Crystal Cave is Sequoia National Park Surprise
Sequoia National Park is well known for its tall and ancient redwood trees, but visitors maybe surprised to find some of the best caves to explore are also here.
Yes, the giant Sequoia trees are impressive, and you have to see them. Who does not marvel at trees weighing 2.7 million pounds, some of which are more than 2,000 years old and have branches seven feet in diameter?
But before or after you see the trees the trees, stop at the Foothills Visitor Center near the entrance of Sequoia National Park. There you can register for a tour of the Crystal Cave, most recent cost of admission is $10 per adult and less for children..
To get to Crystal Cave, you need to drive for several miles into a canyon where there is a place to park. From there, you travel another mile on foot, along a steep trail from which you can see a rushing river below. And then you arrive at the entrance to Crystal Cave, the largest of the Sequoia National Park caves, or at least that the public is invited to explore more.
From there groups of 70 or less are guided into the cave proper. There is a main cavern with several smaller branching tunnels. Without a guide one could easily get lost. In fact, children who need to go to the bathroom are escorted by a guide back to the entrance.
There is a spookiness as one burrows into the Earth, but this dissipates as one views the natural beauty of Crystal Cave. There are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and "curtains." You will see ornate marble as well as all kinds of crystal formations. You might think you are on a Hollywood movie set. The the cave is naturally dark, there is enough lighting to illuminate its brilliant wonders.
On a hot summer day, the temperature of the caves is around 48-degrees. A bit chilly, but a relief from outside temperatures. At the end of a 45-minute tour, the guide turns off all the lights. One is in total darkness, unable to see anything. was fascinating. For civilized people it can be amazing to be completely without lights even for just a brief moment.
Crystal Cave with all its wonderful beauty is well worth the price of admission.
The Crystal Cave tours are offered from May 8 to 14 November, weather permitting. No buses, trailers or vehicles over 22 feet long are allowed on the road of the crystal cave, and you need to allow 90 minutes from the time you purchase your tickets to the location of the cave.
The park also contains more than 100 other marble solution caves.
Sequoia is the second oldest park in the system of national parks - Yellowstone only prior to it. Most people come to see the Sequoia trees, which appear in multiple forest scattered throughout the park. The trees grow to a height more 300 feet, the second in height only to the redwoods of Northern California, but considerably larger in circumference. Whether its trees, caves and just to be in the best of Nature, you must visit Sequoia National Park! For more information, phone 800-240-1466.
About the Author: Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com, focusing on California vacations, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest getaways.
Crystal Caves In The Sequoia National Park
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