Crystal Cave

Sequoia National Park which includes caving

Crystal Cave showing a waterfall and forest scenes

Visit Crystal Cave

Activities

Three Rivers travel guide

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

Giant Forest Museum

Learn all about the massive, cloud-skimming tree species that populate the nearby Giant Forest at this small but fascinating museum.

Big Trees Trail

One of the world’s largest trees rises from the heart of a flat and accessible trail meandering through one of the biggest sequoia groves on the planet.

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people

General Sherman Tree

The world’s largest tree by volume, this giant sequoia is more than 2,000 years old. You must see it in place to fully appreciate its colossal size.

The Congress Trail

Enjoy a trip to The Congress Trail and popular activities such as hiking in Sequoia National Park. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes

Tunnel Log

An innovative solution to a fallen sequoia tree on the road provides a rare and exciting experience for walkers and drivers.

Moro Rock

Explore the lovely green spaces of Moro Rock and also enjoy the hiking trails in Sequoia National Park. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Top Crystal Cave Hotel Deals

Wuksachi Lodge

64740 Wuksachi Way Wuksachi Vi, Sequoia National Park, CA

Stony Creek Lodge

65569 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

63410 Generals Highway, Kings Canyon National Park, CA

The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge

45978 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA

The River Inn

45176 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA

Creekside Cabin ~ 20 Mi to Kings Canyon Park!

Badger

AutoCamp Sequoia

40457 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA

Western Holiday Lodge Three Rivers

40105 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA

See all 481 properties in Crystal Cave

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

At Crystal Cave in Three Rivers, California, visitors can explore the stunning cave network, characterised by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Surrounding the cave, there are opportunities for hiking, with trails offering scenic views of the Sierra Nevada landscape, typically spanning several kilometres. Camping is also available nearby, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Shopping

In Three Rivers, visit local shops offering unique souvenirs and gifts reflecting the area's natural beauty. If you're up for a drive, head to Visalia Mall, about 48.3km away, featuring a diverse range of stores, restaurants, and a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Explore Our Place Playground, a delightful outdoor space 17.7km from Crystal Cave, perfect for family fun. For relaxation, visit Horse Creek Recreation Area, 24.1km away, offering serene surroundings. For sports enthusiasts, the Exeter Public Golf Course, located 43.5km from Crystal Cave, provides an excellent golfing experience.

Adventure

Explore the Big Trees Trail, located 4.8km from Crystal Cave, for an invigorating hike amidst towering sequoias. The Congress Trail, 6.4km away, offers a scenic adventure through lush landscapes. For a more extended trek, the Big Stump Trail, 19.3km distant, immerses you in nature's beauty.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Crystal Cave is serene yet enchanting. Enjoy a relaxed evening at the nearby Three Rivers Lodge, where you can savour local wines and hearty meals. For a more vibrant atmosphere, visit the charming River View Restaurant, offering live music and stunning views of the river at night.

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

Find the best attractions near Crystal Cave

Whether you seek adventure or stunning scenery, the Crystal Cave area in Three Rivers, California, offers a wealth of attractions. Explore the national park, marvel at unique rock formations, and visit symbolic landmarks. Don't miss the underground areas and the enchanting crystal cave itself, perfect for those eager to experience the beauty of nature. With a mix of outdoor activities, this destination caters to every traveller's desire for exploration.

General Sherman Tree: Standing as the largest tree by volume in the world, the General Sherman Tree is a must-see symbol of nature's magnificence. This iconic landmark, located 6.4km from Crystal Cave, offers a profound cultural experience amidst the ancient sequoias.
Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance: Just 11.3km away, this entrance to Sequoia National Park invites adventure seekers to explore stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Experience breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities that connect you with nature.
Moro Rock: Located 6.4km from Crystal Cave, Moro Rock provides a thrilling climb and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Enjoy the stunning scenery and the invigorating outdoor atmosphere as you ascend this impressive granite formation.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	76.5°F (24.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	83.7°F (28.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	82.6°F (28.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	77.4°F (25.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
December	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crystal Cave

To save money during your visit to Crystal Cave, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices, as opposed to the peak summer months. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. You can also save by bundling hotel reservations with flights and activities through Expedia packages.

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 enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. 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 are available for booking.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Crystal Cave hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Sequoia Resort

See a list of all hotels in Three Rivers

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.

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