Cross through the spiderweb-like gate of Crystal Cave and enter the mysterious underworld of Sequoia National Park. The area is home to more than 200 marble caverns, but Crystal Cave is a rarity in that it is open to the public for guided tours.
Visitors of all ages can appreciate the standard 50-minute Family Tour. Learn about the history of the cave and some of its top features as your guide takes you from room to room along paved, well-lit pathways.
On the 1.5-hour Discovery Tour, experience Crystal Cave's geology in greater depth. Learn about the fascinating plants and animals that live in and around the cave. A naturalist takes you along the trails outside and then leads you through the caves on a flashlight-lit tour.
For the complete Crystal Cave experience, join the Wild Cave Tour. This intense, belly-crawling tour lasts 4 to 6 hours. Crawl through narrow passageways and climb down steep drops. As you explore, your guide will explain how all the geological formations around you, such as soda straws and cave pearls, were formed.
Crystal Cave provides all the equipment necessary for a safe and fun tour. Be prepared to get dirty as you scramble through the cave. You must be in good physical shape to go on the Wild Cave Tour.
Visit Crystal Caves between mid May and September. Because of their remote location, the caves can close unexpectedly, so visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Note that tour tickets are not sold at the site. Purchase tickets beforehand online or at the visitor centers of Lodgepole or Foothills. It is about a 1-hour drive to Crystal Cave from either visitor center. Allow extra time to walk 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to the cave entrance. Remember to bring a jacket no matter how warm or cold it is outside, the temperature is always about 50 F (10 C) inside the caves.