Northern California is a great place to be if you find yourself itching for an underground adventure. After all, our region is full of awesome caves that are just begging to be explored. However, the caverns featured below may just be some of the most unique our state has to offer. Mercer Caverns is one of the most popular cave systems in Northern California, and for good reason. These caverns are simply awe-inspiring and they represent a side of California that most people have never seen before. Add a touch of adventure into your life and explore this unique destination soon. Check it out.
Mercer Caverns is just a brief drive outside of the quaint town of Murphys in Northern California's Gold Country. While each and every one of our state's caves has something unique to offer, Mercer Caverns is truly one-of-a-kind and definitely belongs on your bucket list.
The caverns are located at 1665 Sheep Ranch Rd, Murphys, CA 95247. Tours are available daily throughout the year. After paying for your ticket, you'll head to the cave's entrance where you will begin your 45-minute tour into the underground world of these outstanding caverns.
You'll start the tour by descending the steps that take you into the cavern. The tour itself will take you to a low point of approximately 160-feet below the surface, which is comparable to a 16-story building. However, the caves are known to extend nearly 200-feet below the surface in total.
As you stroll through the cave, you can't help but feel like you've been transported to some sort of alien world. Humongous stalactites, rootsicles, and medusa-like helictites will surround you from every angle. Prepare to be truly immersed in the otherworldy atmosphere.
Along the way, you'll learn all about the cavern's unique history. Mercer Caverns was first discovered on September 1, 1885 by a man named Walter J. Mercer. The appearance of the cavern itself was utterly captivating, but it's what was found inside of the caverns that fascsinated Mercer and scientists.
The skeletal remains of six people were discovered during early explorations of the caves. After examination of the bones by several universities and museums, it was determined that the remains belonged to members of the Mi-Wuk tribe who lived in this area around 1,500-2,000 years ago.
Mercer Caverns was considered a major attraction in the area from the very beginning, and it remains a stellar destination to this day. Although ropes and candles have now been replaced by LED lights and staircases, the cave's striking appearance is as fascinating as ever.
For a unique activity that is bound to leave an impression on you, plan a visit to Mercer Caverns. Touring this cave is like experiencing a little-known piece of California history. However, it's also a wonderful reminder of how weird and wacky our world really is! For more information, visit their website here.
Have you explored Mercer Caverns before? These caves look absolutely outstanding. Take a look at our list of 11 Underground Adventures In Northern California for more one-of-a-kind destinations that belong on your bucket list.
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