Not looking forward to today’s high temperature forecast of 105 degrees?

Don’t moan.

It’s a good excuse to “get down” in Calaveras County.

There are three pubic access caverns — with admission of course — where it’s a cool, consistent 55 to 62 degrees year round depending on the cavern.

And they offer plenty of cool things to see that you won’t find above ground.

They are all an hour or so drive away.

You can combine your cavern exploration with above ground attractions such as wineries, antique shops, unique little stores, and dining options that are heavy on the “mom and pop” side. That said, there are a  few formulated dining experiences otherwise known as chain restaurants.

The caverns of Calaveras County are open year round.

But they are especially inviting during the summer when highs tends to stay in the 90s when they’re not straying over the century mark.

There are three primary cavern attractions — Moaning Cavern, California Cavern, and Mercer Cavern — in Calaveras County. You can also find other public access caverns nearby such as Black Chasm in Amador County.

The three caverns have similar formations and unique formations.

For sheer variety, the more popular destination is Moaning Cavern.

It has a lot to do with its insane main chamber, the largest in California.

The open area inside the chamber is 180 feet or tall enough to hold the Statue of Liberty, excluding the pedestal.

There are smaller passageways on the “floor” of the chamber that go down further.

There are two natural entrance to the chamber with a ceiling that varies in thickness from 20 to 30 feet.

One is a 45-foot vertical chimney that drops into the center of the cave.

It was discovered in the 1850s during the Gold Rush.

The other is how guests access the chamber.

It is an entrance in a narrow crack in the earth enlarged in 1920 to allow commercial entry.

A narrow wooden staircase ends at a flat platform 65 feet underground.

 From there, arguably the most unique stairway in California — a 10-story spiral staircase — leads down to a second platform at the base of the chamber.

The 100-foot high spiral staircase was built in 1922 using scrap metal from a decommissioned World War I battleship.

 It is part of the Spiral Tour that explores colossal and prehistoric formations that have never seen the light of day.

The staircase has 144 stairs and spirals around 7½ times.

 The popular family tour starts every hour on the hour and lasts 45 minutes.

It involves moderate exertion and requires comfortable shoes.

Expect 61 degree temperature.

Tour costs are $24 for those 12 and up, $18 for ages 3 to 11, while those 2 and under are free.

Then there is the Crawling & Spelunking Tour.

It  is a half day or so venture with time varying by group size and individual abilities.

Most areas of this tour are undeveloped parts of the cave which means there are no lights, stairs, or walkways. Instead, visitors daringly explore by climbing and belly crawling with lighted helmets find their way.

Expedition Tours are offered all year with a reservation and are conducted by experienced, highly trained guides.

No experience is necessary and all gear — hard hat with light and gloves — for the Expedition Tour is provided.

Participants must be at least 12 years old and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The Expedition Tour is considered an exceptional team building activity. Groups will explore the small cracks and crevasses below the main chamber, crawling, wriggling, and squirming through natural passages.

The extended cavern trip is designed for those who desire something more than a walk.   

It is considered a high exertion endeavor.

Groups are up to eight people in size.

The tour leaves at 10 a.m. Call (209) 736-2708 to book required reservation. 

The overall cavern, once you include off-limit passages, is 410 feet deep.

Moaning Caverns is north of New Melones Reservoir between Angels Camp and Murphys at 5350 Moaning Cave Road  in the area known as Vallecito.

Moe information can be found at moaning caverns.com    

The other caverns are:

California Cavern

Shortly after its discovery, California Cavern was opened by miners for public tours, making this the first show cave in California.

Early visitors included Bret Harte, Mark Twain and John Muir. On display are crystalline formations and the rare speleothems. Visitors can take walking tours and spelunking excursions, one of them known as the Middle Earth Cave Expedition.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch; www.caverntours.com/california-cavern-state-historic-landmark.

 Mercer Caverns

Beat the heat with a 45-minute cavern tour in the year-round 55-degree Mercer Caverns. Tours traverse 440 steps (208 down, 232 up). Visitors can try their hand at mining for minerals using a 19th-century replica sluice. More information is at mercercaverns.net

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com