Crystal Cave at Sequoia National Park will be closed this year for repairs to the facility/Sequoia National Parks Conservancy
Ongoing repairs stemming from damage caused by a 2021 wildfire and the hard 2023 winter to Sequoia National Park's Crystal Cave will keep the attraction closed this year, according to the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
The KNP Complex Wildfire left hazardous dead-standing trees near the cave, while hard rains last winter damaged the entrance road.
"We understand the disappointment that comes with the closure of Crystal Cave," said Savannah Boiano, executive director of Sequoia Parks Conservancy. "As stewards of this natural treasure, we are committed to ensuring its preservation for future generations. We are excited to work with our park partners in the National Park Service to bring this inspiring experience back to the public."
Sequoia Parks Conservancy is working closely with the Park Service to restore safe access to the public in 2025. Repair work will include removing the hazardous trees left by the drought and KNP Complex Fire in 2021, significant repairs to the damaged road from the winter 2023 rains, restoring the solar electrical system that powers the cave lights, and the installation of a new ticket entrance kiosk.
Crystal Cave, the second-largest of 275 known caves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the fourth-largest in California, boasts more than three miles of surveyed passageways. Since the 1940s, Sequoia Parks Conservancy has operated tours at Crystal Cave, and it has become the highlight of its Field Institute Program.
In the meantime, while the cave is closed the public is encouraged to experience the wonders of Crystal Cave through captivating video footage taken prior to the KNP Complex Fire.
