Information about the Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark
in Amador County in Northern California's Gold Country.
Facts About the Black Chasm Cavern
SURVEYED LENGTH: 3,136 feet (956 meters)
SURVEYED DEPTH EXCLUDING THE LAKE: 164 feet (45 meters)
SURVEYED DEPTH INCLUDING THE LAKE: 225 feet (69 meters)
LOCATION: 15701 Pioneer-Volcano Road
NEAREST TOWNS:
Volcano
|
Pine Grove
|
Pioneer
COUNTY:
Amador County
Description of the Black Chasm Cavern
The Black Chasm Cavern is a small, three-level cave
formed by carbonic acid eroding subterranean bedrock
that is known for its many varieties of Seeleothems and its
unusualhelictite formations.
Gold miners first explored the cave in the 1850's and
in the 1860's the cave entrance was enlarged and tours were
offered for a short time. Over the years the cavern has
had several owners including the Owens Illinois Cement Company,
the American Cement Company. The Sierra Nevada Recreation
Corporation purchased the cavern in 1996 and offered
5 hour cave expeditions for about four years. Property development
in 1999 and 2000 include building stairs inside the cave
and a visitor's center was built in 2003.
National Natural Landmark Designation
The Black Chasm cave a was was designated a United States national
natural landmark in 1976 based on
a recommendation submitted to the U.S. National Parks Service
by local members of the National Speleological Society.
The site received national landmark status because of its many
varieties of Seeleothems and its Crystalline, helictite formations.
Visiting the Black Chasm Cavern
The Black Chasm Cave is situated on a 60 acre private property but
visitors are welcome. Facilities and activities include a
3,000 square foot visitors center, a fifty-minute, fee-based walking
tour of the cave, and a free, above-ground, self-guided tour of
the Zen Garden Nature Trail.
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Cave and Mine Adventures "Black Chasm Cavern" Tours
Articles About the Black Chasm Cavern
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Amador Tourism Council "Black Chasm Cave" Article
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U.S. National Park Service "Black Chasm Cave" Article
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Amador County Info "Black Chasm" Article
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Wikipedia "Black Chasm Cave" Article
Videos Featuring the Black Chasm Cavern
KCRA News "Chill Out in Amador County Cavern" Video
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California Through My Lens "Black Chasm Caverns" Video
Amador County Travel Guide
Gold Country of California
High Sierras of California
Northern California Travel Guide
