Looking for a weekend road trip that trades our coastal vibes for towering trees and deep wonders? Sequoia National Park is a scenic 6-hour drive, and for the first time in 4 years, its crowning underground jewel is welcoming visitors again.
After an extended closure caused by the devastating 2021 wildfire and relentless atmospheric river storms, the iconic Crystal Cave has recently reopened.
Crystal Cave is ready to be explored
Tucked beneath giant sequoias, Crystal Cave is a rare, million-year-old marble wonder. It’s a geological masterpiece hidden in the Sierra Nevada. Those who make the steep half-mile hike down to the cave’s spiderweb gate are instantly transported to another world. Inside, the forest sounds fade into silence, bothered only by water droplets. And have we mentioned the stunning rock formations?!
Guided tours highlight the cave’s extraordinary natural decorations. You’ll find ‘cave bacon’ hanging from the ceilings, pure calcite flowstone that glitters, and fairy pools where the water magically glows.
Tours operate from 9 AM to 3 PM, Friday through Monday through the end of May, and daily beginning June 1.
Plan your nature escape
If you’re making the drive up from San Diego, here’s a little preparation:
- Advance tickets only: You cannot buy tickets at the cave. You must secure your spot ahead of time through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy website.
- Travel time: Budget about an extra hour to drive from the park’s main entrance station to the cave’s parking lot.
After surviving 4 years of natural disasters, Crystal Cave is fully recovered and ready to rock your world. It’s the perfect weekend escape! Book your tour here.
