If you have never toured a helictite cave, surrounded by icy stalactites and stalagmites, you’re missing out. This designated National Natural Landmark showcases stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and the vast arrays of rare helictite crystals. Dress warmly to travel underground for the 50-minute walking tour of the 57-degree Fahrenheit cave. On top of the earth, the three-hour Labyrinth Tour meanders through...

You can’t visit Calaveras County without stopping at Big Trees State Park. This beautiful green space dates back to 1931, and was established to preserve the North Grove of the regal giant sequoias. As a first-timer, you’ll want to stroll at least part of the interpretive trail, which introduces you to the Discovery Tree, the first redwood discovered in 1852....

This little valley once accommodated the Miwok Indians. Here, you can see marbleized limestone with 1,185 mortar holes and a number of petroglyphs. Ancient Miwok women used the holes to grind acorns, and today Native Americans gather here to celebrate acorns throughout the year, with music, dancing, and food—the biggest bash being the Native American Big Time Celebration the last...