This adventure tour is designed for visitors who want the thrill of experiencing the cave in its natural state. This tour is available during the summer season from the beginning of June through the middle of August and two Sundays of the month through the winter season.
Participants scramble over cave "breakdown," chimney between cave walls, climb semi-vertical rocks (rope-assisted climbs), and belly crawl through tight passages. Participants are required to fit through a passage 8 1/2 inches high by 24 inches wide before attempting this tour. Along a 2/3-mile route, visitors learn about low-impact caving, caving techniques, safety and caving equipment. The tour lasts 3 to 4 hours, and is considered extremely strenuous. Participants must be 16 years of age or older and in good health and physical condition.
Participants must provide and wear above-the-ankle, lug-soled, lace-up leather boots; soft elbow and knee pads; gloves; long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. The Monument does not provide this equipment. Clothes and boots may be permanently stained with manganese. The Monument only provides a hard hat and headlamp.
