Crystal Cave
This underground wonder is ready to welcome you back.
Are you ready to explore?
Discover the hidden side of Sequoia National Park, a place where adventure and wonder meet. With a Field Institute Naturalist as your guide, explore the breathtaking formations and echoing chambers of Crystal Cave. From delicate crystal draperies to towering stalagmites, every feature tells a story millions of years in the making.
Prepare for Your Crystal Cave Adventure
Crystal Cave is a breathtaking marble cavern, but visiting requires preparation. The tour includes a half-mile round-trip hike with steep terrain and stairs, and the cave environment is cold, damp, and dark. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s important to review the key safety guidelines below before your visit.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Visiting Crystal Cave requires physical exertion and may not be suitable for everyone. Those with claustrophobia, difficulty walking, heart or respiratory conditions, recent surgery or illness, or other physical limitations should avoid the tour. The cave is also not recommended for young children who cannot walk on their own, and baby backpacks and strollers are not permitted. Visitors assume all risks associated with personal injury and loss or damage to property. The park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
⚠️ Please Read Before Booking: The information at the bottom of this page covers important health restrictions, risks, and visitor requirements. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these safety guidelines.
Tour dates will be available from June 1 to August 31, 2025.
Visiting the Parks
Crystal Cave is located inside Sequoia National ParkSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer the following passes for purchase through the NPS downloadable app or their website:
-
All visitors must have one of these entrance passes:
Pass Price Standard Pass $20.00–$35.00 Annual Pass $70.00 America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) FREE–$80.00
Entrance lines can be long in summer. Plan accordingly and check NPS.gov for travel updates.
No, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks do not require a reservation to enter.
Ticket Information
Tickets must be purchased online at sequoiaparksconservancy.org. Tickets often sell out far in advance, so plan accordingly.
Tickets often sell out, especially in July and August. It is recommended that you purchase at least 30 days in advance.
There are no refunds if you miss your tour.
For online ticket purchases, request a refund at (559) 564-4251 or adventures@sequoiaparks.org.
Traveling to the Cave
To reach the cave parking lot from the foothills visitor center, allow at least 60 minutes. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your tour time.
Yes, the road to the cave is narrow, winding, and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet (6.7 meters) and towed trailers are not allowed.
Yes, road construction may cause delays. Check nps.gov/seki for updates.
The cave road closes one hour after the last tour of the day.
Upon Arrival at the Cave Parking Lot
- Store all food and scented items in the shared bear boxes due to black bear activity.
- Use the restroom before your tour—there are no restrooms on the trail or at the cave entrance.
- Bring drinking water; no water is available at the cave.
- Check-in at ticket kiosk.
No, pets are not allowed in unattended vehicles, outside, on the trail, or in the cave.
The cave is 50˚F (10˚C). A light jacket is recommended.
Report to the ticket kiosk by the trailhead 15 minutes before your designated tour time.
Trail to the Cave Entrance
The ½-mile trail is steep and strenuous, with stairs equivalent to a 20-story building
No, the trail is paved but uneven, with stairs, and cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
- Poison oak grows along the trail—avoid touching plants.
- Rattlesnakes and bees may be encountered—do not approach, and inform staff if you see them.
- Rocks may fall onto the trail—stay aware of your surroundings.
Inside the Cave
Yes, but flash photography, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
No. Backpacks, bags, purses, hiking sticks, or baby carriers are not allowed inside the cave. They may be used for the hike but must be left unattended at the entrance.
No food or beverages are allowed inside the cave.
White-nose syndrome & our winged friends
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that kills 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 could spread the fungus from one cave to another as shoes, clothing, or gear can carry it. If you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. All cave visitors will step in a solution of hydrogen peroxide to help reduce the spread of White-nose Syndrome. Learn more about how to help bats threatened by white-nose syndrome.
