cave tours
Cave tours
Moaning Caverns was discovered in the 1840s by gold miners but there is evidence of arrowheads and other pointed tools that appear to have been quarried in the area, date back thousands of years and tell us that the first humans on the continent may have lived near Moaning Caverns.
Artifacts and bones found in the cave date back hundreds of years and give us some insight into these ancient people. A necklace, displayed at our visitor center, was found in a clay layer and is estimated to be over 8,000 years old!
Our name comes from the moaning sounds that echoed out of the cave. Miners may have heard that sound when they came to this area in large numbers during the late 1840s. In their search for gold, they explored the cavern, entering through the small natural entrance and then lowering themselves to the floor of the main room by means of a large ore bucket on a winch. They used candles and whale oil lamps for light. Today you can explore Moaning Caverns on a cave tour, deep underground!
Daily tours
"Don’t miss this adventure!"
"What a Blast!"
"This was a good day trip from the Bay Area."
Spiral Tour
Home to the largest single cave chamber in California, the Spiral Tour is an ideal family tour! With a 20 to 30 foot thick ceiling, the open area inside the chamber is, in fact, tall enough to hold the Statue of Liberty (pedestal excluded)! The massive room extends into the marble deposit of the Calaveras Formation over 180 feet before funneling into smaller passageways.
Tours descend into the majesty of Moaning Caverns walking down a ten-story spiral staircase amidst colossal and prehistoric formations to the bottom of the cavern where awe and breathtaking views await!
Our unique 100-foot high spiral staircase is an architectural wonder and was built in 1922 using scrap metal from an old WWI battleship!
The staircase has 144 stairs and spirals around 7½ times. It has allowed hundreds of thousands of visitors the fun and adventure of descending deep into the largest single cave chamber in California!
- 45 minute tour leaves promptly at the top of every hour
- Year-round
- Moderate exertion
- Most popular family tour
- Cave temperature: 61 degrees
- Wear comfortable shoes
Tour Pricing
| Ages 0-2 | Free |
| Ages 3-11 | $17 |
| Ages 12 & Up | $23 |
| Military discount | 10% off |
- Military discount: Military, first responders and their immediate family members use promo code VIP and receive 10% off. You will be asked to show your military ID when you arrive to Moaning Caverns.
Expedition Crawling & Spelunking Tour
Expedition tours are NOW OPEN! Reservations required. Tour leaves at 10 am. Call (209) 736-2708 now to book your reservation. Space is limited.
Our Expedition Tour is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life! THIS IS NOT AN EASY, WALKING TOUR! Most areas of this tour are undeveloped parts of the cave which means there are no lights, stairs, or walkways. Instead, visitors daringly explore by climbing and belly crawling with lighted helmets find their way!
Expedition Tours are offered all year with a reservation and are conducted by experienced, highly trained guides. No experience is necessary and all gear for the Expedition Tour is provided.
Participants must be at least 12 years old and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. The Expedition Tour makes an exceptional team building activity and your group will explore the small cracks and crevasses below the main chamber, crawling, wriggling, and squirming through natural passages. This extended cavern trip is perfect for those who desire something more than a walk. Plan on 1/2 day for the tour, but time varies by group size & individual abilities.
- Plan on 1/2 day for the tour, but time varies by group size & individual abilities.
- Year round, reservations required
- High exertion
- Cave temperature: 61 degrees
- Equipment Provided: Hardhat with light & gloves
- Group Size: Up to 8 people
- Click here for Expedition Tour Preparation
Tour Pricing
| Ages 12 & Up | $130 per person |
| Military discount | 10% off |
- Military discount: Military, first responders and their immediate family members use promo code VIP and receive 10% off. You will be asked to show your military ID when you arrive to Moaning Caverns. Check our Deals and Events page for current discounts.
- See how to prepare for your trip. View the Expedition Tour Preparation Guide here.
- This activity does require a release of liability waiver. Save time and Click here to read, fill out and sign our release of liability waiver before you arrive.
- For tours with less than 24 hours advance notice, please call us at (209) 736-2708. We may have last minute space available.
What to expect and FAQs
Spiral Tour
Regardless of the outside temperature and weather, the cavern environment is a constant 61°F/16°C with mild to high humidity. In addition to the warm conditions, you will warm up going down and then back up the 235 steps. Most people are fine in short sleeves and shorts. However, those who get cold easily may want to bring a sweater or light jacket.
Expedition Tour
Requires special clothing and gear. This information is given to you when you make a reservation.
Front baby carriers are permitted. Strollers and baby backpacks are not allowed.
Pets are not allowed in Moaning Caverns Adventure Park.
The cave itself is not wheelchair-accessible because of its narrow passageways and stairs.
Elevate your tour
More adventure
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