How to See the Moaning Caverns in California

The Moaning Caverns are part of the system of caves located in Calaveras County, California. Their name comes from the sound that the wind makes when blowing by the entrance to the caverns. The discovery of the oldest human remains in North America occurred at this location. Moaning Caverns can be visited year round.

Instructions

1. Head to Vallecito, California in Calaveras County. Moaning Cavern is located off Highway 4, East of Angels Camp by 4 miles on Parrots Ferry Road.

2. Get in shape before visiting. Tours require walking, with a 100-foot set of stairs before getting down into the cavern, so physical stamina makes the walk more enjoyable.

3. Use a guide and avoid wandering into any cave without one. People get lost in caves every year after becoming separated from their tour group. There are several available tour options.

4. Bring the kids. The walking tour of Moaning Cavern is suitable for the whole family and takes about 45 minutes. This well-lit tour shows visitors the area where discoverers found the ancient human remains.

5. Rappel down the side of the cavern. The rappel tour offers all equipment necessary for the descent. Children must be at least 12 years old.

6. Try the deluxe tour, which lasts 3 hours. This tour is available with or without rappelling down the cavern first. Put on the lighted helmet and explore dark, undeveloped areas of Moaning Cavern. The age restriction for this tour is 12 and reservations are required to take this tour.