Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

The Crystal Cave: Upcoming Reopening and What to Expect

The Crystal Cave in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California has been closed since 2023 for maintenance. The cave will reopen to public tours on May 23. Cave exploration is on the rise, with some caves seeing a 193 percent jump in visitor traffic.

After an extended closure for essential maintenance, a much-anticipated destination is set to reopen. The noteworthy Crystal Cave, located within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, is gearing up to welcome visitors once more for guided tours starting May 23, just in time for the summer tourism season of 2025.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, reaching the cave involves a challenging half-mile hike, described as “steep and strenuous,” with several lengthy staircases both inside and outside the cave.

The tours will run from May 23 to September 7, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Sequoia Parks Conservancy website, which oversees tour management and other related experiences. Tours will occur every 30 minutes, priced at $20 for general admission and $10 for children aged 10 and under, not including additional fees.

Travel + Leisure has noted that there is limited availability for tickets initially in May following the reopening. However, ample openings are expected throughout the busy summer months of June, July, and August.

In addition to the cave tour, visitors can enhance their experience with options like a private guided tour focused on the majestic Sequoia trees or a “Wonders of the Night Sky” guided walk.

While an expedition to Crystal Cave offers both adventure and a chance to connect with nature, the organizers urge potential visitors to assess their physical capabilities beforehand. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy emphasizes, “Visiting Crystal Cave requires physical exertion and may not be suitable for everyone.” More specifically, individuals with claustrophobia, mobility challenges, heart or respiratory issues, recent surgeries, or other limitations are advised to consider alternative activities instead.

Moreover, the journey to the cave is not without its challenges. The conservancy warns of natural hazards such as poison oak, loose rocks, and even encounters with rattlesnakes and bees.

Cave exploration is increasingly gaining popularity among visitors to national parks and outdoor adventurers alike. For instance, the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, home to ancient caves exceeding one million years in age, was recently designated as a Dark Sky Park and experienced an impressive 193 percent spike in visitors last year, showcasing the growing interest in such natural wonders.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com