Oct 28, 2013

Mysterious Caves- Crystal Caves



Caverns are one of the amazing creations of nature. It seems treasure is burried deep under the crust of Mother Earth. These caverns too take us to the visual treasure deep within. These underground cavities open up like a wonderland. Each chamber has a different natural art to talk about. The mysterious crisscrossing passages are fascinating. I totally love exploring caves.

California Giant Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Crystal Caves

One of such beautiful caves is Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park, California. These caverns are formed when the water drips and leaves tiny deposits of calcite (calcium carbonate). These deposits over years form very artistic formations ... the stalactites which hang from the ceiling ... and the stalagmites which grow from ground up. When these meet in the middle they become columns. Stalactites are in the form of popcorns, draperies, icicles etc.

California Giant Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Crystal Caves
Crystal caves are located inside the Sequoia National park. The entry is only through a guided tour for a nominal fee. Tickets are sold at visitor centers. The road to the caves is very winding and steep. From parking lot one has to hike steep down about 3/4 of a mile. On the way to the caves near the entrance there is a beautiful waterfalls!

Crystal caves have huge chambers with beautiful limestone formations. At places the tiny crystal particles shine making these formations look exquisite. At places huge mushroom like formations mesmerize the visitors. The draperies are so very delicate and it is hard to believe they are artwork of nature withe water and rock!

The inhabitants are not only bats but, different insects which are blind. I didn't spot any but saw few interesting pictures. It was a fun experience listening to the guide about cave's history and maintenance, the inhabitants of the caves and so on ... it is quite cold inside the cave and hence NPS suggests you wear a light jacket. I could do without one, I totally forgot to take!

California Giant Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Crystal Caves Draperies

Then a steep uphill climb back to the parking :) Since, Sequoia National Park has large number of bears around all the food items should be left in the bear lockers just to ensure your car is not damaged. Don't forget to take it back! You know? I forgot my food in the locker after that lovely experience inside the cave!
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Sequoia National Park, California
Kings Canyon National Park, California
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Sunset at Morro Rock
More cave explorations

If you want pictures please ask me :)
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Scrapbook- A Travel Blog by Kusum Sanu is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

23 comments:

  1. I love limestone caves and we have quite a few here in Australia as well. They certainly are amazing natural sculptures. I never pass up the possibility of enjoying the wonders of a cave.

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  2. I have always enjoyed visiting caves - the stalactites and stalagmites! It looks kind of adventures isn't it? I've seen some in Switzerland and UK.

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  3. HI Interesting post and photos. We have wonderful caves here in Northern Ireland. I might show themon apost sometime.

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  4. We've been on several cave tours but not this one. It sounds lovely. I'm so glad the parks were reopened on time for you. Bummer forgetting your groceries ))

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    1. Yeah, parks reopened finally! I had a nice time!

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  5. i love sequioa np. i've been on another cave in sequioa np, not this one.

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    1. Yeah that cave is Boyden cave which is a bit outside of Kings Canyon NP. I had been to that one too! It is nice.

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  6. Caves are such interesting places. My only problem is that I am afraid of the heights climbing around on some of the tours. Thanks for giving me a fear free tour. - Margy

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  7. One of the places in Cal. I still haven't visited (even though I live din the L.A. are for almost 30 years) - caves are always so interesting!

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  8. Interesting... and bears all around! that sounds more interesting :)

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    1. Yes bears! Go silently hiking and you will see one or two!

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  9. Lovely pics. These caves should normally be housing a number of nocturnal animals and birds.

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    1. Thanks! Yeah, there are many cave dwellers beyond our restricted area of access! It seems they are all blind!

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  10. Amazing place and great pictures like always, Kusum!

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