THINGS TO DO & STOP SIGHTS TO explore during your STAY

Big Trees State Park  

 Features hiking trails through 3000 year old, 250 foot tall giant Sequoia Trees.

 10 minutes east on  Highway 4. 

Spicer Reservoir

 Spicer Reservoir has a surface area of 6000 acres. 

  Activities include fishing, hiking, canoes and kayaks.

Located eight miles southwest of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road.

Bear Valley Ski Resort 

Offers ten lifts and 75+ trails across 1680 ski-able acres. 30 minutes east on Highway 4 to Bear Valley Village. The resort is known for being a relaxing High Sierra escape complete with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. 

Lake Alpine

Lake Alpine is located four miles east of Bear Valley on Highway 4. The lake lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 7,350 feet and covers 180 acres.  Great for swimming, hiking, fishing and kayaking.  Fishing boats, small motor boats, canoes ,kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent.  

Winter activities include Cross country skiing, dog sledding, snow mobiles and snow play.

White Pines Lake

A warm water lake for swimming, paddle boarding, hiking, outdoor sports, and picnics. 10 minutes east off Highway 4. Turn left onto Blagen Road just past the chevron Station in Arnold.

Arnold Rim Trail

 The Arnold Rim Trail is a unique non-motorized trail system designed for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Dogs are allowed.

Trail head is 1  1/2 miles off Highway 4 on Avery Sheep Ranch Road.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum

Situated at one end of beautiful White Pines Lake, the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum gives a fascinating look into the history and importance of logging in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Creative exhibits bring this history to life and honor those who lost their lives in the industry. Winter Hours:

Open by appointment December – April/May. Call 209-795-5672. Summer Hours:

April/May through November:  Friday-Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Lube Room Saloon

The Lube Room Saloon is a rustic old saloon and restaurant located in Dorrington, California on the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. This is a fun, dog and family-friendly place to stop to enjoy a really great burger, salads, and more plus a variety of beers and cocktails. Enjoy the pool table or video games. Catch a live music performance on occasion at their beautiful outdoor venue surrounded my the forest. Check the website for the current music schedule. 

 Downtown Murphys 

 Queen of the Sierra

Murphys is the home of over about 30 wineries with 22 tasting rooms along the historic main street. Enjoy a picnic at the Murphys Community Park and be sure to dip your toes in the beautiful creek that runs through it. To plan your perfect day in Murphys, find the Trip Planner Pages at the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance Website. 

Ironstone Winery and Concert Venue

 Ironstone Vineyards is a premier Calaveras County destination with Wine Tasting, Dining, Estate Tours, Fabulous Gardens,, Concerts, Wine Caves, Jewelry Shoppe and the Heritage Museum that features one of the largest crystalline gold leaf specimens ever found in the Mother Lode. A massive 44 pounds in size, the piece is beautifully formed and handsomely displayed.

Murphys Historic Hotel

Serving the Queen of the Sierras Since 1856, visitors can take a step back in time when visiting Murphys Historic Hotel, one of California’s longest operating hotels. Enjoy fine dining on the patio or dining room as well as casual bar food in the old fashion saloon. The old-world charm and rich history will take you back in time to the days of the Gold Rush.

Quyle Kilns

Quyle Kilns is the oldest family owned and operated production business in Murphys, producing handmade pottery as well as mining and processing raw clays. Clay is available for purchase from their showroom – check ahead to make sure of availability. The pottery showroom displays the work of several local artists.

Mercer Caverns

It was on September 1, 1885, that Walter J. Mercer would, just by chance, make a discovery that would forever change his life.  After spending most of that hot summer day having no luck prospecting for gold, Walter discovered a subterranean wonderland that is known today as Mercer Caverns. Cave tours last about 45 minutes. There are a total of 440 steps, 208 down into the caverns and 232 up out of the caverns. Many of the steps are along steep, narrow stairways so holding onto the handrails is always recommended.

Murphys Creek Theatre

Founded in 1994, Murphys Creek Theatre has a rich history of producing a diverse range of plays. With a focus on showcasing local talent and fostering new voices in the theatre world, the theatre has become a hub for creativity and artistic expression. Visit their website to get latest show dates/times.

Angels Camp Museum

The Angels Camp Museum, gift shop, and Calaveras Visitors Bureau are all three located right inside the entrance to the museum. Here you’ll find Calaveras-made honey, olive oil, coffee, ceramics, and snacks, Gold Rush era souvenirs, one-of-a-kind hats and shirts, books on local history, and much more. Open 7 days a week - visit their website for daily hours.