Adventures: Frequently Asked Questions: Operating Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO USE THIS PAGE

The best way to find answers to your questions is to read the questions in the column below left, clicking on those that best fit your own questions. Answers will appear below. You may also use the search box above right, to search the entire website, not just the FAQ pages.

If you cannot find answers to your questions, please call us 9 am - 5 pm any day of the week at (209) 736-2708 or toll free (866) 762-2837 or email us by clicking HERE.

Click on one of the links below to open a new window showing a slideshow of photos. To return to this page, just close the slideshow window.

Black Chasm Cavern's photo gallery

Boyden Cavern's photo gallery

California Cavern's photo gallery

California Zip Lines photo gallery

Gold Cliff Mine's photo gallery

Moaning Cavern's photo gallery

Sutter Gold Mine's Photo Gallery

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What are the Operating Dates and Times

How accessible are the different locations?

What are the age & size limits?

What else is there to do in the area?

What are the best times to visit?

Can I bring my camera?

How should I dress?

Do I qualify for a discount?

What facilities are at the caverns & gold mines?

Can I bring food and drinks underground?

What are the operating dates & times?

What information can you give private pilots?

Where can I stay nearby?

What are the regular prices?

What are the discount prices?

How and when should I make reservations?

What are the driving conditions in the area?

How safe are the tours & expeditions?

What are the tour sizes?

What kinds of tours & trips are at each location?

What travel distances & times should I allow?

Can I use my own equipment?

A: Black Chasm Cavern
OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

45-minute guided walk tours leave approximately on the hour between the hours listed below:

SUMMER HOURS May 16 - September 15, every day: 9 am - last tour at 5 pm.

WINTER HOURS September 16 - May 15, weekends & weekdays: 10 am - last tour at 4 pm, holidays: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm,

Boyden Cavern
OPEN DAILY MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31 (may open as early as late April and stay open until early November, depending on the open/closure dates of the road into Kings Canyon)

Guided walk tours run approximately every hour between the hours listed below:

SUMMER HOURS: May 16 - September 15, every day: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm.

WINTER HOURS: September 15 - park close and park open - May 15, weekends & holidays: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm, weekdays 11 am - last tour at 4 pm.

California Cavern
NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND

Guided walk tours run every hour between the hours listed below:

SUMMER HOURS May 16 - September 15: TRAIL OF LIGHTS TOUR: every day: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm.

WINTER HOURS: September 16 - May 15: TRAIL OF LAKES TOUR: weekends & holidays: 10 am - last tour at 4 pm, weekdays 11am - 4pm.

Trail of Lights/Lakes tours depend on the water levels in the cave. Dates fluctuate annually.

Mammoth Cave Expedition Trip is usually available beginning in May. Start times: 9 am and 1pm (special start times can sometimes be arranged.)

Middle Earth Expedition Trip is usually available beginning in July. Start times: 9:30 am, 10:30 am and 12:00 pm (special times can sometimes be arranged).

A starting time for an expedition will be determined when reservations are made. To make reservations call 209-736-2708 or toll free 866-762-2837.

Gold Cliff Mine
ADVENTURE TRIP AVAILABLE DAILY, YEAR ROUND, BY RESERVATION. Expedition time will be set when the reservation is set, with the earliest beginning time of 10:00 am and the latest, 3:00 pm.

Moaning Cavern
OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

Guided walk tours run every 45 minutes between the hours listed below:

SUMMER & HOLIDAY HOURS May 1 - October 31: daily 9 am - last tour at 6 pm.

WINTER HOURS November 1 - April 30, Weekends: 9 am - last tour at 5 pm, Weekdays: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm.

The Rappel is on a first-come first-served basis. There are no starting times; it is continually available.

The Adventure Trip is available year round. Start times 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

Occasionally, the starting times may be different. A starting time will be determined when reservations are made. To make reservations call 209-736-2708 or toll free 866-762-2837.

Sutter Gold Mine
NEW HOURS

Guided walk tours run every hour between the hours listed below:

SUMMER HOURS May 16 - September 15: daily 9 am - last tour at 5 pm.

WINTER HOURS October 21st through mid-February, Weekends & holidays: 10 am - last tour at 5 pm, Mondays and Fridays: 10 am - last tour at 4 pm. Tuesdays - Thursdays CLOSED to walk in traffic.