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Calaveras Caves & Caverns
Other hidden treasures besides gold, are found underground in Calaveras County.
Under the gently rolling hills, 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 these caves 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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Listed by distance from GreenStone Ranch & Inn:
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California Caverns at Cave City • 2.90 miles • Map
Cave City Road, Vallecito 95251, 209-736-2708
California Cavern located at Cave City in Calaveras County has been open to the public since 1850 and was California's first show cave. Early visitors included Bret Harte, Mark Twain and John Muir who wrote about his visit in his 1894 book "The Mountains of California." For 150 years, visitors have enjoyed the unique delicate beauty of the cavern's crystalline formations. So extensive is this cavern that it takes over an hour to cover the lighted trails.
Some speleothems, such as the beaded helictites found in the Middle Earth area are very rare. Others are so numerous as to be spectacular, such as the "Jungle Room's" array of stalactites. Besides the fun family walking tour, we also offer the wonderful opportunity to participate in underground adventures - our professionally guided wild cavern spelunking trips. You can read more about tours and trips on the website.
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Moaning Cavern • 2.90 miles • Map
Parrots Ferry Road, Vallecito 95251, 209-736-2708
Moaning Cavern 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 180-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.
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Mercer Caverns • 8.60 miles • Map
Sheep Ranch Rd, Murphys 95247, 209-728-2101
Mercer Caverns, world famous for the rare Aragonite flos ferri, was discovered, and has been operating since September, 1885. It is the longest continually operating commercial caverns in the state of California.
Located on Sheep Ranch Road off Main Street in Murphys, Mercer Caverns gives visitors an opportunity to view close up a huge variety of beautiful and unusual crystalline formations; stalactites and 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.
The tours are approximately 45 minutes long and are guided. You descend the equivalent of about a 16 story building by way of stairs and walkways and you ascend the same as you leave the caverns. During the tour you will see various formations that have developed in the caverns over time.
Children under the age of five years are allowed in the caverns with adult supervision. Some parents even bring their very small children, however, special care must be taken because some of the stairways are quite steep and narrow.
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Specials & Packages
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Bass Fishing Trip for 2
Book a guided bass fishing trip for two. This would be a great package for father and son, and includes use of equipment, instruction and lunch for a cost of $250 per day (a 6-hour day). A professional bass fisherman will lead the trip and the instruction, and all take place on a beautiful Skeeter bass boat. Trips can be taken on New Melones Reservoir or Lake Tulloch. Call for details, and for advance booking.
More details
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Facilities & Services
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Traveling With Horses?
Both you AND your horse are welcome at GreenStone Ranch & Inn. Rental charges for the home includes stabling for up to six horses. You will have access to 800 acres at GreenStone Ranch & Inn and 1700 acres at another ranch just 5 minutes away on Murphys Grade Road.
More details
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