Kings Cavern Geological Area

In several of the limestone formations in the Sierra there are individual or groups of caves. In this area there are approximately a dozen caves, ranging in size from small openings to large grottoes. Most of the entrances open into high, narrow passageways that appear to be the result of underground channel erosion. They are from 3 to 8 meters (10 to 25 feet) high and often descend rather steeply. After going in 3 meters (10 feet) to 90 meters (300 feet), the passageways open into grottoes and rooms of varying proportions. Many are reached by narrow, twisting passageways, others by crawling.

Inside the passageways the gray, blue and white limestone walls are worn into folds and patterns by erosion. Rust-colored minerals have formed small extrusions on the ceilings and walls. Within the room are stalactites and stalagmites, small but of great delicacy. Cave pearls are present. In the descending passageways, soil from the outside has covered the floors.

A few snails, species unknown, and, in one cave, some porcupine quills are present. There are no signs of larger animal occupation.

Air temperature in the caverns is about 13°C (55°F). The caverns probably date to the Pleistocene. There is a small stream that disappears into a cavern above the caves and merges below them with a ten-fold increase in volume.

Vegetation in the area is a mixed evergreen forest, with sugar and Jeffrey pine, Pinus lambertiana and Pinus jeffreyi, white and red fir, Abies concolor and Abies magnifica, and incense cedar, Calocedrus decurrens.

Integrity: Virtually undisturbed.

Use: Research, educational, observational.

January 1976