A: None of our caverns is wheelchair accessible. We describe the kind of terrain on the WALK TOUR at each venue below, to help you determine if you will be able to take our tours. All of our EXPEDITIONS are far less accessible, which adds to the adventure! On those trips, crawling, climbing and squeezing through the natural wet, rocky and muddy environment is necessary.

We do not recommend any of our walk tours to people who are claustrophobic, and those who have a fear of heights are likely to encounter problems at Moaning Cavern and Black Chasm. Since family tours at Sutter Gold Mine begin with a ride on a vehicle into the mine, we are able to customize tours at your request by reservation in advance for people who need an entire tour comfortably seated. If you would like to know if a specific physical disability or impairment would cause problems for you on one of our tours, please call 209-736-2708.

Black Chasm Cavern Walk Tour
The Landmark Tour consists of a descent of approximately 60 feet down five flights of stairs onto four viewing platforms at different levels into the Colossal Chamber. A shallow staircase is climbed taking groups to the Landmark portal where another stairacase is then climbed down into the Landmark Room. For this reason, strollers and wheelchairs cannot negotiate the trail and children may not be carried in backpacks. Small children in front packs are okay with care. The same stairs are climbed to exit the cave.

Boyden Cavern Walk Tour
An approximately 1000-foot long paved trail to cavern entrance with approximately 100 feet being a very steep incline. Trail inside cave is mostly paved, with some areas on the natural stream bed. There are a few stairs here and there. A few places have low ceilings that require walking in a bent position, therefore backpacks cannot be worn. Cavern trail is 750 feet long each way. You take the same outside trail back to the parking area.

California Cavern Walk Tour
An approximately 1000-foot long unpaved trail with small protruding rocks and roots to cavern entrance. Trail inside cavern is fairly level on natural cavern floor which may be slightly muddy. There are a few steps along the trail. Total length of tour is 1500 feet. A few places have low ceilings that require walking in a bent position; therefore, backpacks cannot be worn. You take the same outside trail back to the visitor center.

Moaning Cavern Walk Tour
The entrance to the cavern is accessed from inside the gift shop. The tour descends 235 steps (144 of which are on the 100-foot spiral staircase) to a depth of 165 feet, then comes back up the same steps.

Due to the sometimes narrow and uneven nature of the cavern passages, wheelchairs and strollers are not able to negotiate the trails. In addition, the occasional low ceiling does not allow for infants to be carried in backpacks.

Sutter Gold Mine Walk Tour
The Walk Tour begins with a ride on the Boss Buggy Shuttle which makes entry into the mine an easy prospect for most people. Once inside, passengers disembark to hear a talk in the safety chamber underground and then climb stairs to the first raise. Everyone who participates is required to wear a hardhat, so children or adults who cannot keep a hardhat on cannot do this trip.

For physically challenged people, a custom tour can allow participants to remain seated for the entire tour. Call for details and to make special arrangements.