Crystal Ball Cave — Attraction in Ely

Wonderful Experience!

Our guide was Kristen, she was EXTREMELY knowledgeable. Answered all of our groups questions without any hesitation, She shared all the history of the cave she could possibly fit in on our tour. It was fun listening to the family stories of their kids exploring parts of the kids where the adults could not. Absolute Blast!

As far as Crystal Ball Cave itself, it's mind boggling. You feel like you are in an underwater cavern, all of the rock formations are outstanding (literally)a nice 65 degrees year round so it's very comfortable. It is friendly enough you can use a cane and get around pretty okay. Kids and adults will have fun! When you walk through that door and it closes behind you, you feel like you just took a 100million leap back in time.

The cabins are quaint and cozy, well maintained, well kept. It was very quite at night, the stars are mind blowing. Beds were clean and comfy, the local dogs are super friendly, the peacocks are just stunning. They will walk through your camp, and almost let you snap pictures of them.

This was a bucket list Experience. Highly recommended for all to...

I LOVED this experience. I originally went to Gandy Warm Springs and we were sort of unmoved by it and wanted something more. We were waiting for the reservations to go through with the Cave. We were told its due to the reception they had at the farm. Evan was our tour guide and the grandson of the older gentleman who we spoke to at the very beginning when we first arrived. What a great experience, its pretty chilly inside the cave but going up and down the mountain was a lot more slippery with all the rocks everywhere than you'd imagine and blazing hot (not much of a hike but it can be pretty steep.) Not for babies, at times it can get very dark and be a bit spooky for them. There are bats in the cave, which I loved but maybe some people don't like bats so go at your own risk. The crystals are so pretty and the guide was very knowledgeable. You don't have to pay for the tour but they do ask for donations to keep them afloat. They also sell meat and we bought a couple of lbs of lean Beef. So bring a cooler full of ice for after the tour. I would also bring a big flashlight and expect your car to get very...

Crystal Ball Cave is definitely worth a look! The cave is pretty amazing and the guide was knowledgable and accommodating. Just a word of caution. Google indicates that the cave is on or very nearby the Bates Ranch. It is not. You have to drive a mile or so to the cave entrance and I'm not so sure a Prius-like vehicle could make it up the side of the mountain. Our 4 wheel drive vehicle made it just fine, but I would take into consideration that the incline is steep as you approach the area where you park. Then, also take into consideration, from where you park to the cave entrance is a strenuous hike of about 10 minutes. Be prepared for this hike! Only you know your needs and the needs of those with you so prepare accordingly. Once you've prepared for those things, the tour of the cave is about 45 minutes and is well worth the time and effort. I've never seen anything like it! It is filled with things to see and history untold! The Bates Family does an amazing job as stewards...