Check out what's being said about our tours in the
San Francisco Chronicle!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/13/SPSE11NA5M.DTL
Crystal Cave
Due to
a naturally started fire from a lightning strike, Crystal Cave is closed for the
season. It will open again for tours in May of 2009. See
press release.
Photos by Carey Goldstein (taken 9/20 -
9/23/08)
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.
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.
Schedule for May 10 - June 13
Open daily.
Saturday and Sunday - Tours on the hour
- 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM
Monday through Friday - Tours at 11 AM, 12 PM,
2 PM, 3 PM - additional tours added as needed.
Exception: Memorial Day Weekend – every
half hour from 10:30 AM to 5 PM. Additional tours if needed.
Schedule for June 14 - September 1
Open daily.
Monday through Friday 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM every
half hour
Saturdays plus 4th of July and Labor Day
weekend 10:00 to 5:00
Sunday 10:30 to 5:00 PM.
Schedule for September 2 - September
21 Open daily.
Saturday and Sunday - Tours on the hour -11 a.m., 12 PM, 1 PM. 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM
Monday through Friday - Tours at 11 AM,
12 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM - additional tours as needed.
Schedule changes: Tour
times and schedules are subject to change due to weather, road conditions,
staffing, employee housing, park emergencies, or other requirements.
Cost:
Adults: $11.00
Seniors (age 62 & up): $10.00 for cardholder only
Children 6 -12: $6.00, under 6 are free
Golden Access - Free for cardholder only
SNHA members get a 50% discount.
Not a member? Find out
how to become one.
We also offer discounted and free tours of Crystal Cave for school groups
and non-profit groups.
School Group
Tour Information
Non-Profit Group Tour Information
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 23rd and go through August 29,
2008 (excluding July 3rd & 4th). Limited to 16 persons, ages 13 and up.
Cost: $18.95/person $16.95/SNHA member
$17.95/Senior
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: $129/person. SNHA members: $20
discount.
For more information, 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.
