A limited number of educational fee waivers are available for the cave tour season.
We recommend no more than 64 students/chaperones per day, to ensure a timely return to your school. Large groups can be divided and visit the caves over two days. Each group entering the caves cannot exceed 18 people, including adults.
Fee Waiver Limitations: Each school is eligible for up to 2 days of fee-waived tours, with a maximum of 64 people per day. Any participants beyond this limit will need to cover the cost of the additional tours. If your group exceed these limits then please be aware you will be asked to pay for the additional tours and tickets by debit or credit card once you arrive at the park. Pre-payment can be arranged for your convenience but refunds will not be issued.
Ranger Presentation Requirement: In order to provide the best possible experience for your students and to better preserve the cave ecosystem, we now require that you schedule a 55 minuteranger-led presentation for your class, to take place between 1 to 7 days prior to the field trip and a 20-25 minute ranger-led digital post visit to wrap up the experience. The presentations will cover key educational themes related to the cave and its ecosystem.
Fee Waiver Application Process
For fieldtrips you can download an application and fill out sections 1, 2, and 5. We will accept applications starting November 1st every year for the following calendar year. Any application received before November 1st will not be considered. Please email the completed form to tica_education@nps.gov.
Following fee waiver submission, notification of fee waiver acceptance will begin in mid-February.
Important Fee Waiver Notices
School tours are limited to groups of up to 16 students, and must have at least two adults for each tour (no more than 18 people per tour).
Educational fee waivers are not granted on holidays or on weekends.
A fee waiver may be revoked and a bill of collection sent to your school if your group behaves inappropriately, or if the group's activities indicate that the primary purpose of the field trip was recreational rather than educational in nature.
Park Conveniences
Restrooms are available at the visitor center and just below the entrance of the caves.
Students may eat on the cave trail, but no food or drinks are allowed inside the cave system. Students may carry a small backpack to keep food and drink in during the tour.
Picnic tables are available at Swinging Bridge picnic area and a few tables are available across from the visitor center. Please be aware of the danger the river may pose during spring runoff and keep your students safe.
The Western National Parks Association bookstore and gift shop are open daily. A 10% discount is offered to teachers on book sales.
The 1-1/2 mile trail to the caves is strenuous, with a vertical elevation gain of 1,092 feet. For everyone's safety, pets and wheeled vehicles (including wheelchairs and baby strollers) are not allowed on the trail. The visitor center and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible.
Who to Contact
For questions or comments about the fee waiver program please contact:
