There's so much to do near Bear Valley, California, from gold rush towns to the Stanislaus National Forest, it's hard to pick one place to begin. If you love the outdoors there will be something for you, from winter sports like skiing and snow boarding to summertime swimming and kayaking. Wine tasting and good food can be found in nearby Murphys.


BEAR VALLEY SKI AREA www.bearvalley.com

Only 17 miles from the cabin and one of the best ski areas in California. Average snowfall annually can exceed 300 inches! Generally not too crowded and traffic jams are very minimal compared to the Tahoe area.

Downhill Skiing
An excellent ski area open from Thanksgiving through the 2nd week in May.
Cross Country Skiing
Bear Valley also has groomed trails for cross country enthusiasts. Very beautiful area to ski cross country. In addition, just down the road near Lake Alpine you can cross country ski on a whole variety of trails that are more challenging.
also see: skiing

SNO PARK PASS
You can purchase a daily or seasonal Sno Park Pass at Bear Valley Lodge or at some of the sporting-goods stores in Arnold (just ask). This pass entitles you to park in one of the several areas right off Hwy 4 and go play in the snow, go cross country skiing or just for a walk. If you don't pay for a pass you cannot park in the designated areas and you risk getting a major fine.
also see: skiing

COTTAGE SPRINGS SKI & PLAY AREA
Hwy 4 & Beatrice Dr. in Camp Connell. Sledding,
also see: skiing

WHITE PINES LAKE
The local hangoutÖSee the sign for the turn off by the Ace Hardware. Open 5:30am-10:30pm. Swimming, fishing, small boats, picnicking. Small playground with Volleyball net.
also see: swimming, fishing, canoeing, picnicking

STANISLAUS RIVER www.r5.fs.fed.us
Only 15 minutes via Boards Crossing Road down to the river. Up from the bridge there are a whole range of great trout fishing spots. Fishing is particularly good in the late spring, from June to July.
also see: fishing

UNION, UTICA, AND SPICER RESERVOIRS
swimming, excellent kayaking or canoeing, motor boats on Spicer only, hiking, picnicking, fishing. Check with the Ranger Station for hiking and camping info. Turnoff is at Spicer Reservoir Road which is just past Hell's Kitchen Overlook on the way to Bear Valley.
also see: hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, picnicking

LAKE ALPINE www.lakealpine.com
Just up the road from Bear Valley on the left. This simple, easy to access lake is popular throughout the summer for boating, swimming and picnicking.
also see: hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, picnicking

MERCER CAVERNS www.mercercaverns.com
1667 Sheep Ranch Road 1 mile north of Main Street in Murphys. Open weekends 11:00-4:00, October through Memorial Day. Open daily 9:00-5:00, June through September. One-hour tours. 728-2101
also see: day trips

MEADOWMONT GOLD GOLF COURSE www.meadowmontgolf.com
9-hole par 36, golf lessons & rentals. 1684 Hwy 4, in Arnold. 795-1313
also see: golfing

CALAVERAS BIG TREES STATE PARK www.sierra.parks.state.ca.us
4 miles east of Arnold on Hwy 4. 20 m iles of hiking trails, fishing, sunbathing, and wading in the Stanislaus River, cross country skiing, camping, and picnicking. 795-2334
also see: canoeing, hiking, fishing

CALAVERAS COUNTY WINE COUNTRY www.calaveraswines.org
Calaveras County Visitor's Info Center, 1211 S. Main St. @ Rasberry Lane in Murphys. Seven small wineries in and around Murphys. 800-225-3764
also see: wine tasting

OLD TIMER'S MUSEUM
479 Main St. @ Sheep Ranch Rd. in Murphys. Friday -Sunday, 11:00- 4:00. 728-1160
also see: day trips

JIMTOWN 1849 GOLD MINING CAMP www.goldprospecting.com
Jamestown Road off Hwy 108 (aka Hwy 49) in Jamestown. Offers a look at life in an 1849 gold-panning camp. You can pan for gold and keep what you find. A variety of gold prospecting trips and adventures available. Open daily 10:00-5:00. 984-4653
also see: day trips

MOTHERLODE TOURS
sightseeing tours. Murphys. 728-1190
also see: day trips