Crystal Cave

Open Spring through Fall only.

Get an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a cavern; an underground system of marble tunnels formed from the rushing water of an underground creek. To protect its sensitive ecosystem, Crystal Cave is only available through guided tours. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic features and animal creatures found within the cave.

Guided tours of Crystal Cave are offered from spring through fall. Tickets are required to go into the cave and must be purchased online. Tickets are not available for purchase in the park or at the cave. Visit Sequoia Parks Conservancy's Crystal Cave webpage for more information.

Note: Please be sure to leave enough travel time to make it to the cave for your tour. Plan on spending about half a day traveling to the cave, walking to the entrance, and taking the 50-minute tour.

Safety

• There is a steep half mile walk to and from the cave parking area to the entrance of the cave. The trail is 0.5-mile (0.8 km) to the cave entrance, descends 300 feet (91 m) from the parking area and includes several sets of stairs.  Elevation changes will be more difficult at higher altitude. Take breaks and drink plenty of water. Allow plenty of time to complete the hike before your tour begins.

Location

• Crystal Cave is near the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. 
• From Foothills Visitor Center: turn right on to Generals Hwy. Drive 13 miles (20 km). Turn left on to the Cave Road—look for the sign as you enter Giant Forest. Drive 6.5 miles (10 km) to the parking area.
• From Lodgepole Visitor Center: turn left on to Generals Hwy. Drive 6.5 miles (10 km) through Giant Forest. Turn right on to the Cave Road. Drive 6.5 miles (10 km) to the parking area. This drive takes about 20-30 minutes.  

Vehicles with a cumulative length of over 22 feet (the length of a vehicle plus the length of any trailer) are not allowed on the narrow and curving Crystal Cave Road.

Parking

• There is a large parking area at the trailhead to the cave with numerous spots. Vehicles over 22 feet are not allowed.

Details

Activity

Caving

Guided tours, offered by the parks' nonprofit partner, the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

Yes

Reserve tickets online.

Season

Summer

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

This tour is not wheelchair-accessible and visitors with limited mobility may have difficulty on the steep, narrow trail to the cave. The trail to the cave descends 300 feet (91 m) from the parking area and includes stairs. Tours are 45 minutes and travel another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) in the cave along a path with low lighting.

People who are Deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy the tour presented in American Sign Language or with assistive listening devices. Ask at the trailhead for assistance. American Sign Language translation is provided via videos on a tablet, which can be taken into the cave. Naturalists will indicate when to play each video.

No advance notice is required for these accessibility accommodations, but tour tickets must be purchased in advance before traveling to the cave. For those who can’t visit in person, a Crystal Cave video is sold at park stores.

• 

  Giant Forest and Lodgepole

  Learn about the features and points of interest in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas.

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  Sequoia National Park

  Learn more about what features are within Sequoia National Park.

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  Places to Go

  Learn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.