Caves & Caverns
Under the gently
rolling hills of Calaveras County, protected from the
summer sun and winter's blast, are hundreds of limestone
caverns. Most of these gifts of nature are only
accessible to the privileged few who know where they can
be found, and who have the adventurous spirit to climb
into the dark unknown with only their wits, their
agility, and a trustworthy flashlight at their side.
Fortunately, there are several breathtaking examples in
Calaveras County that are open for the public. People of
all ages have the opportunity to experience the thrill
of entering the depths of the earth and drinking in her
spectacular, hidden natural beauty.
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California Cavern at Cave City-State
Historic Landmark #956 - Ext. 211
209-736-2708
Cave City Road off Mountain Ranch
9 mi. east of San Andreas 95251
Now
available year round. Call for Winter Tour
details or visit our website. Located at Cave
City approximately eight miles off Highway 49
outside San Andreas, this extensive and
impressive series of large rooms, miles of
winding passages, deep black lakes, and unique
formations, has been open to the public since
1850. So extensive is this cavern that it takes
over an hour to cover the lighted trails. Wild
cavern trips where you are provided with
coveralls, lighted helmets, and professional
guides (you provide the courage), take you deep
into the earth, across underground lakes and
into areas not on the regular tour.
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Mercer Caverns - Ext. 212
209-728-2101
Sheep Ranch Rd., PO Box 509
Murphys 95247
Visitors get an opportunity to view close up a
huge variety of beautiful, unusual crystalline
formations; stalactites, stalagmites, soda
straws, curtains, Angels wings, and more. Nature
proves herself an accomplished artist and
welcomes thousands of visitors year round to see
her dressed up for company in this magnificent
subterranean wonderland.
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Moaning Cavern - Ext. 211
736-2708
Moaning Cave Road off Parrotts Ferry Rd.
Vallecito 95251
Located off Highway 4 just four miles east of
Angels Camp, this limestone miracle has an
immense gallery which is large enough to hold
the Statue of Liberty. The cavern, open year
round, is the archaeological site containing the
oldest human remains to be found in North
America. A 100 foot spiral metal staircase is
the main avenue of descent for visitors, but the
165 foot rope rappel is another popular approach
to the depths. An even more adventuresome tour
takes you deeper into the undeveloped and
unlighted portions of the cavern using lighted
helmets, ropes, and professional guides. Open
every day, year round. |
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