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Cave · Three Rivers, California
Crystal Cave
Marble cave in Sequoia National Park, with calcite formations, stalactites and an underground stream, visited only on guided tours with tickets bought in advance during the summer season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is one of more than 200 caves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, formed in marble by the Cascade creek over thousands of years. It was discovered in 1918 by two park employees and opened to visitors in the 1940s.
The guided tour crosses galleries with stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and veils of sparkling calcite, and rooms of marble polished by water. The temperature inside the cave stays near 9 °C year‑round.
From the parking area, a steep trail of about 800 meters descends to the entrance, next to a waterfall, and the return is uphill. The access road, which leaves Generals Highway, is narrow and winding with vehicle-length restrictions. The cave is open only in season, from late May to early November, and tickets are sold in advance, not at the site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About two to three hours, including the hike and the roughly 50‑minute tour.
Best time
In season, from late May to early November, with tickets bought in advance. Confirm dates and times before you go.
How to get there
It is at the end of Crystal Cave Road, which branches from Generals Highway about 3 km south of the Giant Forest and follows roughly 10 km of narrow road. Long vehicles are not permitted.
Tip
Buy tickets in advance and bring warm clothing: the cave is cold even in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Crystal Cave
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Crystal Cave?
Yes. Tickets are sold in advance, not at the cave entrance.
When does Crystal Cave open?
In season, from late May to early November. Confirm the dates before you go.
What is the temperature inside Crystal Cave like?
It stays around 9 °C year-round; bring a jacket.