Moaning Cavern

It was discovered in modern times by gold miners in 1851, but it has long been known as an interesting geological feature by prehistoric peoples.

The portion of the cave developed for tourists consists of a spacious vertical shaft 165 feet tall, which is descended by a combination of stairs and a unique 100-foot-high (30 m) spiral staircase built in the early 1900s.

Phil C. Orr also discovered the important Arlington Springs Man remains that are now considered authentic.

Moaning Caverns is home to the largest single cave chamber open to the public in California.

With a 20–30 foot thick ceiling, the open area inside the chamber is, in fact, tall enough to hold the Statue of Liberty (pedestal excluded).

The secondary entrance is a narrow crack in the earth which was enlarged to permit commercial entry into the cavern beginning in 1920.

The Spiral Tour takes the stairs all the way to the floor of the chamber, 165 ft (50 m) below the gift shop, on a 45-minute informative trip.