Crystal Cave Tours and Activities

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


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.

Plan a trip to see Crystal Cave

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Crystal Cave

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
The River Inn

The River Inn

2 out of 5
45176 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
The River Inn
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 Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance

The Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance

Three Rivers
The Kaweah River Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests, located 3 minutes from entrance
Retro River Casita -Waterfront, BBQ, Gameroom, Views 😍, 1 min to Sequoia Gate.

Retro River Casita -Waterfront, BBQ, Gameroom, Views 😍, 1 min to Sequoia Gate.

Three Rivers
Retro River Casita -Waterfront, BBQ, Gameroom, Views 😍, 1 min to Sequoia Gate.
*Specials* 😍 Stunning Main Fork "Kaweah River House" -1/2 Mile to Sequoia Park

*Specials* 😍 Stunning Main Fork "Kaweah River House" -1/2 Mile to Sequoia Park

Three Rivers
*Specials* 😍 Stunning Main Fork "Kaweah River House" -1/2 Mile to Sequoia Park
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

Experience the natural beauty of Crystal Cave in Three Rivers, California, with a variety of activities including hiking and camping. Explore captivating attractions, take guided hiking tours, and visit the stunning show caves. For those seeking more adventure, enjoy nearby golf courses and livery stables to enhance your outdoor experience. A trip to Crystal Cave promises a memorable blend of nature and recreation.

Recreation

Our Place Playground, located 17.7km from Crystal Cave, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor vibes perfect for relaxation and play. Horse Creek Recreation Area, 24.1km away, provides a tranquil setting for wellness and rejuvenation. For sports enthusiasts, Exeter Public Golf Course, 43.5km distant, features beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Embark on the Big Trees Trail, located 4.8km from Crystal Cave, to immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Explore the Congress Trail, 6.4km away, for stunning scenery and adventure. Finally, hike the Big Stump Trail, 19.3km from the cave, and experience the great outdoors.

Find the best attractions near Crystal Cave

When visiting Crystal Cave in Three Rivers, California, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore the stunning underground crystal caverns, marvel at the unique rock formations, and discover the area's symbolic landmarks within the national park. With fantastic scenery and captivating tourist spots, your trip will be filled with unforgettable experiences in this remarkable natural setting.

  • General Sherman Tree: Standing as the largest tree on Earth by volume, the General Sherman Tree is a must-see landmark located 6.4km from Crystal Cave. Its towering presence and ancient beauty offer a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Sequoia ecosystem.
  • Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance: Just 11.3km away from Crystal Cave, this national park entrance invites you to explore breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Adventure awaits with hiking trails, stunning vistas, and opportunities for outdoor activities amidst the majestic sequoias.
  • Giant Forest Museum: Located 4.8km from Crystal Cave, this informative museum immerses you in the cultural and natural history of the sequoia trees. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff make for an enlightening experience about these ancient giants.

Best time to go to Crystal Cave

Visitor numbers around Crystal Cave is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Crystal Cave is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June76.5°F (24.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July83.7°F (28.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crystal Cave

For an affordable trip to Crystal Cave, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance often yields the best rates; however, check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Explore free attractions like Tunnel Log and Tokopah Falls, and use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and find eco-friendly options. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can also help you save money on your overall travel expenses.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Crystal Cave is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Crystal Cave with your flights and activities.