The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Calaveras County, Calaveras County

April 1, 2022 Enedina Augsburger

Discover the best top things to do in Calaveras County, United States including Mercer Caverns, California Cavern, Arnold Rim Trail, White Pines Lake, Murphys Community Park, Moaning Caverns, Utica Park, California Cavern, State Historic Landmark, New Hogan Lake, Natural Bridges Trail.
Restaurants in Calaveras County

1. Mercer Caverns

Sheep Ranch Road, Murphys, CA +1 209-728-2101 http://www.mercercaverns.com
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 210 reviews

Mercer Caverns

Reviewed By Chowhound1242 - South Lake Tahoe, United States

Ducking down steep stairs (there are rails on each side), with a group of about 15 other people and a knowledgeable guide (Thanks Diane!) made this cave a fun adventure. We went on the 10:30 first tour and it was perfect! It fills up fast because they can only take a limited group of people due to the stairs and platfroms, so I recomend the early tour. By the time we left, it was booked until 2:30 PM. Lots of things to see!

2. California Cavern

9 mi east of San Andreas on Mountain Ranch Rd., Angels Camp, CA 95246-9674 +1 888-488-1960 http://www.cavetouring.com
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

California Cavern

Discovered in 1849, California Cavern is a rich in both California State history and the geological history of California. A variety of guided walking tours are available seasonally in our beautiful horizontal cave system. Above ground awaits activities for the whole family and an alluring giftshop. Looking for an extreme adventure!? Slippery clay covered Spelunking tours are available seasonally (usually July-Nov.) at California Cavern! Our Guides crawl you throughout the off-trail secret tunnels and cave chambers. This 2-3 hour equipped caving expedition is THE ultimate adventure for a corporate outing, athletic teams, school groups, adventure clubs, or just a fun outing for your adventure seeking friends and family!

3. Arnold Rim Trail

White Pines Logging Museum Parking Lot, Arnold, CA http://arnoldrimtrail.org/index.html
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Arnold Rim Trail

Reviewed By travelwhere - Modesto, United States

My friend & I entered at the logging museum & hiked in for 3.09 miles until we saw a vista. ( then turned back) The trail was well maintained & overall well marked. ( one of our better marked hikes, for sure) Except at marker 7, later, we wondered if we should have taken the right fork down to see San Antonio creek. It looked like the arrow was directing up the hill. It would have been nice for the markers to tell the distance to the next place of interest. We went over to the San Antonio outlook but did not see anything. We heard water. The first part .8 mile was paved. It was a great hike & we would highly recommend it. The trees & the chirping birds were awesome. We are looking forward to returning again.

4. White Pines Lake

Blagen Road, Arnold, CA http://www.ebbettspassadventures.com/places/white_pines_lake.html#map
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

White Pines Lake

Reviewed By dyfennell - San Jose, United States

We’ve been to Arnold many times and never knew about this hidden gem. We had a lovely time cooling off in this lake. Bring swim shoes we did find glass buried in the mud as we stepped in the water. A floating tube, or other floating device is fun to use here. Lots of shade, parking, and picnic tables.

5. Murphys Community Park

505 Algiers St, Murphys, CA 95247-9714 +1 209-728-1948 https://www.facebook.com/MurphysPark
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Murphys Community Park

Reviewed By Buggiewhip

The most adorable little country park I've ever been to. I love the creek that runs thru it. I like to watch the children play in the water during the summer months. What a great, free way to enjoy the days. There's a library right there which is so nice because you can get a book and relax under a shady tree , drink some wine and forget about stress for awhile.

6. Moaning Caverns

5350 Moaning Cave Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 190 reviews

Moaning Caverns

Gold miners first explored Moaning Cavern in 1851, but Native Americans had revered the site for centuries because of the haunting, moaning sounds coming from the entrance. Today, visitors enter by descending a metal spiral staircase on our Spiral Tour. Or, make reservations for an exciting two-hour Expedition Tour. Above ground activities: gemstone mining, gold panning, ax throwing or free nature trail. School program available. Open 364 days a year, please see our website for details.

Reviewed By jadesmond123 - Alameda, United States

My kids and I really enjoyed this tour. The tour guide Shane was so informative and nice (even when my kids asked ~300 questions about the cavern). So many interesting facts on the caves history - amazing formations below and it was a fun trek down the 200 or so spiral steps. My kids still talking about it and want to go back again.

7. Utica Park

Angels Camp, CA http://www.angelscamp.gov/index.php?option=com_content
Excellent
32%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 25 reviews

Utica Park

8. California Cavern, State Historic Landmark

9565 Cave City Rd, Mountain Ranch, CA 95246-9674 +1 866-762-2837
Excellent
48%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 21 reviews

California Cavern, State Historic Landmark

California's first showcave has been conducting guided tours since 1850. Today, visitors are taken on 60-80 minute "Trail of Lights" tours of the intricate and beautiful rock formations made of marble, calcite, aragonite and gypsum. For the more adventurous, three and five hour challenging caving expeditions can be reserved, exploring the inner reaches of the cave. Comprehensive school program available. Above ground activities include gemstone mining, free nature trail, picnic tables, volleyball court.

9. New Hogan Lake

3 New Hogan Parkway, Valley Springs, CA +1 209-772-1343 http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=476
Excellent
37%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 19 reviews

New Hogan Lake

10. Natural Bridges Trail

Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251 https://www.gocalaveras.com/travel-directory/natural-bridges/
Excellent
20%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

Natural Bridges Trail

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