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.
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.
Hours:
June 1 to August 30: 9am-6pm
September 1 to May 31: 9am-5pm; Sun:10am-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm
Tips: Guided tours lasting three quarters of an hour; to book in advance tel. (209) 728-2101.
The Moaning Cavern is open all the year round, but the Mercer Cavern only from June to September; at weekends only during the remaining months of the year.
Advance booking advisable; tel. (209) 736-2708.
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