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 more than 200 marble caverns found within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, where half of California’s caves that are more than one mile long are found, as well as the state’s longest cave. First discovered in 1918, today, the attractions is hardly a secret: Thousands of people explore it every year, thanks to accessibility achieved through the cave’s paved paths and solar-powered electric lights.
Getting to Crystal Cave, Tickets
Crystal Cave is located at the end of a winding seven-mile road off the Generals Highway near Giant Forest. For all tours, advance planning is required. Buy tickets online at least 36 hours in advance (tickets are not sold at the cave).
Driving to the cave from either Foothills Visitor Center or Lodgepole Visitors Center takes about an hour. Once there, accessing the cave requires a half-mile hike from the parking area, descending approximately 320 feet on a steep, paved trail with stairs. The return hike is strenuous, equivalent to climbing a 20-story building. Visitors should be prepared for potential encounters with poison oak, bees, and uneven terrain.
Guided Tours at Crystal Cave
Most of the caves in Sequoia National Park have limited access for research purposes, or require experience and equipment. But not Crystal Cave, which, after a long closure due to fire and weather damage, will once again be open for guided walking tours mid-May through early September. The 50-minute tour, which recurs annually and is the only way the cave can be experienced, is led by naturalists from the Sequoia Parks Conservancy and delves into the cave's geology, history, and ecology.
To explore the cave you’ll follow a half-mile loop trail that will lead you through several chambers adorned with stunning marble formations. It’s a good idea to bring a jacket, as the temperature is around 50 degrees inside no matter what the temperature is outside.
Highlights include stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, delicate draperies, and flowstones—all created by the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water—that glisten under the cave's lighting.
The tour is designed to be educational and accessible, with guides sharing stories about the cave's discovery, its geological significance, and the delicate ecosystem it supports. While the cave is illuminated, visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights to enhance their experience. Be aware, however, that flash photography is prohibited to protect the fragile formations.
Know Before You Go
In addition to being on the chilly side, the environment is also damp and dark, with narrow passages that may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia or certain health conditions. Strollers, wheelchairs, and baby backpacks are not permitted, and the tour is not recommended for young children who cannot walk independently.
Things to Do Near Crystal Cave
This is a part of the Golden State that is justifiably world-famous for its natural beauty, so the number of places nearby to take in the grandeur is head-spinning. Within the same park is the General Sherman Tree, the largest on earth. Nearby is the start of the Congress Trail; taking this hike offers the chance to appreciate the serenity of this ancient grove.
For sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada, climb up the steep stairway carved into the granite dome of Moro Rock. For a less dramatic but equally inspiring experience, head to Crescent Meadow, a peaceful, flower-filled clearing often referred to as the "Gem of the Sierra." It's a lovely spot for a nature walk or picnic amid lush vegetation and towering trees.
Another popular hike begins near the Lodgepole Visitor Center: the Tokopah Falls Trailhead. This moderate, family-friendly route follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and ends at a dramatic 1,200-foot cascade, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. For visitors interested in learning more about the park’s ecology and history, the nearby Giant Forest Museum features engaging exhibits on the sequoias, the region’s ecosystems, and the cultural stories tied to this special landscape.