Mercer Caverns; Murphys, California

Our family takes a yearly spring trip down the southern Hwy. 49 route, and while we have some spots we love to drop in on every year, we try to discover something new each time, as well.

This year, our son was finally brave enough to check out one of the many caverns in the area, Mercer Caverns. Just outside of the sweet little town of Murphy's, you can travel 16 stories down inside the earth, and also pan for gemstones!

There are numerous caverns and caves in the Southern Gold Country, all within two hours of Sacramento. Each has it's own gorgeous surroundings and colorful history. Look into Mercer Caverns and California Cavern. The California Cavern site also has links to three other caverns in the area: Moaning Cavern, Black Chasm and Boyden Cavern.

The cavern was absolutely stunning, and my son forgot his fears in the face of so much underground wonder. He was also quite pleased with the sack of gemstones he successfully mined in the outdoor mining station. They were planted, of course, but that didn't seem to take away from his excitement and enthusiasm.

For more information on things to do along historic Highway 49, go here.