TARGET 070516 A tour of Moaning Caverns Patti Daniels (top) and Tina Keller rappel into Moaning Cavern's massive Main Chamber.

Moaning Cavern holds the largest vertical chamber in a public cavern that you can see in California. In fact, it's so big, it could hold the entire Statue of Liberty! Descend by rope 165 feet into the huge main chamber of Moaning Cavern! No experience is necessary, and gloves, hard-hat, and the highest quality rappelling equipment are provided. Adventurous people from all walks of life are thrilled by this unique and exciting opportunity to try something new! Total trip time is approximately 45 minutes.

Tina Keller (right) and Patti Daniels take a rest from rappelling to survey Moaning Cavern's Main Chamber at the 100-foot level. Tina Keller queezing through Joe Adventure with advice from Bruce Brand, Moaning Cavern manager Tina Keller squirms through the Pancake Squeeze on Moaning Cavern's Adventure Trip. Tina Keller climbing up through Godzilla's Nostril. Tina Keller (left) and Patti Daniels high-five after completing the Rappel in Moaning Cavern's Main Chamber.

Participants must be at least 12 years old, and special restrictions apply. There are five ways a minor child (aged 12 to 17) may rappel at Moaning Cavern: 1. Their parent or legal guardian is present to evaluate the rappel and sign the waiver. 2. They bring a signed waiver that has been notarized. 3. They bring a signed waiver that has been witnessed by another adult who is present at the cavern and can verify the signature. 4. They bring a notarized letter from a parent or legal guardian authorizing another adult who is present at the cavern to evaluate the rappel and sign the waiver. 5. They bring a signed letter from a parent or legal guardian which includes a witness signature of another adult who is present at the cavern who can verify their signature, authorizing that adult to evaluate the rappel and sign the waiver. Energetic cave explorers can begin this exciting expedition with the 165-foot rope rappel, followed by one to two hours of exploration through deep chambers and passages. (The trip is also available without the rappel.) Most areas are undeveloped, so there are no lights, stairs, or walkways. Instead, visitors daringly explore by climbing and belly crawling with lighted helmets to show the way. This trip is offered all year by reservation, and is conducted by experienced, highly trained guides. No experience is necessary. Gloves, hard-hat with light, coveralls from size 36 adult, and rappelling gear are provided. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. The same restrictions on the rappel as listed above apply to an Adventure Trip which includes the rappel. Total trip time is approximately 3 hours. If you are interested in taking this trip, you will need to call 209-736-2708 to make reservations. To get more of an idea of what spelunking looks like, click HERE to "Meet a Tour Guide." This takes you to the website of Bruce Brand, manager of Moaning Cavern, and is full of pictures taken on his expeditions. The Adventure Trip makes an exceptional team building activity.

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES: 45-minute guided Walk Tour ($6.50 child, $12.95 adult) 165-foot rope Rappel through the main chamber (Ages 12+ $59) 3-hour Adventure Trip beginning with the optional Rappel (With the rappel: Ages 12+ $119) (Without the rappel: Ages 12+ $69.00) Nature Trail (FREE!) Gemstone Mining (Small gemstone bag: $4.95 + tax) (Large gemstone bag: $6.95 + tax) (Emerald bag: $9.95 + tax) (Fossil bag: $9.95 + tax) For more information, write to: Moaning Cavern, Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation, P. O. Box 78, Vallecito, CA 95251, USA. Or visit the Moaning Caverns website by clicking here Or visit Bruce Brand's website by clicking HERE

FEEDBACK MAP LOCATION 5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito, California 95251 NOTE: This is the physical address. Use this address for directions in MAP QUEST or another map program.