Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark

Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark is a remarkable cave located in Volcano, California. The cave features stunning formations, including marble monoliths, draperies, and helictites, which are found in only about five percent of caves. Visitors can take a 50-minute walking tour or a self-guided tour of the Miners Trail, an aboveground path that takes you past marble formations exposed by hydraulic mining operations. The cave is also home to unique creatures, such as amphipods and the Banksula grubbsi arachnid, which are adapted to life in total darkness. The cavern maintains a stable temperature of 58 degrees year-round, making it an inviting escape from the region's hot summer days. The site offers family-friendly activities, including gemstone mining and gold panning, and a gift shop and museum with artifacts from the Gold Rush era. Nearby attractions include Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park and the charming town of Sutter Creek, steeped in mining history with B&Bs, restaurants, and wine tasting