Our first hike to the Savona Caves was in the mid 1970's and we returned there again from time to time over the years, but we had not been there for at least 5 years when friends recently asked about the route so we hiked the trail on a cool autumn day.

To find the trail, go south on the Tunkwa Lake Road.   Drive south for 10.8km.   Turn onto the (signed) Savona Mountain Road.   Climb/drive for 0.6 km and look for a track bearing west right at a corner.   Park there.   Follow the double track and keep a sharp eye for cairns and flagging tape as a single track winds through the forest.    It is only 1.55km to the caves, but the last 0.5km is up a steep ridge.  The surface on the spur can be loose and slippery, so go up and down carefully.

At the top are some caves in the cliff face.   There are a couple of pictographs on a rock on the northern cave roof.   That cave is fairly dry.   The southern cave has packrat nests so look in, but don't bother to enter.   There are some nice views from this spot.   This is a pleasant spot for a shorter hike.

More information:

• Wear good shoes/boots for the trail.   A hiking pole will help on the downhill.
• Trailhead – N50 40.789 W120 46.656
• Caves at N50 41.181 W120 47.550
• Savona Caves (2010)