Looking for a weekend hike to embark on, I found an option I thought would totally be worthy of spending a Saturday on. After a little over 2 hours on a California highway, we arrive to the western part of the Sonora Mountain range in Calaveras County, south of Lake Tahoe. Searching for the trailhead on Highway 4 just past Angels Camp, a turnout on the side of the road appears and we’re off to explore the wondrous Natural Bridge Cavern.

Here’s Hiking to the Natural Bridge Cavern in California:

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Finding the Natural Bridge Trail

Starting off on a gravel road, steps lead downwards to the entrance of the Upper Natural Bridge Trail. Vibrant mossy trees begin to appear, a welcoming sight from the dry soil above.

The first portion of the trail is almost completely covered in shade, creating a swampy-misty atmosphere. I couldn’t believe how fresh the air is down here, like it’s never been tainted by the busy world that surrounds it.

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Hiking the Natural Bridge Trail

I couldn’t wait to get this hike started after the introduction at the trailhead. Walking through the trees for about a half mile, the scenery opens up to a small grassy area with the trail heading right. Taking a look through the tree opening on the left side, the path winds around the edge of a cliff. A climb up on these rocks is necessary to catch some stunning views!

At the top of the boulders, I can hear water flowing below me but I can’t quite see it yet. Climbing down the rocks, I start to make my way towards the sound.

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On the Search for Water

A set of stairs heading down to the river bed is my only hint that we’re in the right spot. Although we haven’t seen rain in weeks, the natural spring water flows heavily on the right side of the river. Since the left side is dry, I’m able to climb around on the rocky basin. Rocks you see here are made of marble with gorgeous colors of blues and pinks tinting them.

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The Natural Bridge Cavern

Turning around in the opposite direction, the part of trip that we really came for finally comes into sight! Do you see it?

The Natural Bridge Cavern has to be one of the coolest places I’ve stumbled upon, aside from the Emerald Pools.

Read More: The Emerald Pools

As the mineral deposits of Coyote Creek flows through the cavern, an artist’s palette of colors and shapes form the walls and ceiling.

With all of the tree debris, getting to the entrance of the cavern is pretty difficult. It’s definitely not easy getting inside of it either. The river water completely surrounds the islet inside of the cave with streams steadily dripping from the top.

I would love to come back and visit the cavern in the summertime. Returning with an inner tube, I’d float all day in and out of this cavern.

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Continuing on the Hike

While researching this trail online, I had seen a comment by somebody claiming that the second cave is much better. At this first cave, no visible trail beyond here really exists. After some snooping around, we walk on top of the first cavern to the north, still following the sound of water.

Greeted with a steep decline of marble that meets the creek at the bottom, it looks like a rough way down. Searching for other routes seems like the better option but YOLO, I slid on my butt down that marble and to the creek.

The colors on the inside of the cave are absolutely magical. The features of the ceiling and walls shaped by water flow is beyond a natural beauty.

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Returning Back to the Top

While it definitely isn’t as easy getting back to the top as it is the bottom, that Natural Bridge Cavern is the best reward to a strenuous day.

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Info for Hiking The Upper Natural Bridge Trail

• Location: Vallecito, California
• Type of Trail: Foot Trail, Out and Back
• Rated: Easy
• Distance: 2.1 miles
• Elevation: +380 feet
• Features: River, Creekbed, Caves
• More Info: No to Dogs & Bikes

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