Mercer Caverns, discovered on September 1, 1885, is one of California’s oldest show caves, located in the scenic Sierra foothills of Calaveras County near the historic town of Murphys. This captivating destination has been welcoming visitors for over 125 years, offering tours that showcase stunning cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and rare aragonite crystals that won a Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris World's Fair. Visitors to Mercer Caverns enjoy an engaging experience, often led by knowledgeable and humorous guides who share both geological insights and entertaining stories. The tours are designed for all ages, making it an excellent educational trip for families. While navigating the cave involves a descent of 160 feet, the pacing is comfortable with breaks for learning and photography. The facility includes a well-stocked gift shop and clean restrooms, enhancing the overall experience. The outdoor area provides shaded spots for relaxation while waiting for tours, making it an ideal stop for a day trip. Many guests recommend timing visits to enjoy lunch in the charming town of Murphys. Overall, Mercer Caverns offers a fascinating glimpse into nature's wonders, making it a memorable addition to any Gold Country adventure.
Great cavern for day trip. Great tour guide. Excellent learning trip for geology for kids. Recommend timing it so you can have lunch in quaint town of Murphy.
January 2024
Pretty dang neat. Definitely connects to the caves behind Yosemite Falls.
January 2024
The cave itself is really interesting. Good pacing in the tour even though it's quite a ways down a 160 feet, the the gift shop is friendly and easy to navigate. The outside area has lots of shaded areas when you're waiting for the tour to start or just finishing the tour Also some nice benches in the shade for eating... read full comment
