Tours through Crystal Cave at Sequoia National Park will be offered through November 25, weather permitting. NPS photo.
Though Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns national parks are perhaps best known within the National Park System for their caves, other parks have caves worth exploring, too. And one, Sequoia National Park, has extended the season for touring Crystal Cave deep into November.
As long as weather allows access to the cave, park officials plan to continue running tours through Crystal Cave through November 25 this year.
To purchase tickets, visit either the Foothills or the Lodgepole visitor centers in Sequoia National Park. The lengthened season will provide the opportunity for up to 1,500 more visitors to attend cave tours at the park.
Crystal Cave Tour Schedule
Through September 23:
Monday through Friday: 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
September 24 through October 21:
Monday through Friday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Cave will be closed from Oct. 22-26.
Schedule from October 27-28, 2012 (Historic Halloween Tours)
Tours will focus on the human history of Crystal Cave with a spooky twist!
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Cave will be closed from Oct. 29-31.
Schedule from November 1-25 (Flashlight tours):
Thursday & Friday: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Crystal Cave is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ticket Costs
Adults: $13
Children (under 5): $2
Youth (ages 5-12): $7
Seniors (age 62 & up): $12
Interagency Access Pass / Golden Access Pass: $12
Sequoia Natural History Association Partners & Military Veterans: $1 off the ticket price
Active Military Personnel & Spouse: $7
Children of Active Military Personnel: $2
Note: White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a serious problem that is affecting and killing bats in caves in the eastern United States. People are not affected by the disease but may carry it unknowingly into other caves. In an effort to keep Crystal Cave WNS-free, anyone who has been in other caves or in mines, especially in the eastern U.S., must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. (Normal clothes-washing does not destroy WNS.) Cameras and flashlights that have been in other caves must be sanitized before entering the cave. Before entering the cave, you must walk over a mat that applies a sanitizing solution to the sole of your shoes. A disinfectant wipe is provided free-of-charge upon request at the cave booth.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
This tour is definitely worth it. I was surprised because I never heard of the cave before going to the Park last month. As you said, Carlsbad and Mammoth get most of the press. So I didn't expect much from this tour. But as I turned off the General's Highway and plunged deep into a remote section of the Park, I quickly realized I was in for something special. The access road is not the beaten path like the ones going to the big trees. The walkway down the gorge to the cave is a spectacle of woodland and nature undisturbed. The quiet approach to the cave sets a great mood. Upon entering the mouth I looked up and saw a little bat nestled into a crevice. I was lucky enough to carry the flashlight for our group at the end of the line. So I got to stop and see a lot more stuff up close and well lit. It was great. I took a few dozen excellent pictures and posted them on Facebook in the evening.
The history of the cave was enlightening. The size of the cave exceeded my expectations again. It was huge. I would definitely go again. In November, dress warm!