The Cave Guide
The gated entrance to California CavernPhoto: Eric Vanderpool, CC BY 2.0

California Caverns

Mountain Ranch, CA
54°F
inside, all year
60
steps on the tour
60-80 min
on the main tour
$24
adult ticket

A cave near San Andreas, off Highway 49, with the Trail of Lights walking tour and a Trail of Lakes tour, about 60 steps on the main route.

The story

The operators' expedition tours pass through the cave's historic Mammoth Cave area, and the Middle Earth section was discovered in 1980.

History source: cavetouring.com.

What you'll see

  • Jungle Room
  • Mammoth Cave
  • Middle Earth
  • Cave of the Quills
  • Tom's Lake

Tickets and timing

Adults
$24 (ages 13 and up)
Kids
$16 (ages 4 to 12); free for ages 3 and under
How long it takes
Trail of Lights Tour: 60-80 minutes; Trail of Lakes Tour: 45-60 minutes
Hours
Tours depart every hour, with the last tour setting off at 4pm.
Booking
Reservations are recommended; book online or call 888-488-1960 for expedition tours.

Getting around underground

The walk
About 60 steps.
Wheelchairs
Cave tours are not wheelchair accessible; gift shop is accessible.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed inside the caves; service animals with proper documentation are allowed.
Temperature
About 54°F (12°C)

Good to know

Best time to go
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and for groups.
Photos
Tripods, selfie sticks, extra camera attachments are not allowed inside the caves.
Food and drink
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the caves.
On site
gift shop, outdoor closeable booth showers

Special tours and events

Trail of Lights and Trail of Lakes tours.

Getting there

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoFresno

9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch, CA 95246

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to California Caverns take?

Trail of Lights Tour: 60-80 minutes; Trail of Lakes Tour: 45-60 minutes

How cold is it inside California Caverns?

About 54°F (12°C).

Can you visit California Caverns in a wheelchair?

Cave tours are not wheelchair accessible; gift shop is accessible.

Are dogs allowed at California Caverns?

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed inside the caves; service animals with proper documentation are allowed.

Do you need to book California Caverns in advance?

Reservations are recommended; book online or call 888-488-1960 for expedition tours.

Where is California Caverns?

9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch, CA 95246

Checked on 2026-10-22 against cavetouring.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

Other caves in California

See all 9 caves in California