boyden cavern

Boyden cave is privatly owned but it is a very nice tour, the hike from the parking lot is up hill, and the tour is about an hour long. But as small caves go it is our favorite. iT IS well preserved, and very spectacalar and has many stalactite, and stalagmites to see. They are some of the best I have ever seen. The enteance fee is very reasonable. And as this is located in the bottom of Kings canyon it is only open during the summer season (may thriugh Sept)

To the people in the gift shop. I am vision impaired. My tough luck. I got home and finally understood why you kept staring oddly at me as I exclaimed over how lovely I thought the stone soap dish was. It was broken into about 4 pieces and had been glued together but I did not see it because as I said I'm vision impaired. Ah well I have put a beautiful soap bar in it and will give it a loving home. You enjoy the money. Its the last dime you'll ever see from me. Shame on you.

We went to the Boyden caverns in Kings Canyon and had Nathan as our guide. The Cavern's history was so cool and interesting and the stalactites and stalagmites were amazing. Nathan was super knowledgeable and funny! He also helped us plan for other adventures they offer and gave us great info of the canyon. I strongly recommend this stop!

My girlfriend and I consider ourselves pretty outdoorsy. We've done a good amount of hikes here and there, so when we saw the Boyden Cavern Adventures we immediately knew that's what we wanted to do during our one-year anniversary trip to Kings Canyon National Park.From the get-go, the staff was very helpful and quick to respond. We decided to go for the most difficult hike, the King's Gold (8-hours, difficult). Even though we only had two people in our group (you need 4 to reserve), they let us put a down payment and reserve for four people and wait to see if others decided to book the expedition on the same date later down the line. Another couple ended up reserving the same trip so we got the original prices anyways, but I can tell you now I probably still would have thought it was worth it even with double the price!The company outfits you with a large semi-waterproof backpack, helmet, climbing gear, and water-safe hiking shoes. The other apparel is up to you. We went in the peak of summer so the cool river was just right for short-sleeves and long pants. You'll want to wear any kind of fabric that dries easily -- my girlfriend and I bought Columbia quick-drying sports pants (thin, nylon). They did the trick perfectly. Also pack a good lunch in a waterproof baggie to eat midday.As for the hike itself, what can I say? It was quite the adventure. We followed a river through a ravine all the way to Kings Canyon River. It reminded me a lot of when I used to go exploring in the forest, pick a river, and start following it to see where it goes... except this time I have legit climbing gear and two guides to help me. Our guides were fantastic! They told us exactly where to go and how to attempt it, without being too intrusive. You'll be periodically hopping in and out of the water depending on the terrain and occasionally swimming if you reach a deep pool. Other times you'll being rappelling down a cliff next to a waterfall. If you're lucky, they'll also show you the best makeshift waterslides and jumping spots! And the views? You can't beat an up-close and personal encounter with the park.We had an absolute blast! I was worried at first it might be too intense for us, but in terms of skill it's really just wading through water and very manageable climbing. I would go as far as to say it's accessible to anyone capable of a basic hike. The only difficult part was the one-hour hike back up the mountain at the end of the trip. It's a tough incline, but the guides make sure to go at a pace comfortable for you.We would definitely consider doing this again. We hope to come again next year -- maybe we'll try out one of their other trips!

The cave was interesting, but could reasonably be walked through in 10-15 minutes. The formations inside were interesting to see though.The tour itself was expensive and frankly a bit uninteresting. The tour guide also made some scientifically incorrect statements that were unforgivable. It all just seemed to drag on longer than it should have.Note: there is a very steep path up to the cave, expect to need some breaks.The view down on the water below from the path up to the cave was very nice.

Unlike the more reserved 'Crystal Cave' tour, this tour was a bit looser and more relaxed. An alternative 'Adventure Trail' lets you exit the same route Mr. Boyden used in an unfortunate 'lights out' incident. When they turn all the lights off, it's amazingly tranquil and safe feeling. When the guide noted that a cave was the safest place to be in an earthquake, she allayed my fears of a cave in!!

I highly recommend the tour, We were very surprised to see several families turn down this tour due to the price. 2 adults and 1 child cost us $37 - but it was well worth paying. The tour takes you back 750 feet into the Cavern. It's quite interesting. I didnt feel claustrophobic at all - the cave ceilings are generally quite high (with a few spots where you squeeze through - but not hard). Overall, very interesting,

My wife and I did the Kings Gold Canyoneering trip this week, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. Rapelling down granite cliffs alongside waterfalls, sliding down granite chutes into pools of cool water, working our way down a beatiful and challenging canyon. Steve and his guides grew up in these mountains, and we always felt safe and under control, sweaty palms and racing hearts notwithstanding. An amazing experience that we plan to repeat next year.

Took the last tour of the day and the staff was still very friendly and courteous. Had a great visit in the cave and the guide even took an extra few minutes to find a bat to show my nephew. We'll worth the steep but short hike up to the cave.

We really enjoyed our visit to Boyden Cavern. However, we had a 14 year old trainee give our tour and felt like he was not prepared and left out lots of information. Others coming from a previous tour with a different guide raved about the guide they had. Also had the last tour of the day and the shop was closed when we returned. Get drinks and snacks before you start if you are on the 5:00.

We did the "full gold" canyoneering trip and it took all day. we did 5 rapels and lots of swimming and rock scrambling. There were 3 guides on our trip and they all were friendly, patient and helpful. This all day trip is worth your time and effort if you are staying in Kings Canyon and Sequioa National Park. We had only 4 days in the park and 1 day was spent on this trip. It was a blast and accomplishment in my life i will always cherish.

We were actually doing the canyoneering tour with Boyden and decided to swing in to see the cave after we got done. Tours only go on the hour so we ended up waiting for a while - luckily they have some nice shaded tables by the river to wait on. The tour is just ok - some interesting information. I would prefer if they would let you walk around at your own pace, with a big group sometimes you get backed up and stand around for a while just waiting for others to walk through. But that's not an option. We had been canyoneering so our group was pretty tired and we all (teens and adults) made it up the hill to the cavern just fine. They actually did a good job lighting the features inside which makes the cave look pretty. Overall, it was cool to do but price is pretty steep! We figured we were only there once so why not? If you are short on time or money it's probably not for you.

750 FT adventure into the side of a mountain. Beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites. Very cool. Hadley, our 15-year-old guide, pointed out all the interesting features of the cave and told us the incredible story of a guy J. C. Boyden who discovered the cavern and took up residence there for several years. Absolutely a must see when you visit Kings Canyon. Be sure to wear solid shoes.

Although there is a path through and lights it is not a show stopper like some other caves. That being said it is a nice introduction to the reality of a cave and there are a variety of formations

Didn't do the cave tour but did stop here to view the beautiful river that runs right next to the parking lot. Great place to take a bathroom break and enjoy the view!