Vallecito Attractions
Vallecito is the site of the Moaning Caverns, which are the largest caves in California and used by the Miwok Indians as a burial ground. The Murphy brothers found gold here in 1849 and when they moved on, more rich deposits of gold were discovered in 1852.
Moaning Cavern
Within a 13mi/20km radius north of Sonora there are some caves well worth a visit. In Moaning Cavern near Vallecito, discovered in 1849, you can see interesting rock-formations from the vantage-point of a 100ft/30m spiral staircase.
Those parts of the caves which have not been built over can be seen in the course of a three and a half-hour guided tour. The other cave, Mercer Cavern, was discovered in 1885. Here you can see stalagmites, stalactites and aragonites.
Those parts of the caves which have not been built over can be seen in the course of a three and a half-hour guided tour. The other cave, Mercer Cavern, was discovered in 1885. Here you can see stalagmites, stalactites and aragonites.
Hours
June 1 to August 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
September 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
