The Cave Guide
Lit marble formations inside Crystal Cave, Sequoia National ParkPhoto: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0

Crystal Cave

Sequoia National Park, CA
50°F
inside, all year
50 min
on the main tour

A cave in Sequoia National Park visited on a 50-minute guided tour along a half-mile loop inside the cave.

The story

National Park Service employees C. M. Webster and A. L. Medley recorded the cave near Cascade Creek on April 28, 1918; that's the park's documented exploration, not the first time people knew of the area. Superintendent Walter Fry had the entrance protected, and the marble cave opened for guided visits on May 29, 1940. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire and later storms damaged the road and trail, closing it for four years until tours resumed in 2025.

Found
1918 (recorded)
Open to visitors since
1940

History source: NPS and npshistory.com.

Tickets and timing

How long it takes
50 minutes in the cave; allow half a day with the drive and walk
Hours
Seasonal, spring to fall, tours about 9am–3pm. The 2026 season has ended; tours resume late spring 2027.
Booking
Online only through Sequoia Parks Conservancy, at least 36 hours ahead (about two months recommended). No tickets sold at the cave.

Getting around underground

The walk
Steep half-mile walk between the parking area and the cave entrance.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature
50°F / 10°C — bring a jacket

Good to know

Wildlife
Bats are present; visitors who have been in caves elsewhere must not wear the same clothing or equipment due to white-nose syndrome.

Getting there

Las VegasLos AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoFresno

Crystal Cave is in or near Sequoia National Park, CA.

Parking: There is a parking area at the end of Crystal Cave Road; visitors walk a steep half-mile to and from the cave entrance.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Vehicles over 22 ft are not allowed on Crystal Cave Road.
  • Don't wear clothes or gear used in other caves (white-nose syndrome).

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Crystal Cave take?

50 minutes in the cave; allow half a day with the drive and walk

How cold is it inside Crystal Cave?

50°F / 10°C — bring a jacket.

Do you need to book Crystal Cave in advance?

Online only through Sequoia Parks Conservancy, at least 36 hours ahead (about two months recommended). No tickets sold at the cave.

When was Crystal Cave discovered?

1918 (recorded), according to the cave's own history.

Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/seki. Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

Other caves in California

See all 9 caves in California