"Top of the World" on Arnold Rim Trail Offers Panoramic Views

One of our favorite local dog-friendly hikes is a bit strenuous, but if you don't mind elevation gain, the trail is well-maintained and the views are worth the effort! To the west, you can see all the way across the Central Valley to Mt. Diablo on a clear day, and to the east you can see the grand peaks of the Sierra. This photo was taken on a warm December day and the views were spectacular! Scroll down for more information on the trail head and a detailed description of the

Hiking Calaveras Big Trees from Upper Moran Road

Few visitors know that Calaveras Big Trees State Park can be accessed from Upper Moran Road in the Blue Lake Springs neighborhood of Arnold, just over a mile from our cabin, Snowflake Chalet. From the trail head, it is approximately a 4 mile roundtrip hike to the North Grove, around the loop and back to the trailhead.

Outdoor Recreation in Calaveras County

Soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds our cabin restores our souls every time we visit, and we hope it restores yours!

Our Favorite Restaurants Near Snowflake Chalet

Sarafina's Italian Kitchen, 794 Highway 4, Arnold, CA, 209-795-9858

Fire Safety at Snowflake Chalet

IMPORTANT -- Calaveras County is a high-risk area for wild fires. Please help us prevent a fire in our beloved community!

Important Phone Numbers at Snowflake Chalet

We want to make sure you have access to all the official phone numbers you might need during your stay. You will also find a phone book in the drawer under our microwave.

Snowflake Chalet Kitchen Basics

Please do not remove dishes, glasses, silverware, utensils, serving bowls or platters or other permanent items from Snowflake Chalet to take on a picnic or when gathering with friends at a nearby cabin. We know you have the best of intentions of returning everything, but we have found that items sometimes don't make their way back to us.

Snowflake Chalet Covid-19 Safety Plan

Snowflake Chalet Covid-19 Prevention Plan

Power Outages at Snowflake Chalet

Unfortunately power outages are not uncommon in the mountains. Power outages can be triggered by winter and spring rain/snow storms or lightning during the summer and fall. Pacific, Gas and Electric (PG & E) also notified us that as of 2019, they will shut power down during hot, windy conditions that could cause wild fires.

Guest Access to Blue Lake Springs Recreation Center /Snowflake Lodge

Supplies provided at Snowflake Chalet

We provide each guest with a starter supply of basics such as dish detergent, dishwasher pods, paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, firewood, etc.

Check-Out Instructions for Snowflake Chalet

Check out time is 11 am. We respectfully ask that you honor this time, as it takes the entire 5 hours to prepare for our next guest checking in at 4 pm. Thank you!

Children at Snowflake Chalet

Snowflake Chalet is ideal for families due to our location across the street from Snowflake Lodge and the Blue Lake Springs Recreation Center, but we do ask for your diligence in supervising your little ones.

Check-In Instructions and Driving Directions

Check-in time is 4 pm and check-out time is 11 am.

Deck amenities at Snowflake Chalet

Our deck includes a brand new Weber propoane gas grill, patio furniture, sun umbrellas and a long outdoor Farm Table that can seat 10-12.

Heat and Air Conditioning at Snowflake Chalet

This is a lovely photo, but to prevent sparks from starting a fire, please do keep the doors to the wood stove closed when a fire is burning.

Trash Disposal at Snowflake Chalet

The kitchen trash can is under the sink, along with extra bags. When the kitchen trash can is full, please put trash in the can that is found within the metal bear bin at the end of our driveway.

How to Use our TV and Entertainment System at Snowflake Chalet

We have Smart TVs in our living room and in the recreation room and in the bunk room over the garage. Both are new systems that are easy to use, but we understand that if your system at home is different, it can be confusing. Here are tips to help if you encounter problems.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park Overview

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, about 2 miles from our cabin, Snowflake Chalet, features some of the most majestic trees in the world.

Please Keep Us Happy!

We have found that most of our guests treat our cabin as if it was their own, and we enjoy sharing our special retreat!

Dogs at Snowflake Chalet

We welcome well-behaved dogs at Snowflake Chalet! No cats, please, as we are allergic to them!