Star Chamber Tour
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The uneven stone steps and low ceilings in certain passages create real trip and head-bump hazards. Watch your footing constantly and stay aware of overhead clearance, especially in the older historic sections.
If you have claustrophobia or difficulty with enclosed spaces, know that several passages narrow significantly. There's no easy exit once you're deep in the route — you're committed for the full duration.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Book your tickets on recreation.gov well in advance — summer tours sell out weeks ahead, and walk-up availability is essentially nonexistent for this one. Winter weekdays are your best bet for last-minute spots.
Wear shoes with real tread and skip the sandals entirely. The cave floor gets slick from condensation, and you'll be climbing roughly 280 feet of cumulative stairs on wet stone. Trail runners or light hiking boots are ideal.
Bring a light jacket even in August — the cave sits at a constant 54 degrees with high humidity, and after an hour underground, that chill settles in. Layers you can stuff in a pocket work best since you can't carry a pack on the tour.
