Exploring Boyden Cavern: A Hidden Gem in Kings Canyon
Hi friends! Last week I took an amazing road trip to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in partnership with Visit Visalia, and easily one of the top highlights of my time in the mountains was at Boyden Cavern. If you’re heading into Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks this season and can’t get reservations to Crystal Cave—don’t worry, because Boyden Cavern is open, incredible, and ready to blow you away. Nestled beneath the towering cliffs of the Kings Canyon’s iconic marble gorge, this lesser-known cave offers something truly magical: a family-owned operation passionate about sharing the underground beauty of the Sierra, a fascinating blend of natural & human history, and an unforgettable adventure into the depths of a marble wonderland.
The small business owners Maria & Daniel Baker were so kind and welcoming from the moment I checked in, and our tour guide Bridget was fun, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what she does. Whether you’re a seasoned cave enthusiast or just looking for something new and unique to explore near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Boyden Cavern is 100% worth the stop.
Exploring Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon
Location: Deep in the Heart of Kings Canyon
Boyden Cavern is located within Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, but don’t let that throw you...it's situated right off the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway along the section of Highway 180 that exits Kings Canyon National Park for about 25 miles in between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. So, although technically outside the park boundaries, accessing this area requires visitors to enter Kings Canyon National Park. The road winds dramatically down into the canyon, and the cavern sits tucked beneath the soaring marble walls along the South Fork of the Kings River.
It’s an easy stop if you’re heading deeper into the canyon, and the drive itself is jaw-dropping. Expect towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a remarkable highway carved right into the canyon wall...it’s truly one of the most scenic drives in California.
Tip: Cell service is unreliable in most parts of Kings Canyon, especially as you descend down into the canyon, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. I love using Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices.
CCC walkway in Boyden Cavern
History: A Marble Cave with a Human Story
While many people associate caves with limestone, Boyden Cavern is a rare example of a marble cave, formed through the forces of tectonic pressure, water erosion, and time. As you step inside, you'll be surrounded by stunning geological features like stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, curtains, and draperies—formed slowly, drip by drip, over thousands of years.
The cavern is named after J. Putnam Boyden, a local prospector and entrepreneur who discovered and claimed the cave in 1907. Boyden actually lived inside the cave, where the consistent temperature (around 55ºF) and fresh water access allowed for “comfortable” living year round. Later, during the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped improve access to and inside the cave, creating a path that visitors still walk today.
Path up to Boyden Cavern entrance with views of the Kings River
Cave Tours: Insightful, Adventurous, and Fun
Tours at Boyden Cavern are guided only, which not only protects the cave but enhances the experience. You start by checking in at the Gift Shop and then heading up the short but relatively steep path up to the cave entrance, where you’ll be greeted by your tour guide. Our guide Bridget struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment, pointing out formations with clever nicknames, explaining the science behind the cave’s formation, and answering everyone’s questions with ease. The total experience lasted about an hour, as we explored large chambers and squeezed through narrow openings.
Near the end of the tour, guests are given the choice to return along the standard path (built by the CCC) or to take an adventurous route that leads through a narrow, water-filled passage with ankle-deep flowing water. Of course, I couldn’t resist. The rush of cold water and the feeling of ducking and maneuvering through the rock made the whole experience even more memorable.
This is also a fantastic family-friendly activity. Kids love the sense of discovery, and the tour length is just right. Tours operate late Spring through Fall (depending on when the highway is open), and reservations are encouraged but not always required. Walk-ins are accepted and welcomed when space is available.
Formations inside Boyden Cavern in Sequoia National Forest
Crystal Cave vs. Boyden Cavern: Why Boyden Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
With Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park recently reopening and selling out weeks in advance, many visitors don’t realize there’s another cave option nearby, and it’s every bit as stunning! While both are beautiful marble caves and worth a visit, Boyden Cavern offers a more intimate and personal experience. The location is right off the main highway, there’s no long hike to reach the entrance, and with it being family-run, you feel that genuine hospitality every step of the way.
Crystal Cave is beautiful and might get more press, but Boyden Cavern often surprises visitors with how impressive and well-kept it is, not to mention the chance to support a small, local business. If you're looking to avoid crowds, snag last-minute tickets, or simply experience something different, Boyden is a standout alternative—and for many, it becomes a favorite activity in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon region.
Main entrance to Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon
More Info & Tour Reservations
Whether you’re planning a full Kings Canyon itinerary or just passing through, Boyden Cavern is one of those rare hidden gems that leaves a lasting impression. The scenery outside is breathtaking. The experience inside is unforgettable. And the people running the show, Maria, Daniel, and their whole crew, are the kind of folks who make you feel right at home.
For more great information on visiting Boyden Cavern, and to book your own cave tour, check out their official website at BoydenCavern.com
Boyden Cavern Gift Shop in Sequoia National Forest
Majestic Mountain Loop Road Trip
Boyden Cavern is a stop along California’s Majestic Mountain Loop. Organized by Visit Visalia and Visit Yosemite | Madera County, this epic road trip is the perfect multi-day itinerary that takes visitors through Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, showcasing the best stops to encounter towering sequoias, ancient cave systems, massive granite peaks, and breathtaking waterfalls. Check out MajesticMountainLoop.com for more info!
“Wedding Cake” formation in Boyden Cavern
Know Before You Go
• The cave floors can be a little slick in some areas...and if you opt for the adventurous “wet” route at the end of the tour, plan on having your shoes completely submerged in some spots. The gift shop sells water shoes for those that want the full experience without getting their own footwear wet. There are benches at the cave entrance where you can easily change shoes and socks.
• The temperature inside the cavern hovers around 55°F, so some guests may want to bring layers, even on a hot summer day.
• The gift shop offers snacks and beverages, as well as all kinds of fun souvenirs to commemorate your adventure.
• Restrooms are available at the parking area, as well as picnic tables right along the Kings River.
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Sequoia and. Kings Canyon National Parks, it’s incredibly important to visit the official NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, including road and trail conditions.
• As mentioned earlier, cell service is unreliable in much of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices is a great option that I use on all my mountain road trips.
• The Boyden Cavern website has a full FAQ section with important information about visiting, as well as what you can & can’t bring on the tours. Make sure to check it out prior to your visit at BoydenCavern.com.
• During your visit, please honor all the Leave No Trace Principles and do your best to refrain from touching the cave walls on your tour, which can inhibit the growth of the these unique rock formations.
• To access Boyden Cavern, you’ll have to enter Kings Canyon National Park, which requires an entrance fee if you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass.
Boyden Cavern cave tour inside Sequoia National Forest
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Kings Canyon. For a virtual visit of Boyden Cavern, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Kings River and Highway 180 near Boyden Cavern
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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