The City of Angels, otherwise known as Angels Camp, is a California town located in the Sierra Nevada. Formerly known as Clearlake, Carson’s Creek, and Angels City, Angels Camp has a population of 3,836 as of the 2010 census, an increase from the population of 3,004 in the 2000 census. It sits at an elevation of 1378 feet above sea level.
Mercer Caverns
Mercer Caverns is a show cave located in Calaveras County. It was discovered around 1885 by gold prospector Walter J. Mercer and is one of the best places to visit in the Angels Camp area. The caverns contain a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and speleothems.
You can also visit the Angels Camp Museum, which has three acres of exhibits. The museum is staffed by docents and has interactive displays for the entire family to enjoy. You can even try your hand at gold panning at the Carriage House, which is close to Mercer Caverns.
Mercer Caverns is located in Calaveras County, just outside of Murphy. From Sacramento, the caverns are about two hours away. If you are planning to visit the caverns, you can stay overnight in Murphy or in Angels Camp. However, you should be aware that the caverns are popular during summer months, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
Another fun place to visit in Angels Camp is Murphys, which is a gold-rush-era town with several wineries and excellent restaurants. Murphys is also known for its annual Irish festival held in March. If you have time, you can also visit the Mercer Caverns, a short cave located north of the town. The cave has many stalagmites and speleothems.
After enjoying the caverns, you can take a stroll in downtown Angels Camp. There are several restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. There are even some places where you can see paraphernalia from famous author Mark Twain. Angels Camp was the setting for one of his short stories.
If you want to experience caves in the area, Mercer Caverns is a must-visit place. The caverns were discovered by a gold prospector in the mid-1880s. The caverns are the oldest continuously-operating commercial caves in the state. The entrance is located at 1665 Sheep Ranch Road.
The cave was once filled with water, which created a moaning sound. This sound echoed up the chamber and out the small opening on top. The sound was loud enough to be heard up to a quarter-mile away. However, the moans are no longer audible due to man-made changes.
The area is also home to several vineyards and tasting rooms. There is a winery in Murphys and other small towns nearby. The largest vineyard in the area is Ironstone Vineyards. It offers award-winning wine tastings and is near the Gold Rush Heritage Museum and the historic Murphys Gold Mine. The town also hosts concerts throughout the summer.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The state park preserves two groves of giant sequoia trees. It’s a four-mile drive northeast of Arnold, California, in the middle elevations of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a great place to visit if you love giant trees and hiking.
The park offers two campgrounds, North Grove and South Grove. North Grove is open from March through November. South Grove opens a few months later. The state park also offers cabin rentals throughout the year. There are hiking trails and ranger-led tours to help visitors make the most of their experience.
The park contains more than 200 giant sequoia trees, some of which are more than two thousand years old. This park offers a range of recreational activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. There is even a bowling alley in a giant stump!
For a relaxing camping experience, you can stay at either of the two campgrounds. One is located near the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, which is open from April through November. It showcases the history of logging in the Sierra Nevada. It’s also adjacent to the Arnold Rim Trail.
The town of Angels Camp is a charming small town located in northern California. It’s a great destination for a weekend getaway. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, including a Mark Twain festival on the third weekend of May.
One of the best places to visit in Angels Camp is the local museum, which has a large collection of vintage carriages and wagons. The museum also features a history of gold mining in the area. The museum also sells local products, such as honey, olive oil, and t-shirts. Other attractions in Angels Camp include the Altaville Schoolhouse, which is one of the oldest and best preserved school houses in the state.
Another popular attraction in Angels Camp is Moaning Cavern Adventure Park, which is located 11 miles from town. This incredible vertical chamber is open for guided tours and zip lines. This park also offers adventure trips, hiking trails, and camping sites.
There are five campgrounds available within the park. You can choose between Upper and Lower campgrounds. The Upper Campground has two small group campgrounds and accommodates about forty people. You may also want to consider staying at the North Grove Campground. It is located near Highway 4 and is surrounded by mature conifer forests. The campground also has bear-proof lockers for safety and convenience.
Calaveras Jumping Frog Jubilee
If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly festival in the Sierra Foothills, the Calaveras County Fair is the place to go. This four-day event combines livestock, agricultural exhibits, live music, and more. Visitors to Angels Camp can also enjoy the Calaveras County Fair’s signature event, the Jumping Frog Jubilee.
The event began in 1893, and is one of the oldest continuously-running county fairs in California. In 1930, the fair combined with the International Frog Jumping Jubilee, a fair that began during the Gold Rush. Today, frog jumping contests take place in Frogtown, which is located on the fairgrounds. The festival is open to contestants of all ages, so everyone is welcome to participate.
The Jubilee’s highlights include a children’s parade, livestock, rodeo, and other classic fair activities. Local agriculture is also on display at the Jubilee. There’s even a frog jumping competition and an International Frog Jump finals!
The Jumping Frog Jubilee and Calaveras County Fair attract thousands of visitors every year. Both events are held on the third full weekend of May and begin with a parade for children in downtown Angels Camp. The Destruction Derby concludes the fair with a bang on Sunday night. The fair has a rich history and a bright future. For more information on the fair, visit FestivalNet.
The Calaveras Jumping Frog contest draws a crowd from around the world and offers a cash prize of up to $1,500. It takes place during the third weekend of May during the Calaveras County Fair and is called America’s “truly original celebration.”
Famous American author Mark Twain was inspired by a jumping frog in California. He visited the area and stumbled upon a county fair, where he got the idea for his fable, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” His fable brought Twain national recognition.
The Jumping Frog Jubilee in California is a four-day event that honors the memory of Mark Twain. The contest is an annual tradition, and tens of thousands of visitors come to see the spectacle.