Calaveras Big Trees and Moaning Caverns: Day Trip Guide 2026

Calaveras Big Trees and Moaning Caverns offer an exciting California getaway combining ancient giant sequoias, underground cave adventures, and beautiful outdoor scenery. Located near Vallecito and Arnold, California, Moaning Caverns Adventure Park features a 45-minute guided Spiral Tour that descends 235 steps into an impressive cave chamber, along with a challenging Expedition Tour through narrow passages. About 27 miles away, Calaveras Big Trees State Park protects two groves of giant sequoias and offers the easy 1.7-mile North Grove Trail, picnic areas, creeks, river access, and campgrounds.

Whether you are planning a one-day excursion, a relaxing weekend, or a three-day Gold Country getaway, Calaveras Big Trees & Moaning Caverns offer memorable experiences for families, nature lovers, and business groups. This travel guide covers top attractions, admission costs, accommodation and camping options, nearby dining, and practical planning tips for visitors traveling with infants or larger groups. It also explains which activities are available at Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, including alternatives to the zip line and climbing wall when those attractions are unavailable. Check the official park website for the latest activity availability before your visit.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Moaning Caverns Adventure Park: 5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito, CA 95251. Phone (209) 736-2708.
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park: 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223. Phone (209) 795-2334. Day use is $10 per vehicle (some holiday and weekend periods are $12).
• Distance between them: about 27 miles, roughly 45 to 55 minutes by car.
• Best for: families, couples, history lovers, hikers, school and youth groups, and small business outings.

6 Things to See at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees State Park was established in 1931 and covers about 6,500 acres of mixed conifer forest. California State Parks describes it as the only state park with giant sequoias. The hub is the North Grove area, which is open year-round and gets snow every winter. Features beyond the North Grove, along the Walter W. Smith Memorial Parkway, are seasonal.

1. North Grove Trail

The North Grove Trail is an easy 1.7-mile loop with more than 100 giant sequoias. State Parks lists it as wheelchair accessible, weather permitting. Pick up the self-guided brochure at the trailhead and follow the numbered markers. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. For a shorter walk, turn around before marker #15.

A note on bridges: the well-known bridge over Beaver Creek is on the South Grove Trail route, about 600 yards from the trailhead, not on the North Grove loop.

2. Discovery Tree Stump

The Discovery Tree was the first giant sequoia to make international news, in 1852. It was cut down in 1853, so today you see the Discovery Stump, also called the Big Stump, on the North Grove Trail. The braille-signed Three Senses Trail runs nearby.

3. Giant Sequoia Trees

Giant sequoias are the largest trees on Earth by volume. They can grow over 300 feet tall and live more than 3,000 years. On the North Grove Trail, look for the Empire State Tree (stop #5), the largest tree in that grove. For the biggest trees in the park, hike the South Grove Trail (5 to 5.5 miles, moderate), which leads to the Agassiz Tree and the Palace Hotel Tree. The Parkway road to the South Grove closes in winter, so confirm access before you go.

4. Father of the Forest Log

The Father of the Forest is a giant sequoia that fell centuries ago. According to State Parks, you can walk through the log at stop #13 on the North Grove Trail.

5. Mother of the Forest (Historic Only)

The Mother of the Forest is part of the park’s history, not a guaranteed visitor stop. Workers stripped its bark in 1854 for exhibitions in New York and London, and the weakened tree died. What remained burned in 1908. The story helps explain why the public pushed to protect these groves. Ask a ranger or docent what can still be seen on the trail today.

6. Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek has a picnic area, an accessible restroom and accessible parking. The 0.68-mile Beaver Creek Trail is an accessible loop with creek views. Fishing (mainly rainbow trout) is allowed only in Beaver Creek and the Stanislaus River, and a fishing license is required. Access is by the Parkway, which closes in winter.

Checked 19 October 2026 against the official Parkway road-status and closures page. Road conditions and seasonal closures can change; check the latest updates before travelling.

Things to Do at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Hiking and Nature Walks

• North Grove Trail: easy, 1.7-mile loop, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• North Grove Overlook Trail: moderate, a slightly over 2-mile loop with the North Grove Trail, with views of the upper parts of the sequoias.
• South Grove Trail: moderate, 5 to 5.5 miles, 3 to 4 hours. Bring drinking water because none is available at the trailhead.
• Bradley Grove Trail: moderate, a 2.5-mile loop through young sequoias planted in the 1950s.
• Lava Bluffs Trail: a hilly 2.5-mile loop with geologic formations. The River Canyon Trail is strenuous (8 miles round trip).

Please stay on the trail. Seedlings and forest-floor life cannot survive being stepped on. Dogs are not allowed on trails, only on paved roads, fire roads, campgrounds and day-use areas, and they must be on a leash of 6 feet or shorter.

Camping and Overnight Stays

The park has two main campgrounds, North Grove and Oak Hollow, plus hike-in environmental sites. See the camping guide below for fees, facilities and reservations.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

In winter, the park’s trail flyer lists the North Grove Ski Trail and the Parkway Loop Ski Trail. Snow is variable, and chains are recommended for vehicles. The Calaveras Big Trees Association has offered guided snowshoe walks from the Warming Hut and loaner snowshoes in past seasons. Check the association site for this winter’s schedule.

Picnicking and Wildlife Watching

Picnic areas are in the North Grove, at the River Picnic Area and at Beaver Creek. A few are reservable through park staff, and the rest are first come, first served. Bears live in the park year-round. Store food, scented items and trash in bear-resistant lockers or a locked vehicle. The park treats this as a zero-tolerance rule. Birding walks are sometimes offered as ranger-led programs.

Visitor Center Activities

The Visitor Center is operated by the Calaveras Big Trees Association and staffed by State Park docents. The museum covers Miwok history, local wildlife, logging and fire, and museum admission is included with park entry. Hours change by season, so check the posted hours or call (209) 795-2334.

Junior Ranger Programs and Family Activities

In summer 2026, Little Rangers (ages 3 to 6) and Junior Rangers (ages 7 to 12) ran in the mornings, alongside guided hikes, campfire programs and astronomy nights. Weekend programs are offered year-round and daily programs in summer. A self-guided Junior Ranger Adventure Guide can be downloaded from the state parks site. A seasonal snack stand has operated behind Jack Knight Hall in summer.

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park: What to Expect

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park is set in the Sierra foothills near Vallecito. Gold miners explored the cavern in the 1840s, and artifacts found inside suggest people knew the area long before that. The name comes from the moaning sounds that once echoed out of the cave. The park’s cave tours are the main attraction, with a few above-ground extras.

Moaning Caverns Spiral Tour: 235 Steps, 45 Minutes

The Spiral Tour is the park’s most popular family tour. It lasts about 45 minutes and leaves at the top of every hour. You walk down 235 steps (144 of them on a 100-foot spiral staircase built in 1922) to a depth of 165 feet, then climb back up the same way. The main chamber is tall enough to hold the Statue of Liberty, pedestal excluded. The cave stays around 61°F, with mild to high humidity.

Moaning Caverns Expedition Tour (Crawling and Spelunking)

The Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour is a “wild caving” trip for ages 12 and up. You crawl, wriggle and squeeze through natural passages below the main chamber. The park provides a helmet with light, gloves and knee and elbow pads. Reservations are required and groups are small (2 to 8 people). The park’s hours page lists Expedition check-in at 10 a.m. on weekends in the off-season, with reservations by phone. In summer it runs more days.

Zip Line, Rappel and Climbing Wall

Older articles still mention ziplining, rappelling and a climbing tower. The park’s FAQ says the rappel has been closed since 2017 and the zip line since 2019, with no expected reopening dates. The Attractions page lists the climbing wall as currently unavailable. Do not plan your trip around any of them.

Other Activities on Site

• Gemstone mining: a sluice where kids and families pan for gemstones.
• Hatchet toss: the park’s website lists $20 per lane for one person for up to 10 minutes, and $60 per lane for a group for 30 minutes (age requirements apply).
• Gift shop: snacks, drinks, minerals, fossils and souvenirs.
• Picnic tables and restrooms. Barbecues, camp stoves and other outdoor cooking appliances are not allowed on the property, and pets are not allowed.

Moaning Caverns Tickets and Prices (2026)

The park lists a 10% military discount. Prices have changed between snapshots of the park’s own pages, so check the Cave Tours page before you go.

• Spiral Tour reservations are highly recommended all year, because tours can sell out and walk-up availability is not guaranteed. Book on the park’s booking page.
• Expedition Tour reservations are required. The FAQ says to call (209) 736-2708.
• Hours: the park’s hours page currently lists Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday, with the last Spiral Tour at 4 p.m. It shows longer schedules in summer and holiday weeks, including being open all days from December 17, 2026 to January 4, 2027 (closed December 24 and 25).
• Checked 19 October 2026 against the official ticket and admission source. Prices and availability may change; confirm the latest rates before visiting.

Safety Rules and Accessibility

• Wheelchairs and strollers cannot use the stairs. The tour is not recommended for people with heart conditions, claustrophobia or a fear of heights.
• Backpacks, bags, purses, water bottles, food, drinks, tripods, selfie sticks and extra camera lenses are not allowed on the Spiral Tour. Cameras need a wrist strap.
• Wear shoes with good traction, not flip-flops. The cave floor is wet, rocky and uneven, and you may get dripped on.
• The Expedition Tour is physically demanding. People with heart or lung problems, pregnancy, impaired mobility or excessive weight should not attempt it, and everyone signs a liability waiver. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Best Time to Visit

The park says it is least crowded in winter, early spring and late fall. Memorial Day through Labor Day is busiest, especially on weekends and holidays. The cave stays about 61°F all year, and Moaning Caverns is below the snow line, so winter weather does not affect its roads.

Tips for Families, First-Timers and Groups

• Families: there is no age limit on the Spiral Tour, but children must walk on their own or fit in a front carrier. Pair the tour with gemstone mining.
• First-timers: book the Spiral Tour and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Do not rely on GPS alone, because the park warns that signals drop near the site.
• Groups: group rates apply to 15 or more people (8 or more for the Expedition Tour). See the business travel section below.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Camping: Sites, Fees and Reservations

Yes, you can camp inside the park. Calaveras Big Trees State Park camping is run by California State Parks, and sites are booked through ReserveCalifornia. The official page shows all campsites open as of May 15 (last checked in late August 2026). Availability changes by season, so check before you plan.

North Grove Campground

The North Grove campground sits in the park’s hub, around a meadow near the Visitor Center and the North Grove Trail. It is open year-round in a limited form: outside the main season only sites #1 to #11 are open, first come, first served, and they are dry camping. Winter water and restroom service is limited, so confirm current conditions.

Oak Hollow Campground

Oak Hollow is farther along the Parkway, so it is quieter and farther from Highway 4 traffic. Because the Parkway closes in winter, Oak Hollow is a seasonal campground. Cell service is limited.

Environmental Campsites

The park has hike-in environmental campsites with no water. The accessibility page also mentions White Fir Environmental Camp near Beaver Creek, a small hike-in area with an accessible restroom. Bring everything you need, including drinking water.

Facilities and RV Information

• North Grove and Oak Hollow have potable water and showers.
• There are no RV hookups. A seasonal dump station is available.
• The park’s campground map says each site is limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles (trailers count as vehicles). This map is older, so confirm on ReserveCalifornia.
• Dogs are allowed in campgrounds on a leash, but not on trails.
• Firewood is sold in the park. Buy it where you burn it.

Entrance and Camping Fees

These are the figures on the park’s official page. Fees can change, and reservation service fees may apply at checkout.

Checked 19 October 2026 against the official camping fees source. Confirm current fees and campground availability before booking.

How to Reserve

Book your Calaveras Big Trees State Park campground site at ReserveCalifornia. State Parks posts when sites open on its reservation sales dates page. You can also call the park at (209) 795-2334. For Calaveras Big Trees camping in the off-season, only sites #1 to #11 are first come, first served.

Seasonal Closures and Camping Safety

• The Parkway closes after the first significant snowfall or December 1, and reopens around May 1 or later.
• Prescribed burns happen in fall and spring and can close parts of the park for weeks and affect air quality.
• Store all food, toiletries and trash in bear-resistant lockers, always latched.
• Bring layers. The park sits at roughly 4,700 feet and nights can be cold even in summer.

The park has also offered rental cabins in the past. Check ReserveCalifornia for current availability.

Little Rangers program schedules described for summer 2026 are historical. Confirm whether the program will operate in the upcoming season before presenting those details as current.

Nearby Attractions and Historic Towns

Mercer Caverns

Mercer Caverns, at 1665 Sheep Ranch Road just outside Murphys, has offered tours since the 1880s. Tours last about 45 minutes. The cave’s website lists $24 for adults and $18 for ages 3 to 12 (effective January 1, 2026). Hours are daily in summer, and Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. outside summer. It pairs well with Moaning Caverns for a day of caves and wine-country strolling.

Calaveras Big Trees Association and Visitor Center

The nonprofit association traces its roots to 1926 and helped create the park. It runs the Visitor Center and supports Junior Ranger programs, school tours and snowshoe walks. Stop in to pick up trail maps and see the museum.

Murphys

Murphys is a small Gold Rush town with a walkable Main Street of tasting rooms, shops and restaurants. It makes a natural base between the caverns and the big trees, and works well for lunch or an overnight stay.

Angels Camp

Angels Camp is where Mark Twain set “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” You can stroll the historic downtown, see the Frog Hop of Fame plaques and visit the Angels Camp Museum. The Jumping Frog Jubilee is held each May.

Mokelumne Hill

Mokelumne Hill was once the county seat. Its Main Street, just off Highway 49, has period architecture and the historic Hotel Léger. It is a good add-on for a longer Gold Country loop.

Columbia State Historic Park

Columbia is a preserved Gold Rush town and National Historic Landmark District in Tuolumne County. State Parks materials describe free admission, and stagecoach rides, gold panning, historic shops and free docent-led town tours are commonly offered. Business hours vary, so check before you go.

Suggested Travel Itineraries

Times are approximate. Moaning Caverns is closed Tuesday and Wednesday in its current off-season schedule, so plan around that.

One-Day Itinerary: Caves and Giants

1. 9:30 a.m.: arrive at Moaning Caverns and check in for the 10 a.m. Spiral Tour.
2. 11:00 a.m.: try gemstone mining or browse the gift shop.
3. 12:00 p.m.: lunch in Murphys (see the restaurant picks below).
4. 1:30 p.m.: drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park (about 25 to 30 minutes from Murphys).
5. 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.: walk the North Grove Trail, see the Discovery Stump and the Father of the Forest log, and stop at the Visitor Center.
6. 4:00 p.m. onward: if the Parkway is open, visit Beaver Creek or the Stanislaus River before heading back.

Two-Day Itinerary: Murphys Base

• Day 1: Moaning Caverns Spiral Tour at 10 a.m., lunch in Murphys, an afternoon Mercer Caverns tour, then a stroll down Main Street. Dinner in Murphys, then stay overnight at Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge.
• Day 2: drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the morning. Walk the North Grove Trail and visit the museum. From spring to fall, add the South Grove hike (3 to 4 hours) or a picnic at Beaver Creek. On the way back, stop in Angels Camp for a quick stroll.

Three-Day Itinerary: Caves, Trees and Gold Rush Towns

• Day 1: Moaning Caverns. Adventurous travelers can book the weekend Expedition Tour at 10 a.m. Others take the Spiral Tour, then explore Murphys. Overnight in Murphys or Angels Camp.
• Day 2: a full day at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Hike the North Grove, picnic at Beaver Creek, and (in season) do the South Grove. Stay in a park campsite if you reserved one, or return to your hotel.
• Day 3: Columbia State Historic Park (free admission) for the stagecoach, shops and a docent tour. If time allows, finish with Angels Camp or Mokelumne Hill on the way home.

Visiting with Babies and Toddlers: Packing List and Cave Rules

Infants can enjoy the forest and the creek areas easily, but the cave tours need extra planning. Here is a practical checklist.

Pack These Items

• Diapers and changing supplies: bring more than you think you need, plus wipes, a portable changing pad and disposable bags. Do not assume changing tables are available, because we could not verify them at every restroom.
• Baby food, milk and feeding gear: pack a cooler and bottles. Feed before and after a cave tour, because the Spiral Tour does not allow bags, water bottles, food or drinks underground. If your baby needs something during the tour, call the park to ask about approval.
• Car seats: California requires proper child restraints, so bring your own or reserve one with your rental car company in advance.
• Strollers and carriers: use a stroller outdoors, and a front carrier for the cave (see below).
• Clothing and weather protection: bring layers, hats and sun protection. The cave is about 61°F and humid, and the forest can be cool in the shade and cold at night.
• First-aid supplies: a basic kit, infant-safe medicines your doctor has approved, and insect repellent approved for infants.

Stroller-Friendly Outdoor Areas

These routes are designed as accessible trails, which generally suits strollers in dry weather:

• North Grove Trail (easy 1.7-mile loop)
• Three Senses Trail and the Meadow Boardwalk
• Beaver Creek Trail (0.68-mile loop) and the Stanislaus River Trail (0.17 miles each way), when the Parkway is open

Cave Tour Restrictions

• Spiral Tour: there is no age limit and infants are free (ages 0 to 2). Strollers and wheelchairs cannot use the stairs, and low ceilings in the entrance passage prevent carrying an infant in a backpack. A front carrier is allowed if you can safely manage 235 steps down and up.
• Expedition Tour: ages 12 and up only.
• If one parent would rather skip the cave, take turns: one visits the cave while the other waits at the picnic tables.

Rivers, Trails and Wildlife

• Keep infants and toddlers within arm’s reach near the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek. Water can be cold and fast.
• Stay on marked trails. Bears live in the park, so lock away baby food and scented items.
• Plan nap and feeding breaks around the North Grove picnic area and the Visitor Center, and expect a slower pace.

Local Transportation

Rental Cars and Private Vehicles

A car is by far the easiest way to see both attractions. Distances are short, but roads are two-lane and curvy. The nearest major airports are Sacramento International and Stockton Metropolitan, and Moaning Caverns’ FAQ lists rental car and taxi contacts at several regional airports.

Driving Routes and Approximate Times

• Angels Camp to Calaveras Big Trees State Park: about 35 minutes (State Parks).
• Moaning Caverns to Calaveras Big Trees State Park: about 27 miles, roughly 45 to 55 minutes.
• Stockton to the park: about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Moaning Caverns is reached from Highway 4 via Parrotts Ferry Road, then Moaning Cave Road. The park advises studying a map rather than trusting GPS alone.

Public Transportation, Taxis and Transfers

We could not verify a regular public bus or shuttle that connects the airports, the caverns and the park, so please plan on having a car. Moaning Caverns’ FAQ lists local taxi companies near regional airports, such as Murphy’s Taxi in San Andreas. Call to confirm coverage and pricing for longer trips before relying on a taxi.

Parking and Seasonal Road Conditions

• Moaning Caverns has a large gravel parking lot and sits below the snow line.
• At Calaveras Big Trees, parking is available throughout the park for the day-use fee. Winter driving can require chains, and the Parkway beyond the Visitor Center closes after the first significant snowfall or December 1.
• Highway 4 over Ebbetts Lake Tahoe day-trip guide closes in winter and is steep and winding. State Parks advises against it for trailers and large motorhomes.

Cave Tours Near Calaveras Big Trees: Moaning Caverns vs Mercer Caverns

Both providers below are cave attractions that sell their own tours. They are not travel agencies, and neither is verified here as offering a complete travel package.

1. Moaning Caverns Adventure Park

• Location: 5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito, CA 95251.
• Experiences: Spiral Tour, Expedition Tour, gemstone mining, hatchet toss, gift shop.
• Website: moaningcaverns.com
• Booking: Spiral Tour online (reservations highly recommended). Expedition Tour and group rates by phone at (209) 736-2708.
• Suitability: the Spiral Tour suits families with walking children. The Expedition Tour (ages 12+) suits teen groups and team-building outings. Group rates are available with the requirements listed in the business section.

2. Mercer Caverns

• Location: 1665 Sheep Ranch Road, Murphys, CA 95247.
• Experiences: guided walking tours of about 45 minutes, plus a gift shop and visitor center.
• Website: mercercaverns.net
• Booking: school and group reservations by phone at (209) 728-2101. Group rates are listed for 10 or more people.
• Suitability: good for families and school groups. Reviews and the cave’s own materials describe many steps, so check the tour details for mobility needs.

Another option is California Cavern in Mountain Ranch, which offers walking tours and spelunking expeditions. It has operated seasonally, so call to confirm dates and reservations before planning around it.

Where to Eat in Murphys After the Caves

Ratings below come from Trip.com’s Murphys restaurant list (updated September 2026). They are based on small numbers of reviews, so treat them as a rough guide.

1. Grounds Restaurant & Bar

• Location: 402 Main Street, Murphys.
• Food: American and Western-style dishes, including pastas and steaks, with a large wine list. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on some days.
• Price: $$ to $$$ on Trip.com.
• Website: groundsrestaurant.com, phone (209) 728-8663.
• Why choose it: a sit-down dinner after a day of caves and trees, with patio seating. Check the website for current hours, because they vary by day.

2. Firewood

• Location: 420 Main Street, Murphys.
• Food: casual wood-fired pizza, burgers and tacos, with beer on tap.
• Price: $ on Trip.com, and $$ on the Visit Calaveras listing.
• Website: firewoodeats.com, phone (209) 728-3248.
• Why choose it: a relaxed, family-friendly lunch or dinner where everyone can find something to eat.

Where to Stay Near Moaning Caverns and Calaveras Big Trees

1. Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge

• Facilities: a former 1856 stagecoach stop with 20 modern and 9 historic rooms, an on-site restaurant and a saloon. Visit Calaveras also describes it as a wedding, special event and meeting venue, so ask the hotel directly about group needs.
• Distance: in downtown Murphys, roughly 15 to 25 minutes to Moaning Caverns and about 25 to 30 minutes to Calaveras Big Trees State Park (confirm on your map).
• Website: murphyshotel.com
• Good for: couples and business travelers who want a historic, walkable base. Historic rooms are above the saloon, so ask about noise if you are traveling with young children.

2. Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites

• Location: 444 South Main Street, Angels Camp, CA 95222.
• Facilities: outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, complimentary breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Listings mention family rooms with kitchen facilities and laptop-friendly workspaces.
• Price: not verified, because rates change by date. Check the booking site for your dates.
• Distance: about 35 minutes from Calaveras Big Trees State Park and a short drive from Moaning Caverns.
• Good for: families who want a pool and easy parking, and business travelers who want a standard hotel with a work desk.

Where to Eat and Stay Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Moaning Caverns

Visitors exploring Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Moaning Caverns Adventure Park can find dining and accommodation options in nearby communities, including Arnold, Murphys and Angels Camp. Choose a restaurant or hotel based on your travel route, budget, available facilities and current visitor feedback.

Restaurants: Check the restaurant’s current menu, opening hours, location and recent customer reviews before visiting. Ratings and review counts can change, so consult the restaurant’s current listing for the latest information.

Checked 19 October 2026 against the official opening-hours source. Seasonal schedules and closures may change.

Hotels and accommodation: Compare room prices, cancellation policies, amenities and recent guest reviews before booking. Check the property’s official website or a recognised booking platform for current availability and verified listing details.

Travel tip: Confirm restaurant hours, accommodation availability and seasonal access before your trip, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.

Group and Team Outings

Visitors travelling to the Calaveras region for work can combine their trip with nearby outdoor attractions, depending on their schedule. Check transport options, accommodation availability and attraction opening hours before planning a visit. For meetings, conferences or corporate events, confirm suitable venues and facilities directly with local providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Websites and Booking Links

Government Sources

• California State Parks
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park
• Columbia State Historic Park
• National Weather Service

Attraction Websites

• Moaning Caverns Adventure Park (see also hours and directions)
• Mercer Caverns
• California Cavern

Tourism and Nonprofit Resources

• Visit Calaveras
• Calaveras Big Trees Association

Reservations, Lodging and Dining (Commercial)

• ReserveCalifornia (official State Parks booking system)
• Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge
• Best Western
• Grounds Restaurant & Bar and Firewood

Disclaimer: All the data verified and updated during October 2026. Visitors and travellers are requested to verify the latest information in respective websites.

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