Calaveras County A Four Season High Sierra Recreation Destination
Why Calaveras on your next destination trip? Experience the history, the beauty the mystery and the challenge Calaveras. Travel back in time to explore the history of the 49ers that founded the regions unique and wild mountain towns. then the in the spectacle of the wild as you walk among the giants or explore the backs of the wild rivers that carved the mountain valleys. Sit back and slow down life in one of California’s favorite wine counties.
Explore the Scenic high country of Ebbett’s Pass Scenic byway and discover a world of granite richness. Crystal clear blue waters, rugged granite foundations. Bear Valley Ski resort is a regional favorite for high sierra powder skiing. Campers and hikers take over in the summer seasons with so many options to virtually disappear from the rush of the city life.
Welcome to Calaveras. the perfect vacation get away between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park
Ebbett’s Scenic Byway is filled with beautiful locations and makes a great summer drive between Murphy’s California and Markleville California in Alpine County on the East side of the Sierra.
Calaveras County invites you to embark on a journey of enchantment, where history, outdoor adventures, and cultural richness converge. Explore the diverse tapestry of experiences that await in this captivating region.
1. Calaveras Big Trees State Park: Step into a realm of giants at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to awe-inspiring giant sequoias. Wander through ancient groves and stand in awe beneath the towering canopy of these majestic trees. The park offers a variety of trails, revealing the beauty and resilience of these iconic giants.
2. Ironstone Vineyards: Indulge your senses at Ironstone Vineyards, where lush vineyards meet world-class wines. Take a vineyard tour, explore the heritage museum, and savor award-winning wines in the elegant tasting room. With a blend of history and viticulture, Ironstone offers a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts.
3. Moaning Cavern Adventure Park: Embark on an underground odyssey at Moaning Cavern Adventure Park. Descend into the depths of the earth through a massive cave entrance or test your courage with thrilling zip lines. Whether exploring the cavern’s depths or soaring above the treetops, Moaning Cavern promises unforgettable adventures.
4. Murphys Historic Hotel: Step back in time at the Murphys Historic Hotel, a landmark dating back to 1856. Immerse yourself in the charm of this historic establishment, where the ambiance of yesteryear meets modern comfort. Explore the quaint town of Murphys, known for its wineries, galleries, and vibrant Main Street.
5. Mercer Caverns: Delve into the subterranean wonders of Mercer Caverns, a fascinating underground world adorned with intricate formations. Guided tours lead you through majestic chambers, showcasing the beauty of nature’s handiwork. Discover the geological marvels hidden beneath the surface.
6. Natural Bridges: Experience the enchantment of Natural Bridges, a geological wonder sculpted by the forces of nature. Marvel at the natural limestone bridges that span over Coyote Creek, creating a picturesque setting. A short hike unveils these unique formations, providing a tranquil escape into nature.
7. Gold Mining Towns: Trace the footsteps of California’s Gold Rush era by exploring the historic mining towns scattered throughout the county. Walk the streets of Angels Camp, visit the preserved buildings in Columbia State Historic Park, and uncover the tales of the gold-seeking pioneers who shaped the region’s destiny.
8. Outdoor Adventures: Calaveras County beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a playground of possibilities. Hike through pristine landscapes, cast a line in serene lakes and rivers, and embark on scenic drives through the Gold Country. From New Melones Reservoir to the Stanislaus National Forest, the region offers diverse natural wonders to explore.
9. Local Events and Festivals: Immerse yourself in the vibrant community spirit of Calaveras County by attending local events and festivals. From the celebrated Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee to cultural fiestas and farmers markets, each gathering adds a touch of local flair to your visit.
Discover the essence of Calaveras County, where every corner unveils a new story, a natural marvel, or a sip of exceptional wine. Whether you seek the thrill of adventure, the embrace of history, or the serenity of the outdoors, Calaveras County invites you to create your own narrative amid its captivating landscapes.
Seeking Solitude or a challenge in the Sierra. Hiking in Calaveras will give all hikers access to some great trails.
- The Arnold Rim Trail
- Calaveras Big Tree State Park Trails – North Grove and South Grove
- Lake Alpine and Bear Valley region have multiple trails options
- New Melones Recreation Area – United States Bureau of Reclamation’s list and map of 19 trails around New Melones can be found here: New Melones Trail map This map shows Angels Creek Trail, Buck Brush Loop, Carson Creek Trail, Frontier Trail, Gold Rush Trail and Tower Climb, among others.
- Natural Bridges Trail – The Natural Bridges trail is a beautiful two-mile round trip hike will lead you to spectacular limestone caverns that have been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake.
- Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail: Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail
Explore the winter wonderland of Calaveras County, where snowy landscapes and crisp mountain air create the perfect backdrop for a variety of cold-weather adventures. Embrace the season with these exhilarating winter recreation options:
Bear Valley Ski Resort:
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Bear Valley Ski Resort offers a premier skiing and snowboarding experience. With a range of slopes for all skill levels, including challenging runs and family-friendly terrain, the resort is a snowy haven for winter sports enthusiasts.Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing:
Calaveras County boasts pristine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, allowing you to traverse snow-covered meadows and dense forests. Whether you’re a seasoned cross-country skier or a first-time snowshoer, the tranquil winter landscapes provide a serene escape.Winter Hiking in Big Trees State Park:
Experience the magic of winter by exploring the snow-draped trails of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The park remains open for winter hiking, offering a unique perspective of giant sequoias adorned with snow. Choose from various trails suitable for different skill levels.Sledding and Tubing at Bear Valley Adventure Company:
Bear Valley Adventure Company transforms into a snowy playground in winter, offering exhilarating sledding and tubing experiences. Glide down groomed slopes, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the snow-covered landscape.Ice Skating at Sequoia Woods Country Club:
Sequoia Woods Country Club welcomes winter enthusiasts to lace up their skates and twirl across the outdoor ice rink. Surrounded by snow-draped trees, this charming ice skating spot provides a picturesque setting for family-friendly fun.Winter Fishing at New Melones Reservoir:
Winter brings a unique charm to fishing at New Melones Reservoir. Bundle up and enjoy a tranquil day on the water, casting your line for trout, bass, and other cold-water species. The crisp winter air adds an extra layer of serenity to this popular fishing destination.Cozy Cabin Retreats:
Embrace the winter chill by booking a cozy cabin retreat in Calaveras County. From charming lodges to secluded cabins, the county offers a range of accommodations where you can unwind after a day of winter adventures. Enjoy crackling fires, hot cocoa, and the peaceful ambiance of a winter retreat.Winter Festivals and Events:
Calaveras County comes alive with winter festivities, including holiday markets, parades, and seasonal events. Immerse yourself in the local winter culture, where communities celebrate the joy of the season with cheerful gatherings and festive activities.
Arnold California
The cozy mountain town of Arnold lies right at the snow line—which means there’s plenty of white stuff in winter but not so much that it’s hard to get around. Visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski (or mountain bike or hike in summer) on the Arnold Rim Trail, a 17-mile path that offers birds-eye views from craggy Cougar Rock and a peek at San Antonio Falls. (The trailhead is located at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, an interesting visit for history fans.) Nearby is Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where ancient trees have awed visitors since 1852. Wander among giant sequoias on the 1.5-mile North Grove Loop and admire the gnarled Old Bachelor tree and the Siamese Twins—two sequoias that are joined together. In the more remote South Grove, a longer trail follows Big Trees Creek to gargantuan trees like the 2,000-year-old Louis Agassiz Tree, the park’s largest specimen at 250 feet high and 25 feet across.
Angels Camp California
Best known as the location of the Jumping Frog Contest made famous by Mark Twain in his story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras,” Angels Camp is also home to one of the most picturesque historic downtowns in California’s Gold Country, beautiful, Sierra Foothills scenery, boutique shops, a wonderful museum and a championship golf course. Get to know the historic downtown using this fun and entertaining scavenger hunt by Let’s Roam.
Historic downtown Angels Camp is home to charming, boutique shops, the Calaveras Visitors Center, a bakery, two restaurants and the Utica Hotel, which is currently undergoing restoration. Stroll Main Street using our historic walk tour map in the back of the Calaveras Visitors Guide, and enjoy the Frog Hop of Fame.
Bear Valley, California
Bear Valley is a friendly and relaxing High Sierra escape located in the beautiful Central Sierra Mountains. Nestled off Scenic Highway 4 in the spectacular Stanislaus National Forest, this year-round destination offers activities from relaxation to extreme adventure in every season. Whether you’re looking to get your heart racing or to just slow down and savor the Sierra, Bear Valley is the perfect destination to enjoy the outdoors as Mother Nature intended.
Bear Valley Glamping is a popular summer activity, and a variety of spectacular alpine lakes in the area provide incredible paddling opportunities.
Bear Valley Resort has everything you need to hit the trails this summer. Mountain bike passes and rentals are available.
Calaveras Big Tree State Park
Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves two groves of giant sequoias – the world’s largest trees – in the North and South Groves. The park is a mixed-conifer forest (a variety of trees living together). In addition to the giant trees, you will find the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. Trails throughout the park allow you to discover the natural beauty that has awed visitors to the area since 1852.
Hiking – The North Grove has a level, 1.5 mile self-guided trail. The .13-mile Three Senses Trail allows visitors to experience the feel, smell, and sounds of this magnificent forest. The five-mile South Grove Trail travels along Big Trees Creek and passes the park’s two largest trees — the Agassiz Tree and the Palace Hotel Tree. The fairly strenuous four-mile River Canyon Trail runs between the North Grove and the Stanislaus River. Along the Lava Bluffs Trail, hikers can view the scenic North Fork of the river.
San Andreas California
The town was named after San Andrés, the patron saint of Spain. Mexicans first discovered gold here, and by the early 1850s between 1,000 and 1,500 miners were working in the area. In 1854 extensive placer deposits were discovered in an old riverbed 150 feet below the surface of the earth.
As the County seat, San Andreas is the center of commerce, education and services for Calaveras County. The town also boasts a small, delightful historic district that captures the charm of earlier eras and houses the Calaveras County Archives and Calaveras County Museum Complex.
California Cavern
Originally called Mammoth Cave, California Cavern was California’s first show cave and is its longest cavern system. Depending on the season, the guided cavern walk tour can be 45 minutes to 80 minutes long featuring an enchanting trail with beautiful crystalline cave formations in historical and recently discovered pristine areas.
The cavern walking tour takes you through several passageways into multiple chambers on a trail system. On the way, you’ll see a wide variety of beautiful white, cream and caramel colored crystalline cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, flowstones and helictites, while also learning about the cavern’s fascinating discovery and early uses.
