Ebbetts Pass Caves
Deposits of limestone rock run through the foothills west of Ebbetts Pass. Over eons of time, rainwater seeping through the rock gradually dissolved the limestone, creating caves.
The formation of stalactites and stalagmites occurs when rainwater falls directly on the limestone and percolates down through the rock. As it does, it gradually becomes saturated with calcium carbonate as it dissolves the limestone.
When the calcium carbonate reaches an open cave below, it precipitates out to form stalactites and drips from the tip of the stalactives to form stalagmites below.
Among the best known caves in the foothills west of Ebbetts Pass are Mercer Caverns, Moaning Cavern, and California Cavern.
Mercer Caverns
Originally used by Yokut Indians as a mortuary cave, Mercer Caverns were later abandoned and the entrance covered over with debris until its rediscovery by pioneers in 1885. It has been a tourist attraction ever since.
Crystalline formations such as the Angel Wings and delicate formations of aragonite, along with stalactites, stalagmites, and a labyrinth of subterranean rooms have been drawing visitors for over a century. Tours of the cavern pass through the Fairies Grotto, Gothic Chamber, and the Oregon Loft.
Location: One mile north of Murphys on Sheep Ranch Road.
Tours: of the caverns are held daily in summer from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Winter hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mercer Caverns website: Mercer Caverns
Prices: Adults $21, children (3-12) $15
Moaning Caverns
Moaning Cavern is best known for its main chamber, a capacious vertical room large enough to contain the Statue of Liberty. Located off Parrotts Ferry Road, south of Murphys, the cave offers walking tours, rappels, and 3-hour Adventure Trips.
Location: Parrotts Ferry Road, 6 miles south of Murphys.
Hours: Open daily, year-round
Moaning Cavern
Moaning Cavern Tours
Spiral Tour: 45-minute guided tour through marble passages, including a 234-stair descent into the main chamber. Suitable for children and adults.
Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour : A guided 3-hour exploration of the cave in areas without walkways or lights. Adventurers wear lighted helmets, gloves, and hard hats to crawl and climb through the passages. Ages 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Other Features at Moaning Caverns
Custom Climbing Tower: 32-foot high climbing tower
Zip Lines: Solo and tandem zip lines
California Cavern
California Cavern is 11 miles east of San Andreas off Mountain Ranch Road. The caves can be reached from Murphys by going north on Sheep Ranch Road and circling through Mountain Ranch, a slow 17-mile drive.
Visitors to the cave enjoy its beautiful crystalline formations and vast labyrinth of rooms. California Cavern offer several different ways to tour the cave.
Location: 9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch.
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
California Cavern
California Cavern Tours
The Trail of Lights Walk Tour: 60 to 80 minutes, guided tour through nearly level, well-lighted passages. visit the Jungle Room and learn about the history of the cave. Offered during the dry season only.
The Trail of Lakes Tour: 45 to 60 minutes. The Trail of Lakes tour is very similar to the Trail of Lights tour with the exception of pools of water that form throughout the cavern when the water table rises.
Mammoth Cave Expedition: 2-3 hours. Get a sample of real spelunking by crawling through natural passages connecting 13 chambers. Ages 8 years and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Middle Earth Expedition: 2½ - 4 hours. Explore 80% of the cave from the historic Mammoth Cave area into newly discovered Middle Earth. Venture into the Cave of the Quills and raft across Tom's Lake. Ages 16 years and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.