Magical underground world
Just-discovered cave in Sequoia National Park said to house astounding rock formations, clues to region's geologic history
Chuck Squatriglia, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, September 24, 2006

Four amateur cave explorers in Sequoia National Park have discovered a vast cave formed 1 million years ago, a labyrinth that stretches more than 1,000 feet into a mountain and features some of the most beautiful rock formations ever seen.

Millions of crystals along its walls shimmer like diamonds. Translucent mineral "curtains" hang from the ceiling. Flowstones that resemble spilled paint dot the floor. A lake that might be 20 feet deep fills one of the cave's five known rooms, and passages leading into darkness suggest there is still much more to see. the rest