It’s true that some of the mystique of Black Chasm Cavern was lost when developers added flights of stairs, walkways, and spotlights to facilitate the tourist experience, but not even these man-made accommodations can mar the majesty of this cave in Amador County. Spend 50 minutes in the Black Chasm Caverns’ public area and you will think it would be pretty hard to top what you see. Black Chasm Cavern (Courtesy of fishologistbear). In 1876, the national Park Service designated Black Chasm Cavern as a National Natural Landmark. There are other “wild” caverns besides the ones the public can access including one that the tour guide says the owner shows to be able to secure enough funds one day to open it up as it puts what is on public view to shame. Little wonder why they’ve hosted three weddings down below over the years. The others were bigger but they were not anywhere near as stunning or beautiful. Louis and the other was Shasta Lake Cavern in Northern California. It was the only the third cave I’d ever been in. The tour itself was well worth the drive and cost.Ĭredit that to tour guides that are pleasant, informative, and patient. You can also stop in the quaint communities of Pioneer and Volcano and browse or do what we did and hit the Jackson Historical District for lunch and “shopping” that included hitting Wierschem’s Train Town Candies & Ice Cream parlor. There are grounds you can explore plus a gift shop. Black Chasm Cavern (which finally opened to the public on a limited basis on September 30, 2000) features rare and beautiful helictite crystals in its 'Landmark Room.' Other. You can combine it with a trip to Jackson Rancheria - you pass the entrance on the way - or make it a solo excursion. A special adventure tour takes visitors to undeveloped areas of the cave this tour includes rafting across subterranean lakes. If you’ve never been in a cave with formations it is worth the trip. With groups maxed out at 20, it allows for plenty of room to gaze at the formations.Īs for dress, just keep in mind it’s a constant 57 degrees 24/7. The 50-minute tour isn’t strenuous even though there are 165 steps. They are also one of the few cave formations that scientists have a good understanding of how they are created. They are considered the most delicate of cave formations. Not only do they appear to defy gravity but it is one of about four known locations in the United States that you can find them and it’s considered the best examples. They branch out in a unique formation, often growing in several different directions. It got that distinction because you will find rare - and stunning - displays of helictite crystals. The cavern - a kissing cousin to the more advertised California Cavern featuring the state’s largest public cave chamber between Murphys and Columbia off Highway 49 - is a national natural landmark. And one of the best places to explore it is the Black Chasm Cavern near Volcano where it is always 57 degrees.
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