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California Cavern State Historic Landmark

Discover California's first show cave: a historic landmark with stunning formations, guided tours, and thrilling spelunking adventures in the Sierra foothills.

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Explore California's first show cave, a vast limestone cavern system with stunning crystalline formations, discovered in 1849. Choose from walking tours or adventurous spelunking expeditions through unlit passageways. A cool 55°F (13°C) year-round, it's a fascinating glimpse into California's Gold Rush history and natural beauty.

A brief summary to California Cavern State Historic Landmark

  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • The cave maintains a constant temperature of 55°F (13°C) year-round, so dress accordingly. A light jacket or sweater is recommended.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially for the wild cave expeditions, as they tend to book up in advance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. If you're planning on a wild cave tour, be prepared to get muddy !
  • Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables near the visitor center.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    California Cavern State Historic Landmark is located at 9565 Cave City Rd, Mountain Ranch, CA 95246. From Mountain Ranch, head east on Michel Road, then turn onto Cave City Road. The cavern will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about California Cavern State Historic Landmark

California Cavern State Historic Landmark, located in Cave City near Mountain Ranch, California, is a captivating journey into the depths of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Discovered in 1849 by Captain Joseph Taylor, who was target shooting when he noticed a breeze emanating from the rocks, this extensive limestone cave system quickly became California's first show cave. Originally named Mammoth Cave, it boasts the most extensive system of caverns and passageways in the Mother Lode region. Visitors can explore the cavern through guided walking tours, which range from 45 to 80 minutes depending on the season, showcasing a variety of beautiful white, cream, and caramel-colored crystalline formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, flowstones, and helictites. The "Trail of Lights" tour operates during the summer, while the "Trail of Lakes" tour is available in the winter and spring, highlighting the cave's reflective pools. For the more adventurous, California Cavern offers unique spelunking expeditions. The 2-hour Mammoth Cave Expedition (ages 8+) provides an introduction to caving, while the 4-hour Middle Earth Expedition (ages 16+) immerses participants in muddy passageways and chambers adorned with crystalline formations. The cave's history is as rich as its geological features. It served as a shelter during harsh winters, a meeting place for townspeople, and even hosted whiskey bars, weddings, and church services. Early visitors included Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and John Muir, who wrote about his experience in his book "The Mountains of California". Today, over 5,000 historic signatures can be seen on the cave walls, a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll through illuminated chambers or a thrilling underground adventure, California Cavern offers a memorable experience for all.

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