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All the United States California Volcano Black Chasm Cavern

Black Chasm Cavern

Its dark depths conceal millions of rare, delicate crystal formations.

Volcano, California

Added By
mowozbk
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Black Chasm Cavern.   Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0
Black Chasm Cavern.   Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0
Helictites in the cavern.   Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0
Helictites.   Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0
Stalactite cluster.   Sorrel / Atlas Obscura User
Stalactite cluster.   Sorrel / Atlas Obscura User
Sign for the cavern.   Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0
Tooth-like cave formations.   Sorrel / Atlas Obscura User
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About

For years, a pitch black, 20-foot-long crack in the earth concealed a spectacular secret in its depths. Though it’s believed the indigenous Miwok were aware of this subterranean wonder, the caverns didn’t gain public recognition until gold miners swarmed into the area in the 1850s.

Gold-fever inspired a curious prospector to explore the impossible depths of the cave with nothing more than a few candles and a rope. While this explorer was unable to find gold in the cavern, he did find millions of sparkling crystals twisting from the walls in every direction.

These calcite formations, called helictites, are a rare geological treasure. They’re the most delicate cave formations, the natural world’s equivalent of fine China that’s better looked at than touched. Though uncommon, helictites grow in such profusion in Black Chasm Cavern that the cave was declared a national natural landmark in 1976.

Helicities aren’t the only wonders waiting within the dark cavern. Its lakes are home to amphipods, a type of colorless, visionless crustacean. The rare Banksula grubbsi arachnid also dwells within this inky environment.

Adventurous visitors can descend into the cavern to admire its helictites. Modern stairways and lighting allow guided tours of this spectacular cave every day of the year.

Related Tags

Caves Underground Subterranean Sites Subterranean Ecosystems

Know Before You Go

Black Chasm is located in Volcano, California. Guided walking tours leave on the hour every day. The cavern is always 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear suitable walking shoes and dress for the chill.

Community Contributors

Added By

mowozbk

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, Sorrel

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • Sorrel

Published

September 28, 2018

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  • https://www.visitcalifornia.com/attraction/black-chasm-cavern
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Chasm_Cave
Black Chasm Cavern
15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd
Volcano, California
United States
38.434278, -120.626471
Visit Website
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Photo of California

California

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