California Caverns, Natural cave system in Mountain Ranch, California, US
California Caverns is a cave system in Mountain Ranch containing multiple chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone deposits. The passages wind through different levels connected by approximately 60 steps distributed across five staircases.
The cave system was discovered by miners during the Gold Rush, originally called Mammoth Cave, and became California's first show cave open to the public. This early opening as a tourist attraction established it among the state's pioneering natural destinations for visitors.
John Muir documented his exploration of California Caverns in his 1894 publication 'Mountains of California', contributing to the site's recognition as a natural landmark.
The two main tours guide visitors through illuminated passages with secure walking paths across the different levels. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the passages are uneven and narrow in some spots.
The Jungle Room is known for crystalline mineral formations resembling vines hanging from the ceiling, extending several meters across the rock. This rare structure forms through unusual mineral deposits found in only a few cave locations worldwide.
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