Moaning Cavern, Show cave in Calaveras County, California, US
The limestone cave system extends 165 feet down through a central chamber, containing numerous mineral formations and underground passages throughout its structure.
Gold miners discovered human remains dating back over 12,000 years within the cave's chambers during their mineral explorations in the 1850s.
Native American tribes of California used the cave for ceremonial purposes, with archaeological evidence indicating continuous human presence for several millennia.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it necessary for visitors to bring light jackets regardless of surface weather.
A 165-foot spiral staircase, constructed from sections of a dismantled battleship in the early 1900s, allows visitors to descend into the main chamber.
Location: Calaveras County
Address: 5350 Moaning Cave Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251, USA
Opening Hours: Monday 10:00-16:00; Thursday-Sunday 10:00-16:00
Phone: +12097362708
Website: https://moaningcaverns.com
GPS coordinates: 38.06904,-120.46604
Latest update: March 19, 2025 10:03
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