Explore Arnold
Black Chasm Cavern
A National Natural Landmark near Volcano, famous for rare helictite crystals that grow sideways in defiance of gravity. The fourth of the area's show caves, and about an hour from the cabins.
First things first
First things first
Black Chasm is the connoisseur's cave of the four you can visit from Arnold. It is not the biggest — Moaning Caverns holds that — and it is not the deepest, but it holds one of the finest displays of helictites in the world: thin, twisting crystal threads that grow outwards and upwards rather than dripping downwards, and nobody fully agrees why.
It is about an hour from Chalet Bruin and Koda Loft, near Volcano in Amador County. The walking tour is on stairs and platforms, takes under an hour, and does not involve crawling — a good option for people who want a cave without the adventure.
Geography
Where Black Chasm Cavern sits
A National Natural Landmark known for rare helictite crystals that grow sideways rather than dripping downwards.
The visit is a guided walking tour on stairs and platforms; the cave holds about 58 degrees all year.
About an hour from both cabins — the fourth show cave within reach, alongside Moaning, Mercer and California Cavern.
- Region
- Sierra Nevada foothills, the limestone belt near Volcano
- County
- Amador County
- Elevation
- About 2,000 ft
- Nearest town
- Volcano, five minutes away
- Getting there
- Highway 49 north to Jackson, then east on the Volcano road
The tour, plainly
The standard visit is a guided walking tour down a series of metal stairways to viewing platforms above a large chamber, with the helictite formations lit and explained. The cave stays around 58 degrees all year, so bring a layer even in August.
There are a lot of steps, which makes it unsuitable for anyone who cannot manage stairs, and small children need holding on the platforms. Tours run on a schedule and the last one leaves well before closing — check current times, and book ahead on summer weekends and holidays.
Above ground, and what else to do
The site has a gift shop, picnic tables and a gemstone-panning trough that keeps children happy for longer than you would expect. It sits in oak and pine woodland with an easy short walk around the property.
Because it is close to Volcano and Indian Grinding Rock, this is the natural anchor for an Amador day: cave in the morning, the grinding rock and a picnic at midday, Volcano or Sutter Creek in the afternoon.
Where to stay near Black Chasm
There is no lodging at the cave. Both cabins are about an hour away in Arnold, which also puts Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns within twenty-five minutes of your door — enough to build a cave-hopping stay if that is your family's idea of a good week.
Nearby
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How far is Black Chasm Cavern from Arnold?+
About an hour — Highway 4 to Angels Camp, Highway 49 north past Jackson, then east towards Volcano.
What makes it different from the other caves?+
Its helictites: rare crystal formations that grow sideways instead of hanging down. It is a walking tour on stairs and platforms, with no crawling.
Is it suitable for young children or limited mobility?+
Children are fine with an adult holding them on the platforms. There are many steps, so it does not suit anyone who cannot manage stairs.
Do we need to book?+
Tours run on a set schedule and fill on summer weekends and holidays — check current times and reserve ahead where you can.