An Underground Wonder Returns for the 2025 Season | By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine
After four long years of silence, the echoing chambers of Crystal Cave are finally ready to welcome adventurers once again. Tucked deep within the granite heart of Sequoia National Park, this marble masterpiece is set to reopen its gates to the public in 2025, following extensive restoration efforts after wildfire and severe storm damage.
Starting March 31, 2025, at 10 AM PDT, tickets for the summer tour season will be available at sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystal-cave. Tours begin May 23 and run through September 7, giving visitors a once-again rare opportunity to explore one of the Sierra Nevada’s most captivating underground treasures.
A Glimpse into the Depths
Crystal Cave isn’t your typical Sierra adventure. While many come to Sequoia for the towering trees and sky-piercing granite peaks, it’s what lies beneath the surface that often leaves the most lasting impression. On a 50-minute guided tour, guests will wander through winding marble passages, beneath dripping stalactites, and beside the glittering formations that give the cave its name.
“This hidden underground marvel is one of Sequoia’s most awe-inspiring treasures,” said Savannah Boiano, executive director of Sequoia Parks Conservancy. “Its reopening provides an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to experience its breathtaking beauty firsthand.”
But don’t expect an easy stroll—getting to Crystal Cave requires a ½-mile hike on a steep and strenuous trail, so come prepared with good shoes, water, and a sense of adventure.
Restoring a Natural Marvel
The cave’s closure in 2021 was the result of the devastating KNP Complex Fire, followed by heavy winter damage in 2022 and 2023. Restoration teams worked tirelessly to reopen the cave, clearing hazard trees, repairing roads, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring the cave’s solar-powered lighting system.
Their efforts have brought back more than just access—they’ve reopened a gateway to awe, wonder, and deep connection with the geological story of the Sierra.
Tour Info & Planning Tips
- Ticket Sales Open: March 31, 2025, 10 AM PDT
- Tour Season: May 23 – September 7, 2025
- Location: Sequoia National Park (near the Generals Highway)
- Tickets: Adults $20 | Children $10
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance
- Parking and restrooms are available at the Crystal Cave parking area
Want a sneak peek before you go? The National Park Service offers a virtual tour of Crystal Cave that showcases the eerie beauty and glittering formations you’ll find underground.
A Must-Do for Summer 2025
Whether you’re planning a family getaway to Sequoia or road-tripping through the Sierra, Crystal Cave deserves a spot on your summer itinerary. It’s not just a cave—it’s a cool, mystical experience that reminds us how much there is left to discover in this ever-wonderous range we call home.
For more info and to grab your tickets before they sell out, visit:
👉 sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystal-cave
