September 21, 2008
A Cavern Big Enough to Fit the Statue of Liberty!
One of the many things to enjoy about Northern California's history is the number of caves and caverns that can be explored! Moaning Cavern is located in Vallecito and is approximately 1 1/2 hours driving distance from Sacramento.
Moaning Cavern boasts an explored depth of 410 feet and is the largest cavern on the West Coast open for public exploration. Three tour options exist - 45 minute walking tour (note: 468 steps round trip), a rappel down and walk up tour, and the 3 hour adventure tour which has you squeezing through spots only 18" high in some areas, exploring more areas of the cave.
Moaning Cavern is a limestone cave in the heart of Gold Country. It was discovered in modern times by gold miners in 1851, but has long been known as a geological feature by prehistoric people. It's name comes from the moaning sound made by the water dripping into small holes at the bottom of the "chocolate waterfall" flowstone formation, causing a drumming sound, which echoed off the walls and be carried to the natural entrance of the cavern by the wind.
In addition, it is considered an important archeological site as some of the oldest human remains known in America have been found! People were attracted to the cavern by the moaning noise and often fell in, creating the nicely preserved bone pile at the bottom of the cavern.
The regular walking tour is $14.25 per person, rappelling is $65, and the adventure tour is $130 w/rappel and $76 without. They now have zipline and climbing tower adventures as well - see the website for details.
Moaning Cavern boasts an explored depth of 410 feet and is the largest cavern on the West Coast open for public exploration. Three tour options exist - 45 minute walking tour (note: 468 steps round trip), a rappel down and walk up tour, and the 3 hour adventure tour which has you squeezing through spots only 18" high in some areas, exploring more areas of the cave.
Moaning Cavern is a limestone cave in the heart of Gold Country. It was discovered in modern times by gold miners in 1851, but has long been known as a geological feature by prehistoric people. It's name comes from the moaning sound made by the water dripping into small holes at the bottom of the "chocolate waterfall" flowstone formation, causing a drumming sound, which echoed off the walls and be carried to the natural entrance of the cavern by the wind.
In addition, it is considered an important archeological site as some of the oldest human remains known in America have been found! People were attracted to the cavern by the moaning noise and often fell in, creating the nicely preserved bone pile at the bottom of the cavern.
The regular walking tour is $14.25 per person, rappelling is $65, and the adventure tour is $130 w/rappel and $76 without. They now have zipline and climbing tower adventures as well - see the website for details.
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park
Flowstone
Flowstone - Chocolate Waterfall
Cave Bacon
Holes at base of chocolate water…
Spiral staircase
Michelle and I at the platform b…
More cave bacon
Original cavern hole where peopl…
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