crystal cave

It's open in the summer and it's a must do. If you have kids and you don't take 'em here, shame on you! It's terrific, educational and entertaining and your kids will talk about it for a long time!

Being in a cave makes an lasting impression. It's a great way to bring the wonders of geology, extremophiles, and water come to life for children and adults alike. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with others.

We couldn't agree more. Crystal Cave IS really cool. It really makes an impression on youngsters. On any given summer you can find one cave guide who after visiting the cave as a child committed themselves to working at the cave when they grew up. Thanks for encouraging others.

Hey! Thanks much for the 'props.' We love sharing the place and the story behind the scene with park visitors. Cheers,the Crystal Cave team

We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Crystal Cave. Thanks for sharing the impact the cave tour had on your underground wilderness experience. 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of public tours in Crystal Cave. We promise to make it a special experience.

The title of this review is great! For those brave enough, we do turn out the lights in Marbel Hall so that total darkness can be experienced. It's really a thrill.We like that you encouraged people to allow more time to really experience the place. When planning for a visit to the parks, budget in a little more time for wildlife surprises, a cool activity or program that you'd not heard of, or just a much needed break from a busy vacation schedule. when you arrive we do our best to let you know how much time to budget for activities such as a Crystal Cave visit.

Thank you for writing a concise and encouraging review. For those reading this review, note that the Crystal Cave road departing from the Generals Highway is narrow and older. Take care to drive slowly and watch for wildlife on the road. If you do see an animal, please find the closest pullout before stopping your car.

It's been important to my husband and me to open our children's eyes to the wonders of the vast and amazing country to our five sons. This year we wanted to see the Giant Redwoods. But what we learned was that you don't just "see" the Giant Redwoods - you experience them. It's amazing. It's AWESOME - in the truest sense of the word. Do you know that the U.S. has the two oldest and largest trees IN THE WORLD? We didn't. They are estimated to be over 3000 years old. Named General Sherman and General Grant, these two beauties stand in the Sequoia National Forest and people from all around the world come to see them.What we didn't really expect was how captivating this entire national park is. We entered from the south and the park seemed mainly rocky and rugged, then it changed entirely and became amazingly lush, green and cool. I likened it to the movie Fern Gully (if you've ever seen that). It's hard to believe you can experience such totally opposite environments just minutes from each other! And this is just as you're driving into the park! I could go on and on, but I'll try to crystallize most of the important stuff here: * There are plenty of hiking and walking trails for ALL ages and levels of ability. * There are plenty of benches to stop and catch your breath or just embrace your surroundings. * There is a wide variety of food available at the park stations if you don't want to pack a lunch (and souvenirs if you're so inclined!) * The trails to General Sherman and General Grant are paved and while these specific trees are cordoned off, they reside in an entire forest of these beautiful and majestic trees. Touch them - you won't believe how they feel!! * Take a moment to stop in at the first available ranger station and speak with one of the friendly, informative rangers about the park and your particular family situation. They will be happy to advise you and warn you of the unique environmental issues in the park (i.e. - how to recognize the potential for lightening in the higher elevations).Sequoia National Forest is one of the most inspiring and beautiful places I have ever seen and I have been fortunate enough to have experienced parts of Hawaii, France, England, Mexico and the United States from one coast to the other. I would love to go back and have a full day to just wander and enjoy. A must for anyone who loves the outdoors!

A good introduction to Crystal Cave is the Family Tour. To get a more unique and exclusive tour, try the Discovery and Explorer's Lantern Tour. The guides enjoy the longer tours as they get to share more personal experiences observing and helping to protect the five different ecosystems that they get to work in. You know when the guides are into it, it must be really special.Thanks for encouraging others to take the time to explore their natural heritage more deeply.

We are always glad to learn that visitors had a nice Crystal Cave experience all the way around. Your advice is 'spot on.' Thank you for reinforcing some key planning and logistical details. There is one point which bears keeping in mind for those reading this review; Should you arrive in the Crystal Cave parking lot early, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to move you up to an earlier tour time. This is particularly true on holiday weekends. We hope that we get to tour Crystal Cave with you again some time!

We are so glad that your first cave trip was in Crystal Cave! Now that you've been you have a whole new world to explore. Nationally there are many national parks with caves. Right here in California you can visit caves in Lava Beds National Monument, Pinnacles National Park, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. We think you'll be delighted with the variety of caves and the plants and animals found in each of those.We hope Sequoia National Park continues to provide many more inspirational and exciting experiences for everyone.

We agree with you, Crystal Cave's beauty lies in the multitude of outstanding natural features, from the pristine stream that runs through the cave to the soda straws, popcorn, and huge angels wings, the cave has something that captures everyone's imagination and attention. As you warned, the hike back up the cave trail is strenuous. We say, use the trail pullouts and take a rest during a photo break or to enjoy the cascades. We do not recommend it for those with heart or pulminary ailments. We hope that you continue to enjoy and learn in America's magnificent national parks!

As marble caves go, Crystal Cave is considered one of the most highly decorated commercial caves in the Sierra Nevada. Preserving and protecting the parks you love: Funds generated from Crystal Cave ticket sales go to supporting educational and resource protection right here in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Thank you very much for paying it forward!We hope you continue to explore the world's underground frontier, caves.

Do you know why Crystal Cave remains so pristine? Because of YOU! We teach and encourage each cave visitor how to appreciate and enjoy the cave while stewarding and caretaking for the native animals and plants and for the enjoyment of future generations. YOU keep doing such a good job at following the rules of (all) caving that it remains a research destination for cave biologists, geologists and a great home to native wildlife. Thank YOU!If you would like to follow up on exploring more about cave health, join your local "grotto" and get involved in cave exploration and stewardship. Crystal Cave hosts a volunteer day before public opening each year. We welcome volunteers.We are glad that you enjoyed your experience.

There is no place better than Crystal Cave on a hot summer day! The cool breeze that comes from the cave is what caught the attention of (modern discoverers) Webster and Medley in 1918. The cool temps are great, however, we do recommend a sweater in hand because after a bit the cool weather can get distracting.'Glad you had a 'cool' time!