All About California Cavern State Historic Landmark
Murphys, California is a beautiful vacation destination in any season. Travelers with a passion for scenic views will find their fill here upon arrival while those who enjoy dining their way through a flavorful stay can do exactly that. Murphys also puts travelers within reach of stunning outdoor adventures and if you’re up for some adrenaline-pumping fun, a visit to the California Cavern State Historic Landmark is a must the next time you’re in town.
Before planning your trip to Northern California, download a copy of our free Vacation Guide to the Sierra Nevadas! It’s full of the best activities and hot spots in Calaveras County for the adventurer at heart.
Exploration at its Best
You won’t have to travel far to find the fun waiting for you at the California Cavern State Historic Landmark. Situated at 9565 Cave City Road in Mountain Ranch, this destination is just 27.7 miles from Courtwood Inn when you take Mountain Ranch Road and CA-49 North. The trip to the place once known as Mammoth Cave takes about 41 minutes with light traffic and when you arrive, you’ll find yourself ready to explore California’s first show cave and longest corresponding cavern system. Your time here will put crystalline cave formations at your fingertips spanning flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, and helictites too.
Take a Cave Tour During Your Visit
The best way to get a good understanding of the area’s history and discover all there is to see underground is to book your place on a cave tour while you’re here. A traditional cavern walking tour takes about anywhere from 45 to 80 minutes and are led by knowledgeable guides who can help you navigate the many chambers and passageways that make up the subterranean trail system. Your guide will tell you stories of the cave system’s many discoveries and wonders over time as well as the possible early uses of this unique space. During the tour, lights are typically extinguished at least once to give participants the experience of being plunged into total underground darkness. If you’re looking to enjoy a tour that takes you a bit more off-trail, consider booking your place on a 2-hour cave expedition instead. These tours require helmets with lights to illuminate the smaller passageways and spaces you’ll be asked to navigate with your guide. The more challenging Middle Earth Expedition is designed for participants 16 and up and lasts 4 hours. If you have any aversion to working your way through small spaces, sticking with the traditional tour is highly recommended.
More Activities to Enjoy On-Site
Beyond the exciting cave tours available at California Cavern, visitors can put their skills to work trying gold panning on-site. There’s a flume system next to the Visitor Center where you can try your luck at finding everything from gold to gemstones at your own pace. Afterward, be sure to swing by the gift shop and browse the many geodes and educational games that can be purchased to commemorate your visit.
Book Your Stay in Style
Enjoy elevated standards of luxury, comfort, and style in Murphys when you book your stay at Courtwood Inn. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting accommodations available and how we can help you plan an unforgettable journey to California that will have you coming back year after year!
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