If you are planning a winter vacation this year that is both exciting, adventurous, and fun for the entire family, you may wish to consider the Gold Cliff Mines in Angels Camp, California, as the perfect destination that combines them all.

As you travel back in time to the days of the gold rush, you and your family will be enthralled, not only by the mines, as you explore them deep beneath the surface, but also by the many fun-filled recreational activities in the area.

As you begin your journey, you are met by the guides at the Gold Cliff site. Here you are given equipment such as hard hats and other necessary gear to keep you safe as you explore the mines. There is also a wavier you have to sign before you enter the mines.

The guide will commence the tour with a history of the mine which, in its original state between 1899 and 1920, produced approximately three million dollars in gold!

After the introduction, you will be taken into the mine’s chambers. There is hiking and climbing involved, and although the entire distance is about one mile, you will nonetheless become mesmerized by the various chambers inside the mines.

In addition, you will be taken aboard a raft which runs across a 100-foot mine. You may come upon some bats along the way, all living deep inside the earth during the day, only coming out at night.

After you finish exploring the first mine, you will be taken to the second one in the system. This is a particularly exciting adventure, since the use of hand-lines will be utilized in order to descend into the mine shaft. Here you will find crystal clear waters and geological formations that are breathtaking.

After your tour is completed, you can rest up at your hotel accommodations, and consider other tours in the area during the rest of your stay.

This may include a visit to Columbia State Park, a gold rush town where you will find store owners dressed in period costume.

You may also wish to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where you will find the infamous giant Sequoia trees.

Or you can take a trip to Jamestown, and visit the Rail Town Historic Park, where you will come upon some of the oldest trains in existence today.

There are plenty of activities for you and your children to round out this vacation of adventure. Check online for more details about the area, airfares and accommodation. Your Gold Cliff Mines will be an unforgettable journey of exploration for the whole family.

Getting Ready to Explore the Caverns
Whether you are planning a trip to the Black Chasm Caverns, the Gold Cliff Mines, Moaning Cavern, Carlsbad Cavern, or taking the Zip Lines over the foot hills of Gold Country – the more you know about the rules and regulations for each location, the better prepared you and your children will be to enjoy any one of these exciting trips.

If you are planning to explore any one of the well-known caverns during your family vacation this winter, but still have questions about the caves and how your kids or teens will fare during these tours, here is information that may alleviate your concerns.

* If you are taking any of the walking tours available, it’s recommended that you do not carry a child without support such as a baby sling or carried strapped to your front. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted in the caves.

* Children should be old enough to walk in the caves. Also keep in mind there are narrow pathways and low ceilings that require a bit of maneuvering by them as well.

* Good health is required for kids as well as adults. Anyone who has a heart or lung condition, or any woman who is pregnant should forego exploring caverns because of all the bending and twisting.

* All family members must be in good health when exploring the Gold Cliff Mines. If there are special needs required, you should notify the guide before taking the tour.

* No backpacks should be utilized during exploration of the caverns, so travel light.

* Everyone who is touring the caverns will have to sign a waiver.

* If you choose to rappel down Moaning Cavern, children must be at least 12 years of age, weigh a minimum of 100 pounds, and be a minimum of four feet tall.

* If you plan to take the Zip Lines tours, you must weigh approximately 70 to 260 pounds. There is no age limit at any zip line facility. However, a waiver must be signed here as well.

* Walking tours of mines require that every person wears a hard hat. Children must be at least four years of age.

You can find more information on each site, plus details about the weather, what to wear, and facilities available at each location online.

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