Boulder Cave Trail
Explore a cool, walk-through cave and enjoy a scenic hike to a hidden waterfall and natural water slide. A unique natural adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Boulder Cave Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a cool, walk-through cave and enjoy a scenic hike to a hidden waterfall and natural water slide. A unique natural adventure!
"Way Kool place. Nice little hike from the trail Head. Worth the visit."
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark cave. Don't rely on your phone light alone!
💧 Water Shoes Recommended
If you plan to exit via the creek, your shoes will get wet.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 255 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boulder Cave Exploration
Inside the cave
Walk through a cool, dark cave that offers a unique natural experience. Bring a flashlight to see the formations!
Scenic Hike to the Cave
Trail to the cave entrance
Enjoy a moderate, well-maintained dirt path with beautiful views. Easy enough for families and older visitors.
Hidden Waterfall & Swimming Hole
Beyond the cave exit
Discover a beautiful waterfall and swimming spot just past the cave. A refreshing reward after your hike!
Nature Water Slide
0.20 miles from cave exit
Experience a fun, natural water slide by following the creek. Perfect for adventurous visitors with water shoes!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cave Access & Timing
What to Bring for Your Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark cave. Don't rely on your phone light alone!
💧 Water Shoes Recommended
If you plan to exit via the creek, your shoes will get wet.
🚗 Parking Fee
$5 per vehicle, regardless of Discover Pass.
⏰ Cave Closes at 4 PM
Plan your visit to allow ample time before closing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark cave. Don't rely on your phone light alone!
💧 Water Shoes Recommended
If you plan to exit via the creek, your shoes will get wet.
🚗 Parking Fee
$5 per vehicle, regardless of Discover Pass.
⏰ Cave Closes at 4 PM
Plan your visit to allow ample time before closing.
🗺️ Hidden Waterfall Spot
Go straight (off-trail) 50ft before cave entrance for a hidden waterfall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Boulder Cave Trail, calling it a 'way kool place' with a nice, easy hike leading to a cool, good-sized cave. The hidden waterfall and natural water slide are frequently highlighted as must-see attractions. While the $5 parking fee and the need for reservations are noted, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering wholesome family fun and spectacular views.
"Way Kool place. Nice little hike from the trail Head. Places to pull off the trail and view. Bring a light coat and flashlight. It was a hot morning and the cave was nice and cool. Good size walk thru cave. I went thru and then reversed back thru to make sure I didn't miss anything. Worth the visit. Pass and reservation required. No pets in cave."
Robin Spisak
"Large parking lot maintained by Rangers. $5 for parking for EVERY vehicle (regardless of whether or not you have a Discover Pass). Small steady incline of a hike to the cave, felt like about 1 mile one way, on a wide well-groomed dirt path, but easy enough for young children and the elderly. Inside the cave there is only a few hundred feet of walking but it does get dark enough that you'll need a light. You can hike back the same path you came in or follow the water in the canyon out of the cave, just be aware that way does involve sections with a foot or two of water so be prepared to get your shoes wet."
Brandon
"So much fun!!! It was so incredibly amazing in so many ways!!! Wholesome family fun and everyone had a blast! The hike was pretty easy and the views were spectacular and breathtaking from every next angle! Loved it and we will be returning soon!"
Anthony Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boulder Cave Trail is accessible via a well-maintained dirt path, described as a small steady incline for about 1 mile one way. The trail is wide and easy enough for most visitors, including children and the elderly.
Yes, there is a large parking lot maintained by Rangers. Be aware that there is a $5 parking fee for every vehicle, regardless of whether you have a Discover Pass.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. It's a small steady incline on a wide, well-groomed dirt path, making it suitable for young children and the elderly.
While the provided information doesn't specify year-round access, it mentions the cave recently opened back up, implying seasonal closures or openings. It's best to check current conditions before visiting.
Yes, just before the trail dips into the cave, keep going straight (off-trail) for about 50 feet. It's hidden behind a boulder and easy to miss if you don't know it's there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a pass and reservation are required to visit Boulder Cave Trail. It's important to plan and secure these in advance.
The cave closes at 4 PM. It's recommended to go earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time to explore and enjoy the experience.
The parking fee is $5 for every vehicle, regardless of whether you possess a Discover Pass.
No pets are allowed in the cave itself.
Yes, you can hike back the same path you came in. Alternatively, you can follow the water in the canyon out of the cave, but be prepared for sections with water.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The cave is described as a good size walk-through cave, offering a nice cool environment even on hot days. You'll need a light as it gets dark inside.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a light coat as the cave is cool, and consider water shoes if you plan to exit via the creek, as it can involve shallow water.
Yes, beyond the cave, there's a beautiful hidden waterfall and swimming hole that is highly recommended to see.
Absolutely! The hike is easy enough for young children and the elderly, making it a wholesome family activity.
About 0.20 miles from the cave exit, if you follow the creek, you'll find a natural water slide. It's an easy spot to access with good water shoes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic hike, the unique cave interior (bring a flashlight for dramatic shots!), the hidden waterfall, and the natural water slide. The views are spectacular from every angle.
Yes, it gets dark enough inside the cave that you'll need a light source, like a flashlight, to see and take photos.
A flashlight is essential for illuminating the cave. Consider a wide-angle lens for the cave and landscape shots, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you plan to get close to the waterfall or water slide.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit