The Southern California Grotto is a chapter of the National Speleological Society, and was chartered in 1949. We’re one of the oldest grottos in the NSS, and have a distinguished history of cave exploration, cave science, and cave conservation throughout California, North America, and the world.

Meetings

The Southern California Grotto meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Beckman Institute Auditorium at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena.

Meetings are a great opportunity to meet other Grotto members, learn about caves and caving, and get involved with grotto caving activities. Each meeting features a slide show on recent trips and activities by Grotto members, or other presentations about caves or caving.

Visitors and new cavers are always welcome to attend. Please stop by!

Upcoming Presentations

DateShort PresentationMain Presentation
April 1Carol Vesely: Map ViewsJames Rice: Very Serious Caving Videos
May 6Carol Vesely: Map SymbolsGreg Allan: NCRC Level 1 Recap
June 3TBDCarl Haken: Tamasopo Mexico Expedition

Conservation Projects

The Grotto prides itself on contributing to conservation projects in California and across the globe.

Cave Access

Southern California Grotto members prepare to be safer and more skilled cavers together. Many caves require vertical skills to explore. The grotto holds single rope technique (SRT) practices, knot and anchor practice nights, and other events to support skill-building and make caving safer.

2025 Executive Committee

Our team of seasoned splunkers and renowned mud wallowers who guide the organization.

Greg Allan

Chair

Carl Haken

Vice Chair

Vincent Robbins

Secretary

Rich Collier

Treasurer and Librarian

David Angel

Member at Large

Will Heltsley

Member at Large

Ken Kietzer

Member at Large

Scott Schmitz

Member at Large

Carol Vesely

Member at Large