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.
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!