Crystal Cave
Come explore the underground beauty of Sequoia National Park! Walk by scenic
waterfalls on the half-mile trail to Crystal Cave. Beautiful stalactites and
curtains, impressively large rooms, and ornate marble polished naturally by a
subterranean stream make a tour of Crystal Cave an unforgettable experience.
LOCATION
Crystal Cave is located off the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park,
between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest. To reach the cave, drive
down the scenic, winding, paved road to the cave parking lot. Hike down the
half-mile trail along beautiful Cascade Creek, where you will be met by a guide
at the cave entrance.
No buses, trailers, or vehicles over 22 feet
long are permitted on Crystal Cave road. Vans are acceptable.
TOURING THE CAVE
Anyone wishing to visit Crystal Cave must be part of a guided tour. Tour
tickets are not sold at the cave entrance. They must
be purchased in person at the Foothills or Lodgepole visitor centers in Sequoia
National Park. After purchasing tickets allow at least 1½ hours to arrive at the
cave.
PLEASE NOTE: The cave is not wheelchair accessible.
No tripods, walking sticks,
strollers, or baby backpacks are allowed in the cave.
Single canes, used for mobility, are allowed.
The tour includes a strenuous 1 ½ mile hike with a 320’ vertical gain.
If you are interested in filming in Crystal Cave, please call (559) 565-3114 for a filming permit.
WHITE NOSED
SYNDROME AFFECTING BATS: A serious problem is affecting and killing bats
in caves in the eastern portion of the United States. Although Crystal Cave
tours are not affected at this time, anyone who has been caving in other
caves, especially in the eastern U.S., must not wear the same clothing or
equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. This will reduce the spread of the
problem. For more information on the problem, please visit:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html
http://www.caves.org/
REGULAR TOUR
Before passing
through the Spider Web Gate, your guide will give a brief history of the cave
and point out the unique formations and features. During the 45 minute tour, you
will be led from room to room on paved lighted pathways, pausing to listen to
the water and echoes in the cave in total darkness.
Tours are usually
limited to 50 persons. Temperature in the cave is a constant 48 degrees F (9
degrees C). Sweaters or jackets are recommended.
Crystal Cave Tour schedule for 2010:
May 8 – June 11
Monday – Friday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Saturday & Sunday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 1pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
Exception: Memorial Day Weekend – every half hour from 10:30 am to 5 pm
June 12 – September 6
Monday – Friday Tours every half hour from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturdays Tours every half hour from 10 am to 5 pm (incl. 4th
of July & Labor Day weekend)
Sunday Tours every half hour 10:30 am to 5 pm
September 7 – September 19
Monday – Friday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Saturday & Sunday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 1pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
September 20 – October 24
(weather permitting)
Monday – Friday Tours at 11am, 1pm, 2 pm
Saturday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 1pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Sunday Tours at 11am, 12 pm, 1pm, 2 pm
Schedule changes:
Tour times and schedules are subject to change due to weather, road conditions,
staffing, employee housing, park emergencies, or other requirements.
Prices
(subject to change):
Adults: $13.00
Seniors (age 62 & up): $12.00 for cardholder only
Children 5 -12: $6.50, under 6 are free
Golden Access $12.00 for cardholder only
No discount for National Park or federal passes.
SNHA members get a
25% discount on regular cave tours.
We also offer discounted and free tours of Crystal Cave for school groups
and non-profit groups.
School Group
Tour Information -
2010 schedule/rates available soon
Non-Profit Group Tour Information - 2010 schedule/rates available
soon
Información en Español
Check here for information on:
CAVES IN THE
CLASSROOM;
An in-school learning field trip!
DISCOVERY TOUR
This popular 1½ hour tour is a more in-depth experience in smaller groups. It provides a deeper understanding of the geology and
wildlife of the cave environment. The tour is only available Monday through
Friday, once a day at 4:15 p.m. Tours begin June 22nd and go through September
3,
2009 (excluding July 3rd). Limited to 16 persons, ages 13 and up.
Cost: $20.00/person $18.00/SNHA member
WILD CAVE TOUR
Four to six hours crawling and climbing off-trail tour in Crystal Cave. Limited
to 6 persons, ages 16 and up. Cost: $135/person. SNHA members: $115.
For 2010 tour schedule and how to register, check
here.
In 2003, vandals destroyed hundreds of formations in three caves in Sequoia
National Park,
including a dozen in the entranceway to Crystal Cave. SNHA created the
Protect Sequoia Caves Program to raise awareness about protecting caves and
other natural resources in our national parks. Proceeds from the sale of
this button go to this effort.
You can purchase a "Protect Sequoia Caves" button pin from our
online bookstore. Sales of these items support education and natural
resource protection programs in Sequoia National Park.
Since 1982, Crystal Cave has been operated by the Sequoia Natural History
Association, a non-profit educational organization, working in conjunction
with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to help make quality educational
programs available to the public.
