Spooky Spelunking

Not all of nature's stunning views come from bagging a peak. Sometimes it's what lies beneath that's more intriguing. Venture below Sequoia National Park's soil and discover an extensive underground system of nearly 300 caves, including Sequoia's hidden gem—Crystal Cave. This ornate maze of polished karst marble offers guided tours of varying difficulty and duration through over three miles of narrow and winding passageways. The standard 45-minute tour begins with a steep 0.5-mile downhill hike. Pass views of yucca-covered ridges and waterfalls en route to the cave's entrance, where you'll meet your guide right before a giant metal gate in the shape of a spider web. Once through, shuffle in single-file past dimly lit subterranean streams, actively forming fairy pools, and icicle-like stalactites draped like curtains across the walls. Bring a jacket; cave temperature is a constant 48 degrees! The Marble Room, the largest room in the cave, extending more than 100 feet wide and 30 feet high, is your last stop. Sit silently as your guide turns out the lights for an incredible experience in total darkness.

HALLOWEEN BONUS: For even spookier spelunking, get set for Halloween at Crystal Cave (October 30 and 31, various times), a special 1.5-hour tour starring the "ghosts" of Crystal Cave's past. Tickets ($25, ages 8 and up) are limited!

Crystal Cave is located off the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, northwest of the Giant Forest. Tours are offered daily through November 29 and tickets must be purchased ahead of time at the Giant Forest Museum or Foothills Visitor Center (you cannot purchase at the cave entrance). Allow one hour to drive from the visitor center or 30 minutes from the museum to the cave parking lot—the road is narrow, winding, and steep. No dogs.