Moaning Cavern Adventure Park Walking Tour
You know, every once in a while it’s nice to get in touch with the earth in a way more than just digging in the dirt, and be reminded there are things in the world greater than you. Sometimes you need to descend over 150 feet under ground to truly get the feeling that you’re merely a speck in the universe, and what you see around you on the surface of the globe day to day, is just that – the surface. It’s quite the humbling experience; one that everyone should know at least once in their lives.
There are several ways to enjoy the Moaning Caverns.
If you want to get to know the cavern from a historical point of view, there’s the 45-minute walking tour down the 234 step staircase – one made without nuts and bolts, mind you – during which a guide will tell you all the fun facts and geology of the Moaning Cavern, like the fact that the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside the cavern.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Try rappelling 165 feet down into the cavern. Experts will strap you in and give you the low-down on how to use the ropes, but then you’re on your own. Participants of the walking tour are often at the bottom of the cavern watching others rappel – certainly an experience all its own.
If taking the stairs or rappelling into the open cavern seems mediocre and you want to really step it up a notch, try the 3-hour Adventure Trip. Rappel down in your jumpsuit and hard hat with lamp then get on your hands and knees and experience the cavern through its tight tunnels and small passageways.
For details on pricing and other activities available at the Moaning Cavern Adventure Park – like the zip lines and climbing wall – visit: www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt
A 3-hour or less drive from the Bay Area and about an hour from Sacramento, the Moaning Cavern Adventure Park is located at 5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito, CA 95251. Phone: (209) 736-2708
From Stockton: Take Highway 4 east through Angels Camp to Vallecito. Turn right on Parrotts Ferry Road at the Moaning Cavern sign. Go one mile, then turn right on Moaning Cave Road. Take the road to the end and park in the parking lot. The visitor’s center is on the right.
All photos courtesy of Robert San Agustin; see more of his work at Flickr HERE
