Outdoor adventures 🌲🏕️
Took a few days off to go and touch grass, and see trees, and caves. Sequoia National Park was everything we could have never imagined. Between the breathtaking views throughout the Park, the larger than life trees, and the Crystal Cave Tour we couldn’t pick just one thing we enjoyed about it so I’ll just say our favorite part was EVERYTHING. If you have children that love nature, and science, I highly recommend going. Things to know though: 1- it’s about an hour and a half drive from the front gate to General Sherman Tree and the forest in which it is. 2- there is legit ZERO cell phone service in the park, you HAVE to rely on the map provided to you when coming in. 3- pets are allowed in the park but NOT allowed on the trails. 4- CRYSTAL CAVE is an hour on a long SKETCHY road from the main gate. 5- CRYSTAL CAVE is by reservation/ tickets ONLY 6- CRYSTAL CAVE, the hike down is easy and breathtaking, the hike back up though…take your time and sight see, because it’s a killer. 7- CRYSTAL CAVE with the hike, there are ZERO guard rails so if you have small children or elderly people in your group keep a close eye on them and have them walk on the inside of the path (we witnessed a man fall off the path on our way down) 8- CRYSTAL CAVE there is poison oak on the trail so watch out. 9- CRYSTAL CAVE if you get cold easy take a light sweater it’s about 10-15 degrees cooler in the cave than outside. 10- CRYSTAL CAVE there is absolutely no food or drink permitted in the cave everything must be left in your vehicle unless you bring plain water, but that will also have to stay outside of the cave.
Hope this helps and I hope you all keep exploring this beautiful country!
Sequoia National Park, established in 1890, is renowned for its massive sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The park's Giant Forest is home to several notable giant sequoias, such as the "The Tough Twins," a pair of giant side-by-side trees that have grown together for centuries. Visitors can experience not only awe-inspiring views of these ancient trees but also explore natural wonders like Crystal Cave. Crystal Cave, discovered in 1918 and opened to the public after development in the 1960s, offers a unique underground journey showcasing stunning natural formations. The tour includes a hike down via a trail paved by California Conservation Corps members, famed for its stunning chambers like the Organ Room and the Heart Room. Despite the mostly easy hike down, visitors should prepare for a challenging ascent back uphill, noting the absence of guardrails and the presence of poison oak along the path. Safety precautions are important, especially for groups with children or elderly members. Visitors planning their trip should note that cell phone reception is nonexistent within the park, so reliance on official park maps is necessary. Pets are welcome inside the park but are restricted from trail areas to protect delicate ecosystems. Reservations are mandatory for Crystal Cave tours due to limited availability. Temperatures inside the cave stay about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than outside, so bringing layered clothing is advisable. Aside from hiking and cave tours, Sequoia National Park offers various activities such as wildlife viewing, ranger-led educational programs, and picnicking within designated areas. It is vital to respect park rules, including prohibitions on food and drink inside the cave, to preserve the fragile environment. Overall, Sequoia National Park is a perfect destination for families who appreciate nature and science. It provides an unforgettable experience filled with historical significance, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. This adventure encourages everyone to explore and connect with the great outdoors safely and responsibly.
