California Cavern State Historic Landmark
9565 Cave City Rd, Mountain Ranch
cavetouring.com (209) 498-8052 or (888) 488-1960. Please call for expected open dates and reservations.
Discover a true hidden gem of the Sierra Nevada foothills at California Cavern, originally known as Mammoth Cave and celebrated as California’s first show cave and the state’s longest cave system. This must-see attraction offers guided walking tours lasting 45–80 minutes, taking visitors through glittering chambers filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, cave popcorn, and rare helictite formations. Along the way, expert guides bring the cave’s rich Gold Rush history to life, and many tours feature a thrilling moment of total darkness—an unforgettable, family-friendly adventure that adds a little extra magic to your underground experience.
For travelers craving even more excitement, California Cavern delivers epic wild cave expeditions that turn sightseeing into true adventure. The Mammoth Cave Expedition (ages 8+) and the more challenging Middle Earth Expedition (ages 16+) lead small groups off the main paths into unlit passageways, tight squeezes, and sparkling hidden chambers. Above ground, families love hands-on gold panning, gemstone mining, and geode cracking, plus visiting the gift shop to see an authentic cave bear skeleton. From famous visitors like John Muir to modern-day explorers, California Cavern remains one of the most exciting things to do in Calaveras County for families, couples, and adventure seekers.
Pricing starts at $22 for adults and $14 for children 4-12 years old.
Expedition tour pricing (reservations needed): Mammoth Cave Expedition – $99.00 per person (8 years or older). Middle Earth Cave Expedition – $199.00 per person (16 years or older)
The Mammoth Cave Expedition is around 2-3 hours in length. Middle Earth Cave Expedition is around 4 hours in length and open only during the dry season. Groups are allowed up to 10 people and require advanced reservations. Hardhats with lights and gloves are provided for the tour. You must be 16 or over (16 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian). These expedition tours typically open mid summer.
Mercer Cavern
1665 Sheep Ranch Rd, Murphys
mercercaverns.net (209) 728-2101
Nestled just outside the charming Gold Rush town of Murphys, Mercer Caverns is one of the most fascinating natural attractions in Calaveras County and a must-see stop for anyone exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills. This spectacular limestone cave invites visitors to descend a thrilling 60-foot spiral staircase into a wonderland of dramatic underground beauty, where you’ll discover rare crystalline cave formations—including delicate aragonite flowers, branching helictites, stalactites, and shimmering flowstone. Guided walking tours make it easy for families, couples, and curious travelers to experience the magic of this hidden world while learning the captivating story of how the cave was discovered and preserved.
A visit to Mercer Caverns in Murphys, California pairs perfectly with wine tasting, boutique shopping, and dining in historic downtown Murphys, making it an ideal half-day adventure for road trips and weekend getaways. Cool underground temperatures provide a refreshing escape during warm summer months, while the cave’s unique formations and colorful mineral deposits make every season feel special. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly activities, romantic experiences, or unique things to do in Calaveras County, Mercer Caverns delivers an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface. Mercer Cavern is open daily beginning Memorial Day Weekend and lasting through Labor Day at 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The rest of the year Mercer Caverns is open Thursday through Monday at 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Pricing starts at $23.00 for adults and $17.00 for children ages 3-12 years. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more people.
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito
moaningcaverns.com (209) 736-2708
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park in Vallecito is home to California’s deepest cave chamber and offers unforgettable underground adventures for visitors of all ages. Explore the cave on the popular Spiral Tour, descending sixteen stories beneath the surface to see massive stalagmites, flowstones, and the famous “moaning holes” that give the caverns their name. For thrill-seekers ages 12 and up, the Expedition Tour offers a rugged, helmet-and-headlamp experience through wild, unlit sections of the cave, including tight crawls and climbs through passages with legendary names like “Godzilla’s Nostril” and “The Meat Grinder.” The park is open year round, Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Above ground, families can enjoy hands-on fun with gemstone mining, gold panning, and geode cracking at the custom flume system, where kids and adults alike can sift for real treasures. Choose a mining bag in the gift shop, crack open a geode to reveal sparkling crystals, and browse a wide selection of rocks, minerals, jewelry, books, and souvenirs in the Visitors Center.
Pricing starts at $24 for adults and $18 for children for the Spiral Tour, and $130 for the Expedition Tour (ages 12+). Military discounts available.
