The Cave Guide
Anthodite crystal clusters in Skyline Caverns, VirginiaPhoto: James St. John, CC BY 2.0

Skyline Caverns

Front Royal, VA
12
steps on the tour
1 hr
on the main tour
$30
adult ticket

A cave in Front Royal, Virginia with one-hour guided tours, billed as the closest natural wonder to Washington, DC.

The story

Walter S. Amos discovered Skyline Caverns in 1937 by examining surface topography. The caverns opened to the public in 1939. During the tourism boom of the 1950s through 80s, Skyline Caverns was a noted attraction, and special visitors such as Bing Crosby considered it a worthy travel destination. The caverns have welcomed millions of guests over eight decades.

Found
1937
Open to visitors since
1939

History source: skylinecaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • The Capital Dome
  • Rainbow Trails
  • Painted Desert
  • Wishing Well
  • Grotto of Nativity
  • Cathedral Hall
  • Shrine
  • Fairyland Lake
  • Anthodite Clusters
  • Chandelier
  • Rainbow Waterfall

Tickets and timing

Adults
$30 (13+)
Kids
$15 (ages 6–12), free for 5 and under
How long it takes
1 hour
Hours
Currently 9am–4pm with tours every 30 minutes. Mid-November to mid-March 9am–4pm daily (Christmas 9am–noon).
Booking
No reservations; tickets aren't sold online. Groups call 1-800-296-4545.

Getting around underground

The walk
The tour is one hour and includes 12 steps down at the beginning and 61 steps up at the end.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs cannot access the caverns due to stairs.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed, but may need to be carried over loose gravel paths and stairs.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Pets are only allowed in the cavern if they are carried for the duration of the tour.
Temperature
54ºF year-round

Good to know

Photos
Cameras and flash photography are allowed as long as you keep up with the pace of the tour.
Food and drink
Snacks, drinks, ice cream, and candy are available for purchase at the Caverns Gift Shop. There is no restaurant, but picnic areas are available.
On site
Gift Shop, Rock Shop, Picnic areas, Miniature Train, Mirror Maze, Nature Trail

Getting there

Washington, DCBaltimoreRichmondRoanoke

Skyline Caverns is in or near Front Royal, VA.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets for military, AAA members and seniors.
  • A miniature train runs spring through fall.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Skyline Caverns take?

1 hour

How cold is it inside Skyline Caverns?

54ºF year-round.

Can you visit Skyline Caverns in a wheelchair?

Wheelchairs cannot access the caverns due to stairs.

Are dogs allowed at Skyline Caverns?

Pets are only allowed in the cavern if they are carried for the duration of the tour.

Do you need to book Skyline Caverns in advance?

No reservations; tickets aren't sold online. Groups call 1-800-296-4545.

When was Skyline Caverns discovered?

1937, according to the cave's own history.

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

Other caves in Virginia

See all 8 caves in Virginia