Crystal Cave

Sequoia National Park featuring caving
Sequoia National Park
Crystal Cave showing caves
Sequoia National Park showing caving
Crystal Cave which includes a cascade and forests


Discover the unique underground world of Sequoia National Park as you crawl, walk and climb through a twisting network of dark caves.

Cross through the spiderweb-like gate of Crystal Cave and enter the mysterious underworld of Sequoia National Park. The area is home to more than 200 marble caverns, but Crystal Cave is a rarity in that it is open to the public for guided tours.

Visitors of all ages can appreciate the standard 50-minute Family Tour. Learn about the history of the cave and some of its top features as your guide takes you from room to room along paved, well-lit pathways.

On the 1.5-hour Discovery Tour, experience Crystal Cave's geology in greater depth. Learn about the fascinating plants and animals that live in and around the cave. A naturalist takes you along the trails outside and then leads you through the caves on a flashlight-lit tour.

For the complete Crystal Cave experience, join the Wild Cave Tour. This intense, belly-crawling tour lasts 4 to 6 hours. Crawl through narrow passageways and climb down steep drops. As you explore, your guide will explain how all the geological formations around you, such as soda straws and cave pearls, were formed.

Crystal Cave provides all the equipment necessary for a safe and fun tour. Be prepared to get dirty as you scramble through the cave. You must be in good physical shape to go on the Wild Cave Tour.

Visit Crystal Caves between mid May and September. Because of their remote location, the caves can close unexpectedly, so visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.

Note that tour tickets are not sold at the site. Purchase tickets beforehand online or at the visitor centers of Lodgepole or Foothills. It is about a 1-hour drive to Crystal Cave from either visitor center. Allow extra time to walk 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to the cave entrance. Remember to bring a jacket no matter how warm or cold it is outside, the temperature is always about 50 F (10 C) inside the caves.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Wuksachi Lodge

Wuksachi Lodge

2.5 out of 5
64740 Wuksachi Way Wuksachi Vi, Sequoia National Park, CA
Wuksachi Lodge
Stony Creek Lodge

Stony Creek Lodge

3 out of 5
65569 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Stony Creek Lodge
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
63410 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge

The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge

2.5 out of 5
45978 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
The River Inn

The River Inn

2 out of 5
45176 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
The River Inn
Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park

Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park

Three Rivers
Charming House Inside the Gate of Sequoia National Park
7.5 Acre Sprawling Sequoia Estate with Hot Tub, Private Pond and Flume hike

7.5 Acre Sprawling Sequoia Estate with Hot Tub, Private Pond and Flume hike

Three Rivers
7.5 Acre Sprawling Sequoia Estate with Hot Tub, Private Pond and Flume hike
MOUNTAIN TOP WITH 4 ACRES AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS WITH HOT TUB

MOUNTAIN TOP WITH 4 ACRES AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS WITH HOT TUB

Three Rivers
MOUNTAIN TOP WITH 4 ACRES AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS WITH HOT TUB
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Crystal Cave

Explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding Crystal Cave in Three Rivers, California, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the landscape, while nearby camping sites provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Crystal Cave and its surroundings offer a memorable experience for all visitors.

Shopping

While in Three Rivers, visit local shops like the Three Rivers Village Market for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Visalia Mall, located 24.1km away, where you’ll find a range of retail options and dining experiences.

Recreation

At Our Place Playground, enjoy a vibrant family atmosphere surrounded by nature, ideal for outdoor fun. Horse Creek Recreation Area offers serene spaces for wellness and relaxation, surrounded by lush scenery. For sports enthusiasts, Exeter Public Golf Course provides an exhilarating golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Big Trees Trail, located 4.8km from Crystal Cave, where towering trees and breathtaking scenery await. The Congress Trail, 6.4km away, offers a picturesque hiking experience, while the Big Stump Trail, 19.3km distant, showcases stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Nightlife

In Three Rivers, the nightlife is tranquil yet inviting. The Sequoia Brewing Company offers craft beers and live music, while the Gateway Restaurant and Lodge provides a cosy atmosphere with delicious dining and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Crystal Cave

The Crystal Cave area offers a wealth of attractions for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of the nearby national parks, marvel at unique rock formations, and visit symbolic landmarks that capture the essence of this beautiful region. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities or breathtaking scenery, the Crystal Cave and its surroundings provide an unforgettable experience for all travellers.

  • General Sherman Tree: Standing as a monumental symbol of nature's grandeur, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree on Earth by volume. Located 6.4km from Crystal Cave, this awe-inspiring giant offers visitors a chance to appreciate its immense size and the rich cultural history of the surrounding Sequoia National Park.
  • Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance: Just 11.3km away, this national park entrance invites adventurers to explore stunning landscapes, with towering trees and diverse wildlife. It’s an ideal starting point for outdoor activities, offering breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Moro Rock: Situated 6.4km from Crystal Cave, Moro Rock presents a challenging climb rewarded with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. This stunning rock formation is perfect for those seeking outdoor exploration and captivating vistas.

Best time to go to Crystal Cave

The best time to visit Crystal Cave can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Crystal Cave falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Crystal Cave falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May66.4°F (19.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June76.5°F (24.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July83.7°F (28.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August82.6°F (28.1°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.4°F (19.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November55.4°F (13.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crystal Cave

To save money on your trip to Crystal Cave, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel one month in advance or checking Expedia's last-minute deals can yield discounts. Wednesdays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, you may save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. For transport, look for local buses or consider walking to explore the area at no cost.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Crystal Cave are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Crystal Cave is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Crystal Cave is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Crystal Cave is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the flexibility to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most economical accommodation options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Crystal Cave with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.