Crystal Cave Restoration and Redevelopment Project
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks » Crystal Cave Restoration and Redevelopment Project » Document List
Crystal Cave is one of the park's most popular visitor attractions with more than 60,000 visitors each summer. Crystal Cave tours are operated by the parks non-profit educational partner, the Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA).
The greater cave area includes a 2,000-foot-long concrete trail and lighting system through the cave. Facilities located about a half mile away at the cave parking area include a kiosk operated by SNHA, a restroom, bulletin boards, and picnic area.
Unfortunately, the facilities at Crystal Cave are old and have deteriorated. The current restroom facility and septic system are outdated and are not universally accessible. Trash cans at the parking lot are decades old and unsightly. The ½-mile asphalt trail to the cave has deteriorated and has a failing exterior wall, broken and unsightly fencing, and damaged handrails. The existing sales kiosk is small and does not meet the needs of SNHA for providing opportunities for education and retail sales. The cave entrance area has important but previously unrecognized environmentally significant resources and could provide a large amount of habitat.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is preparing an environmental assessment (EA) that will look at alternatives to improve the visitor services in the area, and to restore the cave entrance. Public scoping occurred in August and September 2009. Currently, an EA is being developed and will be posted here upon completion.
Contact Information
Superintendent
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Attention: Crystal Cave Project
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
The greater cave area includes a 2,000-foot-long concrete trail and lighting system through the cave. Facilities located about a half mile away at the cave parking area include a kiosk operated by SNHA, a restroom, bulletin boards, and picnic area.
Unfortunately, the facilities at Crystal Cave are old and have deteriorated. The current restroom facility and septic system are outdated and are not universally accessible. Trash cans at the parking lot are decades old and unsightly. The ½-mile asphalt trail to the cave has deteriorated and has a failing exterior wall, broken and unsightly fencing, and damaged handrails. The existing sales kiosk is small and does not meet the needs of SNHA for providing opportunities for education and retail sales. The cave entrance area has important but previously unrecognized environmentally significant resources and could provide a large amount of habitat.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is preparing an environmental assessment (EA) that will look at alternatives to improve the visitor services in the area, and to restore the cave entrance. Public scoping occurred in August and September 2009. Currently, an EA is being developed and will be posted here upon completion.
Contact Information
Superintendent
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Attention: Crystal Cave Project
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
