Crystal Cave
Three Rivers, California
| Address: | Sequoia National Park, California, USA |
| GPS: |
36°35'6.4"N 118°49'37.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Restrooms Streams Trails Rocks National Park
Hike
Though Sequoia National Park is known for its famous trees and beautiful mountains, it also is well known for its caves. Many of California's caves that are over a mile long can be found in Sequoia National Park. There are over 200 caves within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, though many are not fully accessible to the public, either for research purposes or equipment is necessary. The Crystal Cave is a marble cave system located within the heart of Sequoia National Park. Visitors can go on guided tours of varying lengths as they experience the beauty of life underneath the park.
Within Crystal Cave visitors will be greeted by smooth marble walls and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Flowing through different parts of the caves are streams and lakes, which helped to erode the cave walls and allow the cavern to form over time. There is a lighted walkway through the cave that visitors take during the tour.
There are multiple tours that visitors can take. The basic tour lasts about 45-50 mintues and takes visitors all throughout the cave on an easy to follow walkway. In the summer evenings there is the "Explorers Lantern Tour" which allows visitors to explore the cave by lantern light instead of the usual electric lights. On Saturdays, if you are feeling really adventurous, visitors can participate in the "Adventure Tour". This tour is between 4-6 hours, and includes crawling on your belly, squeezing through tight passageways, and go off the paved trail to get down and dirty. Equipment is provided, though be prepared to come out dirty!
The caves are open only during the summer months, though they are still cold inside regardless of the temperature outside. The average temperature inside the cave is about 50°F, so bring a jacket.
Prices as of 5/8/17
Famly Tour- 50 minutes
Adults (13+): $16
Youth (5-12): $8
Children (5 and under): $5
Discovery Tour- 1.5 hours, ages 12+
$18 per person
Wild Cave Tour- 4 to 6 hours, ages 16+
Limit of 6 people, $135 per person
Junior Cave Tour- 1 to 2.5 hours, ages 10 to 15
Limit of 6 people, $30 per person
More Information
Sequoia National Park Itinerary
This Sequoia National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Sequoia National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/sequoia-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinRecreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More
We’re here to help you dream up your next trip, figure out the details, and reserve experiences at over 3,600 facilities and 103,000 individual sites across the country.
https://www.recreation.gov/Take a Guided Tour of Crystal Cave | Visit California
Behind Crystal Cave’s spiderweb-like gate lies Sequoia National Park’s secret underground world, a landscape of glittering mineralogical features. It’s one of…
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/crystal-cave/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Three Rivers, California
- Head north on CA-198 E/Sierra Dr toward Eggers DrContinue to follow CA-198 E(20.2 mi)
- Turn leftDestination will be on the right(6.5 mi)
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