Open Spring through Fall only. Get an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a cavern; an underground system of marble tunnels formed from the rushing water of an underground creek. To protect its sensitive ecosystem, Crystal Cave is only available through guided tours. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic feature…
16 parks and sites (NPS)
Crystal Cave · Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Open Spring through Fall only. Get an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a cavern; an underground system of marble tunnels formed from the rushing water of an underground creek. To protect its sensitive ecosystem, Crystal Cave is only available through guided tours. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic features and animal creatures found within the cave. Guided tours of Crystal Cave are offered from spring through fall. Tickets…
Crystal Cave
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Open Spring through Fall only. Get an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a cavern; an underground system of marble tunnels formed from the rushing water of an underground creek. To protect its sensitive ecosystem, Crystal Cave is only available through g…
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn. Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour ventures through large, open passageways with points of interest along the route. Participants can explore at their own pace through large open passageways featuring informational waysides and artifacts from the cave's early history. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions. This tour is ideal for those who want to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Duration: Approximately 1 hour Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) Total Stairs: 135 Difficulty: Easy Ages: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited
This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration: 2 hours Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs: 640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty: Moderate Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 110
Discover the fascinating story of Mammoth Cave on this extended version of our classic Historic Tour. Explore the immense chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name before descending into much tighter passageways deep inside the cave. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience, as this tour involves hundreds of stairs and steep inclines without alternative routes. This tour also includes a visit to the site of an 1840s-era underground tuberculosis hospital experiment. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this tour is a great option for those wanting to delve deeper into the cave’s rich history! Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. Duration: 2.25 hours Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs: 540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty: Moderate Ages: All ages. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Restrooms: Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 60
The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones and Grand Avenue tours. Duration: 1.25 hours Distance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km) Total Stairs: 64, plus an optional 98 Difficulty: Easy Ages: All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 34
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic, and Violet City Lantern Tours. Duration: 2 hours Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) Total Stairs: 170 Difficulty: Moderate Ages: Ages 6 and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 40
At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills. Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance. Duration: 4 hours Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) Total Stairs: 1521 plus an optional 96 Difficulty: Strenuous Ages: 6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms: Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 78
A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note: This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration: 2.25 hours Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs: 82 Difficulty: Moderate Ages: Age 6 years and older. Individuals under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. Restrooms: No Tickets available for each tour time: 38
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Step into Gap Cave and follow a trail filled with history, science, and natural beauty. From Dr. Thomas Walker’s early explorations to stories from the Civil War, this tour brings the past to life while guiding you through stunning cave formations and the wildlife that call this place home.
Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
It was a journey of conquest filled with exploration, wonder - and cruelty. Inspired by tales of vast cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and over a thousand Aztec allies embarked on an epic journey through arid deserts and rugged mountains. They encountered rich traditions and brought new technologies. The resulting collision and combination of cultures reverberates today.
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.
The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as young lava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, and sandstone bluffs. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come visit the land of frozen fire!
From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the sagebrush-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park hosts a sample of the incredible diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There's a lot more than just desert here.
Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lures explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.
Deep within the Siskiyou Mountains are dark, twisting passages that await your discovery. Eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock created and decorated the wondrous “Marble Halls of Oregon.” Join a tour, get a taste of what caving is all about, and explore a mountain from the inside and out!
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest floating rivers found anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear: they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat, or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails, and historic sites such as Alley Mill.
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