Crystal Cave
Sequoia National Park, CA, 50°F inside
A volcanic national monument in far northern California where you explore lava tubes on your own. Mushpot Cave, the only one with lights and a paved path, is the place to start; others are dark and rougher. Get a free caving permit at the visitor center first.
The story
Long before it became a national monument, this volcanic landscape was part of the Modoc homeland, and people left rock art and other traces here over thousands of years. Eruptions from the Medicine Lake volcano formed the lava tubes. During the Modoc War of 1872–1873, Kintpuash (Captain Jack) and his followers sheltered among the lava trenches and caves at what is now called Captain Jack's Stronghold while resisting removal from their homeland. Lava Beds became a national monument in 1925, and Civilian Conservation Corps crews built much of the visitor infrastructure in the 1930s and early 1940s.
History source: nps.gov and usgs.gov.
What you'll see
- Mushpot Cave (lit, paved)
- Valentine Cave
- Skull Cave and its ice floor
- Captain Jack's Stronghold
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Open year-round. Several named caves are closed at any time, temporarily, seasonally or year-round, for safety or to protect bats; check the park's cave closure list.
- Booking
- No reservations. A free caving permit from the visitor center is required before entering any cave. The park's vehicle entrance fee applies.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Self-guided. Mushpot Cave has a paved path and lighting; the other caves are unlit with uneven floors. Wear a helmet, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Temperature
- Cold. Skull Cave has an ice floor all year.
Good to know
- Wildlife
- Bats live in the caves; permits help stop white-nose syndrome spreading.
Getting there
Lava Beds National Monument is in or near Tulelake, CA.
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Bring a headlamp and a handheld flashlight per person; don't rely on a phone.
- Basic helmets are sold cheaply at the visitor center bookstore.
- Never touch a bat, and don't wear clothes or gear used in other caves.
Questions people ask
How cold is it inside Lava Beds National Monument?
Cold. Skull Cave has an ice floor all year..
Do you need to book Lava Beds National Monument in advance?
No reservations. A free caving permit from the visitor center is required before entering any cave. The park's vehicle entrance fee applies.
Checked on 2026-10-23 against nps.gov (Lava Beds caving page and history pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.