Finally some good news for our national parks! Although 2025 has been a barrage of budget cuts, staff layoffs, and threats of deforestation, it is refreshing to see our parks continue to thrive! After four years of closure, and mass amounts of effort from park staff, volunteers, and many other organizations, the majestic Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park is open to the public again! Find out everything you need to know to plan your visit!
Come for the trees, stay for the marble caverns—Sequoia has surprises above and below ground.
WHERE IS CRYSTAL CAVE?
Crystal Cave is tucked inside Sequoia National Park in California, near the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. Sequoia is best known for its ancient giants—the largest trees in the world by volume! The towering Sequoias can live for over 2,000 years and are the park’s most iconic attraction. But now, after a long closure, there’s an underground wonder open for exploration, too.
To reach Crystal Cave, you’ll turn off the main park road onto Crystal Cave Road, a narrow, winding, 7-mile stretch that descends into a once-dense forest. It’s scenic, remote, and not something you’ll stumble upon unless you’re looking for it—so make sure to add it to your plans and allow extra drive time.
WHY DID CRYSTAL CAVE CLOSE?
Crystal Cave has been closed since 2021 after the devastating KNP Complex Fire swept through parts of Sequoia National Park. Although the cave itself was spared from direct damage, the infrastructure around it—like electricity, trails, bridges, and culverts—was not so lucky. The narrow Crystal Cave Road became unsafe for visitors, and access was shut down until major repairs and safety improvements could be made. The last few years have been a labor of love by park rangers, conservancy crews, and volunteers determined to reopen this underground wonder.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
Crystal Cave is over one million years in the making—and is still alive! Because it’s considered a “living cave,” you can only access it by guided tour. This helps park staff protect the cave, the visitors, and the cave residents (yes, there are bats and other critters—but they’re shy and rarely seen on tours). Inside, you’ll find an otherworldly landscape of dripping stalactites, towering stalagmites, shimmering calcite formations, and deep marble chambers. The walkways are dimly lit to preserve the cave’s natural darkness, and your guide will highlight the cave’s unique geologic features, conservation efforts, and so much more.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR VISIT TO CRYSTAL CAVE
A visit to Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park takes a little extra effort and coordination than other points in the park. The cave is only open seasonally, needs to be booked online in advance, and the road in requires extra drive time. Additionally, you’ll have to hike from the parking lot to the cave entrance. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
WHEN TO GO
Sequoia National Park is one of the national parks in California that has regular road closures each winter, making many areas hard to reach or inaccessible. The weather also plays a role in the seasonality of Crystal Cave. In 2025, the open season for cave tours is May 23 – September 7th. Of course, this is subject to change if the roads need additional repairs or a sudden shift in the weather. Be sure to always check road conditions and park alerts before visiting.
HOW LONG IS THE HIKE AND TOUR?
Once you’ve parked, there’s a steep, quarter-mile paved trail that descends about 300 feet to the cave entrance. It’s downhill going in—and all uphill coming out—so wear sturdy shoes and give yourself time. The tour itself lasts about 50 minutes along a half-mile loop, but with the hike and check-in time, allow at least 2 hours for the full experience. The trail also passes a cascading waterfall, so don’t rush through—there are plenty of scenic moments before you even reach the iconic cave gate.
- DIFFICULTY – Moderate
- TOTAL LENGTH – 1mi / 1.6km
- ELEVATION GAIN – 391 FT.
- PET FRIENDLY – NO
HOW TO BOOK TICKETS
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online and tickets are not sold at the cave entrance. Tours run daily from 9am-3pm. With limited cell service in the park, it is advised to screenshot the QR code and reservation confirmation in case you cannot load it on your phone upon arrival. As the tour has just reopened to the public and we are heading into the busiest season – plan ahead! Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
Cost for tickets (as of May 2025) is $20 per adult and $10 per child + fees. Ticket costs do not include park entrance fees, so be sure to pick up your Annual National Park Pass ahead of time! You can find additional information at the Sequoia Parks Conservancy website.
GETTING TO CRYSTAL CAVE
Allow about 30 minutes to travel along Crystal Cave Road from the main park road (Generals Highway) to the cave parking area. The road is narrow, winding, and sometimes closed after heavy rains or storm damage, so drive slowly and check current conditions before heading out. No RVs, trailers, or vehicles longer than 22 feet are allowed.
Crystal Cave Road Entrance distances from:
- Foothills Entrance – 14 miles / 40 minutes
- Lodgepole – 7 miles / 17 minutes
- Kings Canyon Big Stump Entrance – 33 miles / 1 hour
WHAT TO WEAR
Sequoia National Park varies in elevation from 1,400 feet at the Foothills entrance to over 7,000 feet in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove—so you’ll feel big swings in temperature throughout the day. Inside Crystal Cave, though, it’s a steady 50°F year-round. Bring a warm layer, even if it’s blazing hot above ground, and wear shoes with good grip. The cave floor can be damp and slick in spots.
WHAT CAN YOU BRING IN THE CAVE?
This section should really be called “what not to bring in the cave.” Because this is a living cave, there are rules in place to protect its delicate ecosystem. You can’t bring in food, backpacks, large bags, or strollers. Flash photography is also prohibited. But you can bring a small flashlight or headlamp if you want a little extra light (though your guide will have one, too). Please leave no trace—what goes in must come out with you.
IS CRYSTAL CAVE ACCESSIBLE?
Crystal Cave is not considered wheelchair accessible, and may not be suitable for all visitors. The trail to the cave entrance is steep, paved, and about a quarter-mile downhill—which means an uphill return. Inside, the cave has stairs, low lighting, and some slick, uneven surfaces. If you have limited mobility, balance challenges, or are sensitive to dim spaces, it’s best to admire Sequoia’s wonders above ground. (The Giant Forest won’t disappoint!)
TL;DR – QUICK ANSWERS FOR YOUR VISIT
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Yes! Book in advance online. No tickets are sold at the cave.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The guided cave tour is about 50 minutes. With the hike to and from the entrance, plan for at least 2 hours total.
Q: Are there restrooms at the cave?
A: There are vault toilets at the cave parking lot, but none at the cave itself.
Q: Is it okay for kids?
A: Yes—for kids who can manage a steep hike and don’t mind the dark. It’s educational and fascinating, but the terrain isn’t stroller-friendly, and only front-facing carriers are allowed in the cave.
Q: Can I visit without a tour?
A: No, Crystal Cave is only accessible with a guided tour to protect this living ecosystem.
VISITING CRYSTAL CAVE IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Crystal Cave is a must-do on your trip to Sequoia National Park! And once you’ve planned your visit to the underground wonders, you can admire the above-ground attractions, too. To help you make the most of your exploration, check out HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK. If you’re looking for where stay, eat, and drink, you’ll find it all in THREE RIVERS: THE TRUE GATEWAY TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK.
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