Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is a guided walk through a marble cavern in Sequoia National Park, with illuminated chambers full of stalagmites and hanging mineral draperies. The tour takes about 50 minutes, but the whole stop is a half-day commitment: you drive a spur road, then hike a steep half-mile down to the entrance and back up. If you like geology or want a change from the park’s giant trees, keep it on your list. If steep climbs or timed tours are a poor fit, skip it.

Check in at the trailhead kiosk for an orientation, then follow the steep, uneven path about half a mile down to the cave. It takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Your guide unlocks the distinctive web-shaped gate at the entrance. The return is uphill, with a long flight of stairs; this route is not wheelchair accessible.

The cave stays around 50°F and feels cool, damp and dark, so bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip. The guided route loops through chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and draperies that took millions of years to form. These fragile formations are why visitors enter only with a guide. Photography is allowed, but flash, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are prohibited. For a photo, frame one of the folded draperies against a darker passage to show the contrast in the cave’s formations.

Tours require an advance ticket; none are sold at the cave, and the ticket does not cover park entry. Allow about half a day for the drive, walk and tour. From Foothills Visitor Center, the route is 13 miles on Generals Highway and another 6.5 miles on Cave Road. From Lodgepole, it is 6.5 miles through Giant Forest, then 6.5 miles on Cave Road. Vehicles longer than 22 feet combined are not allowed on Cave Road.

The parking area has restrooms, picnic tables and bear boxes. There is no water or restroom along the walk or inside the cave, and food and drink are not allowed in the cavern. Eat at the picnic tables and store food in a bear box while you tour. Pets are not allowed.