Caves and Caverns in Calaveras

Under the gently rolling California 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 of California caverns in Calaveras County that are open for the public including Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns. California visitors of all ages have the opportunity to experience the thrill of entering the depths of the earth as they descend into these spectacular caverns while they drink in their spectacular natural beauty and geology.

Black Chasm Cavern, National Natural Landmark (Open daily, year round)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
15701 Volcano Pioneer Rd.
Volcano 95689
blackchasmcavern.com

Explore beautiful trails and chambers in this enchanting National Natural Landmark cave on 50-minute guided walk tours. See sparkling flowstones, stalactites and hugh clusters of rare, crystalline helictite formations.


California Cavern-State Historic Landmark (open year round)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
9565 Cave City Rd.
Mountain Ranch 95246
californiacavern.com

California’s first show cave, delighting visitors since 1850, features an enchanting trail with beautiful cystalline formations in historical and recently discovered pristine areas. Also available-wild cavern expeditions by reservation. Fantistic gift shopping for books, science, nature, mineral and gem supplies and educational toys.


California Zip Lines (open daily, year round)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
5350 Moaning Cave Rd.
Vallecito 95251
california-ziplines.com

Race high above the beautiful Gold Country foothills at up to 40 mph on thrilling twin zips 1/4 mile long! Check website for weight limits. No experience necessary.  Also ride tandem and super style.


Gold Cliff Mine (available year round by reservation)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
Angels Camp 95222
goldcliffmine.com

Step back in time and explore this historic gold mine on a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hour Adventure trip combining challenging exploration with Gold Rush history and folklore.


Mercer Caverns

209-728-2101
Sheep Ranch Rd., P O Box 509
Murphys 95247
mercercaverns.com

Beautiful, unusual crystalline formations; stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, curtains, Angels wings, and more. Nature proves herself an artist and welcomes visitors year round to see her in this magnificent subterranean wonderland.


Moaning Cavern-(Open daily year round)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
5350 Moaning Cave Road off Parrotts Ferry Rd.
Vallecito 95251
moaning cavern.com

Decend deep underground on a guided walk tour, rappel by rope 165-feet or reserve a challenging Adventure Trip. Above ground, race 1/4 mile on thrilling twin zip lines or climb our new custom climbing tower.


Sutter Gold Mine (open daily, year round)

209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837
13660 Historic Highway 49
Sutter Creek 95685
suttergold.com

See the Mother Lode from the inside! Tag in, board the boss buggy shuttle and journey deep underground on a 1-hour tour in this modern hard rock gold mine.



Calaveras Visitors Bureau
Post Office Box 637, 1192 South Main St. Angels Camp, CA 95222
Telephone: 209-736-0049 Toll-free: 1-800-225-3764
Email: info@gocalaveras.com

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