Moaning Cavern: Rappel Into a Subterranean World

Moaning Cavern in Vallecito, Calif., is the state’s largest public cave, with a vertical space large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty within its walls. Discovered in 1851 by gold miners, the cave was once the resting place of more than 100 prehistoric skeletons, some as old as 13,000 years.

Visitors can rappel 165 feet down the main chamber then follow the descent with a three-hour tour of the cave’s (mostly unlit) chambers and passageways. The total depth of the cavern is 410 feet, but adventure tours stop at 300. Caving equipment is provided upon site and no prior rappelling experience is necessary. Advanced reservations are required.

Other cave rappelling locations in the United States include Valhalla Caves in Alabama and Laurel Caverns outside of Pittsburgh. Internationally, Horne Lake Caves on Vancouver Island, B.C., also offers rappelling tours. The Waitomo Caves in New Zealand are known for their spectacular views and long drops.

Spelunking (another term for caving) has seen a downturn in popularity in recent years due to the spread of white-nose syndrome among bats, a disease human explorers sometimes carry into the cave environment. Be cautious of what you bring into a cave and always check ahead before planning a rappelling trip.