CRYSTAL CAVE |
WE'VE SAVED A PLACE FOR YOU.
Go beyond your backyard and explore the underground world of Sequoia National Park with a Field Institute Naturalist. Be led on a journey through this beautifully decorated cave of impressive chambers and magnificent formations. The cave is here waiting. The only thing missing is you.
Crystal Cave is located near Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.
From Foothills Visitor Center: take Generals Hwy, drive 13 miles (20 km). Turn left on to the Cave Road- look for a 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.
Go beyond your backyard and explore the underground world of Sequoia National Park with a Field Institute Naturalist. Be led on a journey through this beautifully decorated cave of impressive chambers and magnificent formations. The cave is here waiting. The only thing missing is you.
Crystal Cave is located near Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.
From Foothills Visitor Center: take Generals Hwy, drive 13 miles (20 km). Turn left on to the Cave Road- look for a 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.
Fungal Disease Killing Bats - What You Can Do
White-nose syndrome is fungal disease killing bats. It has had the most impact in the eastern half of the United States and in Canada, killing millions of bats. The disease has now been detected in California. People can spread the fungus from one cave to another as it can be carried by shoes, clothing, or gear. If you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. Learn more about how to help bats threatened by white-nose syndrome.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) and American Sign Language Available
ALDs allow hard of hearing visitors to have the naturalist’s voice amplified through headphones or directly into hearing aids with the assistance of a t-coil loop. ALDs are available to every tour group.
Deaf visitors can request an ASL interpreter in advance by contacting the SPC Field Institute at SFI@sequoiaparks.org. No reservation is needed to use the ASL tour on tablet device. All videos will be fully captioned by the start of the 2020 season.
White-nose syndrome is fungal disease killing bats. It has had the most impact in the eastern half of the United States and in Canada, killing millions of bats. The disease has now been detected in California. People can spread the fungus from one cave to another as it can be carried by shoes, clothing, or gear. If you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. Learn more about how to help bats threatened by white-nose syndrome.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) and American Sign Language Available
ALDs allow hard of hearing visitors to have the naturalist’s voice amplified through headphones or directly into hearing aids with the assistance of a t-coil loop. ALDs are available to every tour group.
Deaf visitors can request an ASL interpreter in advance by contacting the SPC Field Institute at SFI@sequoiaparks.org. No reservation is needed to use the ASL tour on tablet device. All videos will be fully captioned by the start of the 2020 season.
TOUR DETAILS AND PRICES
Standard Tour: Family
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After passing through the spider web gate, your naturalist will give you a brief history of Crystal Cave and point out unique features and formations. You will then be led from room to room on paved, lighted pathways, pausing to listen to the water and echoes in the Cave in total darkness.
Duration: 50 minutes Ages: all ages Limit: 50 participants per tour Cost: Adult $16 Children (5-12) $8 Children (under 5) $5 Senior (65+) $15 Purchase tickets: www.recreation.gov |
Standard Tour: Adult
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After passing through the spider web gate, your naturalist will give you a brief history of Crystal Cave and point out unique features and formations. You will then be led from room to room on paved, lighted pathways, pausing to listen to the water and echoes in the Cave in total darkness. This tour is reserved for visitors ages 13 and up. Non-holiday weekends only.
Duration: 50 minutes Ages: 13 & older Limit: 50 participants per tour Cost: $16 Senior (65+): $15 Purchase tickets: www.recreation.gov |
Discovery Tour: Adult
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During this flashlight-only tour, spend 1.5 hours with a naturalist inside of Crystal Cave discovering the stories that lie within. With flashlight in hand, you and your naturalist will gain an in-depth understanding of the underground wilderness of Sequoia National Park. Flashlights provided. This tour is reserved for visitors ages 13 and up.
Duration: 1.5 hours Ages: 13 and up Limit: 18 participants Cost: $25 per person Purchase tickets: www.recreation.gov |
Wild Cave Tour: Family
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This tour is intended to introduce caving to children ages 10-15 accompanied by an adult guardian. If you have members in your group ages 16 and up, please see the Wild Cave Tour: Adult.
Explore off-trail, crawl, and climb through passageways over steep drop-offs and past intricate formations on a belly-crawling tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about Sierran caves first hand. Your cave guides will explain how delicate formations such as soda straws, rimstone dams, and cave pearls are formed. Experience total darkness and silence interrupted only by the rhythmic sounds of dripping and flowing water. Expect to come away with great memories, new insights, intermingled with sore muscles and a thick coating of dirt from head to toe. Families will be provided with the necessary gear before entering the Cave with two trained naturalists. The group will leave the paved trail, away from the tour lights, for a short trip below the main level of Crystal Cave. Participants must be in good physical condition, able to climb over large rocks, and have no fear of small or enclosed spaces. Participants must come in full length pants and long-sleeved t-shirt. Items, including shoes, must not have been in another cave or mine since 2005. Participants should expect to get dirty! Offered Sundays mid-June thru mid-August. Duration: 2.5 hours Ages: 10-15 accompanied by an adult guardian Limit: 6 people Cost: $50 per person Purchase tickets: www.recreation.gov |
Wild Cave Tour: Adult
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This tour is intended for adults ages 16 and up. If you have members in your group ages 10-15, see the Wild Cave Tour: Family.
Explore off-trail, crawl, and climb through passageways over steep drop-offs and past intricate formations on a belly-crawling tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about Sierran caves first hand. Your cave guides will explain how delicate formations such as soda straws, rimstone dams, and cave pearls are formed. Experience total darkness and silence interrupted only by the rhythmic sounds of dripping and flowing water. Expect to come away with great memories, new insights, intermingled with sore muscles and a thick coating of dirt from head to toe. Participants will be provided with the necessary gear before entering the Cave with two trained naturalists. The group will leave the paved trail, away from the tour lights, for a short trip below the main level of Crystal Cave. Participants must be in good physical condition, able to climb over large rocks, and have no fear of small or enclosed spaces. Participants must come in full length pants and long-sleeved t-shirt. Items, including shoes, must not have been in another cave or mine since 2005. Participants should expect to get dirty! Offered Sundays mid-June thru mid-August. Duration: 4-6 hours Ages: 10-15 and up Limit: 6 people Cost: $140 per person Purchase tickets: www.recreation.gov |
SCHOOL RESERVATIONS
If you have any questions about school tours, or you just like talking things over with a human, please contact the SPC Field Institute at 559.565.4251. You can also email us at SFI@sequoiaparks.org.
IMPORTANT INFO
VISITING THE PARKS
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer the following passes for purchase through a downloadable app:
$35 Seven-Day Vehicle Pass
$30 Seven-Day Motorcycle Pass
$60 Sequoia and Kings Canyon Annual Pass
The line to get into the parks can be long during the summer season. Please allow plenty of time to get into the parks.
Visit www.nps.gov/seki for the most current travel information.
PURCHASING TICKETS
TRAVELLING TO THE CAVE
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CAVE PARKING LOT
TRAIL TO THE CAVE ENTRANCE
INSIDE THE CAVE
SAFETY MESSAGE
Do not visit the Cave if you have claustrophobia, difficulty walking, heart/respiratory problems, recent surgery/illness, physical limitations, or other restrictive health problems. There are no first aid facilities nearby. Visitors assume all risk of personal injury and loss/damage to property. The park is not responsible for your possessions left in your vehicle. The Cave is not recommended for young children who cannot walk on their own.
REFUND INFO
FOR TICKETS PURCHASED ON RECREATION.GOV
The Cave may close at anytime due to weather or other circumstances. If the Cave must be closed and your tickets were purchased online, you need to request a refund from www.recreation.gov by calling 1.888.448-1474.
FOR TICKETS PURCHASED IN THE VISITOR CENTER
You may return your tickets to the ticket outlet for a refund.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer the following passes for purchase through a downloadable app:
$35 Seven-Day Vehicle Pass
$30 Seven-Day Motorcycle Pass
$60 Sequoia and Kings Canyon Annual Pass
The line to get into the parks can be long during the summer season. Please allow plenty of time to get into the parks.
Visit www.nps.gov/seki for the most current travel information.
PURCHASING TICKETS
- You must have tickets BEFORE arriving at the Cave. Tickets can purchased at www.recreation.gov. Purchasing tickets at least 30 days in advance is recommended. Occasionally, tickets may be available each day for purchase at the Foothills or Lodgepole Visitor Center.
- It is recommended to check for Cave conditions/updates at the visitor centers at least two hours prior to your tour, even if tickets were purchased online.
- Tours run from mid-May through November, weather permitting. Tours often sell out and are full on the weekends and during special tours. July and August are exceptionally busy. Purchasing tickets at least 30 days in advance is advised.
- There are NO REFUNDS if you miss your tour.
- The Cave may close at anytime due to weather or other circumstances. For tickets purchased online, contact www.recreation.gov at 1.888.448.1474 for refunds. For tickets purchased in-park, visit the Foothills or Lodgepole visitor center for refunds.
- Due to slippery conditions and stairs, tours are not recommended for children who are not old enough to walk on their own. Baby backpacks and strollers are not permitted.
TRAVELLING TO THE CAVE
- Please plan to be in the parking lot 15 to 20 minutes prior to your designated tour time. Road construction may require delays. Follow the instructions provided by the staff when you purchase your tickets.
- The road through the park is narrow, winding, and steep. Allow plenty of time to drive safely.
- Vehicles over 22 feet (6.7 meters) and towed trailers are not allowed on the Cave Road.
- The Cave Road closes one hour after the last tour of the day.
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CAVE PARKING LOT
- Due to black bear activity, you must place all food and scented items in the shared bear boxes provided in the parking area.
- Pets are not allowed in the Cave interior or exterior, on the trail, or in unattended vehicles.
- Use the restroom prior to meeting for your tour. There are no restrooms on the trail or at the Cave entrance.
- The Cave temperature is 50 degrees inside. A jacket is recommended.
- The hike from the entrance is strenuous. Bring drinking water. There is no water available at the Cave.
- Report to the gathering area at your designated tour time.
TRAIL TO THE CAVE ENTRANCE
- The 1/2 mile trail to the Cave is steep and strenuous with stairs.
- The trail is paved but uneven and cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
- There is poison oak growing near the trail - Stay clear and do not touch the plants.
- Rattlesnakes and bees are sometimes encountered. Do not approach, and inform the staff if you see either.
- Beware of rocks that may fall onto the trail and watch for obstacles.
INSIDE THE CAVE
- Personal photography is permitted, but tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. There is no flash photography allowed inside the Cave, including lights from video cameras. If you are interested in commercial filming in Crystal Cave, please visit www.nps.gov/seki for information.
- No backpacks, bags, purses, hiking sticks, or baby carriers are allowed inside the Cave. They may be used for the hike to the Cave, but must be left unattended at the Cave entrance.
- You may not consume food or beverages inside the Cave.
- Do not carry loose items that could be dropped or lost in the Cave.
- In the event of a power outage, flashlights will be provided. There are no refunds if the tour is completed with flashlights.
SAFETY MESSAGE
Do not visit the Cave if you have claustrophobia, difficulty walking, heart/respiratory problems, recent surgery/illness, physical limitations, or other restrictive health problems. There are no first aid facilities nearby. Visitors assume all risk of personal injury and loss/damage to property. The park is not responsible for your possessions left in your vehicle. The Cave is not recommended for young children who cannot walk on their own.
REFUND INFO
FOR TICKETS PURCHASED ON RECREATION.GOV
The Cave may close at anytime due to weather or other circumstances. If the Cave must be closed and your tickets were purchased online, you need to request a refund from www.recreation.gov by calling 1.888.448-1474.
FOR TICKETS PURCHASED IN THE VISITOR CENTER
You may return your tickets to the ticket outlet for a refund.
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Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service) and Lake Kaweah (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), uses tax-deductible contributions to support these parks.
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Sequoia Parks Conservancy
47050 Generals Hwy Unit 10 Three Rivers, CA 93271 
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