Crystal Cave's triumphant reopening at Sequoia National Park offers visitors renewed access to this iconic underground marvel after extensive wildfire and storm restoration. Experience this resilient natural wonder through guided tours available until September 7th.
After four long years of closure following devastating natural disasters, I'm thrilled to report that Crystal Cave at Sequoia National Park is finally welcoming visitors again. This iconic underground marvel, closed since 2021 due to the catastrophic KNP Complex wildfire and subsequent severe winter storms in 2022-2023, officially reopened for guided tours on May 23rd. As someone who's covered this park's recovery journey, witnessing this restoration feels like a triumph of resilience. The cave, operational since 1940 and offering tours since 1982, traditionally drew over 51,000 annual visitors, and its return marks a major milestone in the park's ongoing recovery efforts. 
🛣️ Extensive Restoration Efforts Paved the Way
Reopening wasn't simple. Years of dedicated work were needed:
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Wildfire & Storm Damage: The access road and critical infrastructure were severely compromised by the 2021 KNP Complex fire. Relentless winter storms in the following years caused further delays, making the area unsafe.
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Massive Tree Removal: Crews undertook the enormous task of clearing hazards, removing a staggering 2,750 fallen trees from Crystal Cave Road alone.
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Ongoing Vigilance: Despite reopening, visitors should anticipate potential traffic delays as road work continues to manage newly fallen trees.
🗣️ Official Celebration and Visitor Guidance
Park Superintendent Clay Jordan captured the sentiment perfectly: \u201cThe opening of Crystal Cave is a big step forward in disaster recovery for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. We\u2019re excited to be able to reopen this incredible attraction and encourage people to enjoy all the beauty and wonder these parks have to offer.\u201d
The National Park Service (NPS) is emphasizing crucial planning for visitors:
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Allow Extra Travel Time: \u201cVisitors are encouraged to allow extra time to reach Crystal Cave. Without traffic delays, it takes about an hour to reach the cave parking lot from the park entrance station.\u201d
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Arrive Early & Pre-Purchase: \u201cTo avoid delays at the entrance gate, arrive earlier in the day and purchase your park entrance pass in advance at Recreation.gov.\u201d
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Tour Season: Guided tours will run through September 7th, offering ample opportunity to experience this natural wonder.
💳 Major Policy Shift: Sequoia & Kings Canyon Go Cashless
Just days before the cave's reopening, a significant park-wide change took effect:
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Cashless System: Effective May 21st, 2025, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks transitioned to a fully cashless fee system. Entrance fees now require payment via mobile device, credit card, or debit card.
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Cash Payment Options: Visitors needing to pay with cash must purchase a park pass from one of five designated third-party vendors located near the park entrances. The NPS clearly stated this on their Instagram: \u201cVisitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of five local third-party vendors, including the visitor center nearest each park entrance.\u201d
📍 Third-Party Vendor Locations for Cash Payments:
| Vendor Name | Location Address | City/Area |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia Parks Conservancy | Foothills Visitor Center; 47050 Generals Hwy #10 | Three Rivers, CA |
| Kaweah Arts | 42249 Sierra Dr. | Three Rivers, CA |
| Three Rivers Historical Museum | 42268 Sierra Dr. | Three Rivers, CA |
| Sequoia Parks Conservancy | Kings Canyon Visitor Center; 83918 CA-180 | Grant Grove, CA |
| Project Survival Cat Haven | 38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd. | Dunlap, CA |
✅ Key Takeaways for Your Visit
Planning a trip to experience the newly reopened Crystal Cave? Keep these essentials in mind:
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Book Early: Secure your cave tour tickets and park entrance pass in advance via Recreation.gov.
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Beat the Crowds & Delays: Plan to arrive significantly earlier than your tour time. Factor in potential traffic and entrance delays.
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Leave Cash Behind (Mostly): Ensure you have a credit/debit card or mobile payment ready for park entry fees. Only use cash if you've pre-purchased a pass from a designated vendor.
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Check Conditions: Stay updated on road conditions and potential delays by checking the official Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks website or social media before departure.
The return of Crystal Cave tours is a beacon of recovery for Sequoia National Park. While challenges remain and patience is required, the opportunity to once again explore this subterranean treasure makes the extra planning worthwhile. Remember: Arrive early, go cashless, and prepare to be awestruck!