Caving Trip

Get ready for an afternoon of underground exploration in Ijams’ cave system! Join a team of Ijams naturalists to navigate this unique ecosystem as you search for creatures that call the caverns home. Helmets and headlamps are provided by Ijams Nature Center. *Please continue reading for crucial information regarding caving at Ijams Nature Center*

Ages: 18+

Children are not permitted on public caving trips.

Important Information (MUST READ)

Accessibility: Caving at Ijams is a very rewarding activity, but also physically and mentally demanding. Cave temperatures rest at around 55 degrees year-round. Participants must expect to navigate slippery, muddy hills, knee/thigh-deep water, and cold temperatures during a majority of the program. Portions of this program will require participants to crawl through tight spaces and use their hands and arms to help continue through the cave. The gated cave entrance is small, measuring about 3 ft. x 2 ft. Please consider these qualifiers in light of your own capabilities before signing up for this program.

A quote from a past program participant: "I thought the description was just being overly dramatic to make sure we were prepared, but it's actually accurate!"

Meeting Location: Meads Quarry

Please meet at the entrance sign for Ijams Nature Adventure Camp. This is an archway located next to two shipping containers, on the opposite side of the main parking lot from the quarry restrooms.

Clothing: Participants are advised to wear clothing that is appropriate for the cool and extremely muddy/wet temperatures in the cave. All clothing will get wet, muddy, and potentially permanently stained from the caves (this includes footwear and backpacks). Athletic clothing that dries quickly is highly advisable. Please plan accordingly.

Footwear: Participants are asked to wear footwear that stays securely on their feet. Chacos, Keens, and other water sandals are appropriate options. Non-waterproof sneakers are fine, but all footwear will be subjected to sinking in up to 6-12 inches of mud at any given time. Waterproof hiking boots/shoes and rain boots are NOT recommended as they will retain water.

Personal Items: While backpacks are allowed in the caves, it is required that you keep any personal items of value hidden in your car or at home for the duration of the program. Dry bags or sandwich bags are highly recommended for cell phones. It is recommended that participants bring a full water bottle, which will be left outside of the cave entrance. Jewelry, headphones, and other loose articles of clothing are NOT recommended and you will be asked to store such items in your car.

Parking: Parking for this Ijams Education Course is free for all participants. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the course begins to obtain a free parking pass upon check-in. If you have been issued a yearly membership or parking pass, you're all set! To learn more about Ijams membership opportunities, visit: ijams.org/donate

Refund Policy: No walk-ins will be accepted. Every participant must have a ticket. Ijams only awards full refunds for any cancellations up to 7 days before a program, or if Ijams cancels a program due to inclement weather. Refunds are not awarded for programs with fees of $5 or less for any reason. Tickets are non-transferable.