Status of the Caves

Current Cave Access

Caves are subject to closures outside of seasonal schedules due to flooding, rockfalls, vandalism, sensitive bat populations, and other emergencies. Always check the status online or call the park before your visit

Bear Gulch Cave

• Lower Cave: OPEN
• Upper Cave: CLOSED

Balconies Cave: OPEN

 

Bear Gulch Cave: Protecting Bats and Managing Access

Bear Gulch Cave is divided into two sections: the Lower Cave, which remains open for most of the year, and the Upper Cave, which is closed for extended periods to protect the endangered Townsend's big-eared bats. These two sections often operate independently, allowing visitors to pass entirely through the lower section, even when the upper section is closed.

Access and Bat Protection

• The Lower Cave is typically open for nearly ten months each year, from mid-July to mid-May, as long as the hibernating bats are not disturbed. Visitors can explore this section without needing to turn back, even when the upper section is closed.
• The Upper Cave is rarely open, to protect the bats that roost there. During especially warm springs, the entire cave may close before mid-May if a maternity colony is present.
• Both sections of the cave fully close during mid-May through mid-July for the pupping season, when the bats are raising their young. The entire cave is also open twice a year, during March and October, for at least one week and up to four weeks depending on bat presence.

Bear Gulch Cave Seasonal Schedule:

• March: The entire cave is usually open for the last week of the month, and may open earlier for up to the full month depending on the bats.
• April 1 – Mid-May: The lower section may be open.
• Mid-May – Mid-July: The entire cave is closed to protect the bats during the pupping season.
• Mid-July – September 30: The lower section is typically open.
• October: The entire cave generally opens for the last week, with the potential to open earlier for the full month.
• November 1 – End of February: The lower section may remain open.

Please note that these dates may change based on bat breeding patterns or signs of disturbance.

 

Ranger Sophie hikes in the Balconies Cave during a rainy day.

Joseph Negreann

Bat Conservation at Bear Gulch Cave

Bear Gulch Cave serves as a crucial habitat for a colony of Townsend's big-eared bats, which are listed as a sensitive species by the state of California. The maternity colony here is the largest one between San Francisco and Mexico, making it vital to protect the bats, especially during hibernation and pupping seasons.

A gate has been installed to allow visitors access to half of the cave while keeping the bats' habitat undisturbed. Additionally, a new trail has been developed that exits mid-cave and connects with the Moses Spring Trail, which leads to the reservoir.

Visitors are encouraged to check the cave status before visiting and respect the closures that are in place to protect this sensitive bat colony.