LOCATION
Crystal Cave is located off the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest. A half-mile hike is required to get to the cave entrance. No buses, trailers or vehicles over 22 feet long are permitted on the Crystal Cave road.
REGULAR DAILY TOUR INFORMATION
Explore the underground world of Sequoia National Park. Beautiful formations, impressively large rooms and ornate marble polished by a subterranean stream make a tour of Crystal Cave an unforgettable experience. After passing through the spider web gate, your guide will give you a brief history of the cave and point out unique features and formations. 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. Daily tours begin Saturday, May 8, 2010 through October 2010 (weather permitting).
TICKET PRICES
Adults: $13
Children (ages 5-12): $6.50, 4 and under are free
Seniors (age 62 & up): $12
NPS Golden Access: $12
SNHA Family Members: Receive 25% off tickets for immediate family (up to 5)
HISTORIC CANDLE-LIGHT TOUR
Experience Crystal Cave in a different light using candle lanterns. Each visitor will be provided their own lantern as they tour this unique, marble cave. Crystal Cave was first discovered by park employees in 1918 and opened to the public 70 years ago for tours. Step back in time to view the cave in much the same way that it looked to the first explorers with flickering candles and listen to the stories of discovery, exploration, development and restoration in this beautiful national park treasure. Tours begin Saturday, June 12, 2010 through Sunday, September 25, 2010. Tour times are Thursday and Friday at 5:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 6:00pm. Tour length is 1.5 hours. Limited to 30 persons. Ages 13 and up. No flash photography.
Note: Not recommended for those who have trouble seeing in low light situations, or with mobility problems.
COST: $20 per person $18 SNHA member
DISCOVERY TOUR
This popular tour is a more in-depth experience in a smaller group size. It provides a deeper understanding of the geology and wildlife of the cave environment. The tour is only available Monday through Friday at 4:15pm. Tours begin June 22, 2010 through September 3, 2010 (excluding July 3). Tour length is 1.5 hours. Limited to 16 persons. Ages 13 and up.
COST: $20 per person $18 SNHA member
WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT
1. Crystal Cave is open mid-May through October.
2. You must purchase your tickets at the Foothills or Lodgepole Visitor Centers before driving down to the cave
parking lot. Tickets are not sold at the cave. No phone or internet ticket purchases are available.
3. You must allow 1½ hours of travel time from either visitor center where you purchase your ticket and the cave
tour itself for travel time.
4. The hike from the parking lot to the cave entrance is a strenuous ½ mile hike. The cave is not wheelchair or
stroller accessible.
5. Temperature in the cave is a constant 48 degrees. Sweaters or light jackets are recommended.
6. Photography is permitted, but tripods are not allowed. If you are interested in filming in Crystal Cave,
please call 559.565.3114 for a filming permit.
7. No baby backpacks or walking sticks are allowed inside the cave. Single canes, used for mobility, are allowed.
8. The cave is located in a remote area. Bring drinks and snacks and store your food in the bear box available.
9. Tour schedule is subject to change at any time due to weather, road conditions, park emergencies
or other requirements.
ATTENTION
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 White Nosed Syndrome visit:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose/html
http://www.caves.org/WNS/index.htm