Outdoor Recreation in Calaveras County

Here are just a few of our favorite activities that are open and welcoming visitors:

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

Calaveras Big Trees State Park (about 2 miles east of Blue Lake Springs on Highway 4)

Take an easy stroll on wide paths through a grove of some of the biggest trees in the world. As described on its website, "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." The park is open sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open with limited capacity. Please visit the park's website for more information on visitor guidelines during the pandemic. (There is a trailhead into the back of the park on Old Moran Road, just a mile or so from Snowflake Chalet, that allows you to hike on a fire road to a beautiful vista point. You can also reach the North Grove, but it will be a much longer hike than starting at the Visitor Center)

White Pines Lake (on Blagen Road, east of downtown Arnold, past Hazel Fisher School)

While smaller than Lake Alpine, Utica and Spicer Reservoirs, White Pines Lake still offers clear, blue water surrounded by pine trees, and it's only a 5 minute drive from Snowflake Chalet. You can swim, picnic, kayak and paddleboard, and walk along the shoreline. White Pines Lake has a large parking lot and there is no charge to visit.

Arnold Rim Trail (click to see three trailheads, all within a few miles drive of Snowflake Chalet)

This is an amazing trail that offers a wide range of experiences, from wooded forests to panaramic vistas. We love hiking to the Top-of-the-World vista point, which is about 2.5 miles from the trailhead at Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, and well-marked with signs.

Utica Reservoir (turn-off is approximately 30 minutes east of Snowflake Chalet on Highway 4, and then an 8-10 mile drive on narrow mountain roads)

It is a lot of work to get to Utica Reservoir, but it is one of the beautiful places I know and worth the effort! You can set up on a sandy beach, or find a granite rock outcropping to spread out on. We often kayak here, but you don't need a kayak to enjoy the water. Floating on rafts, just enjoying the view from a lawn chair is awesome, too! (kayak rentals available at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Arnold)

Lake Alpine (about 40 minutes east of Snowflake Chalet on Highway 4)

Lake Alpine is one of the most popular recreation spots in the area. As described on the National Forest Service website, Lake Alpine "lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 7,300 feet and covers 180 acres. Summer visitors enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, biking, and interpretive programs." The Lake is open for use, but be aware that campgrounds and bathrooms are closed at this time, so please plan accordingly if you want to visit.

Wheeler Lake Trail (about 30 miles east of Snowflake Chalet on Highway 4. Trailhead on left (north) side of 4)

If you are looking for a serious-but-not-hard-core hike, this might be just the thing for you. I love to hike, but don't love scary drop-offs and narrow trails. This hike is perfect for me (a 60-year-old woman): rigorous, but not impossible, and some of the most gorgeous Sierra scenery you will see. The hike meanders through wide-open meadows, switch backs to a higher altitude where you are likely to eventually encounter snow, and as you climb you will see alpine lakes in the distance. We've never made it all the way to Wheeler Lake, but you don't need to for the hike to be spectacular! Allow 3-4 hours for the hike, in addition to driving.

Mosquito Lake (about 15 minutes east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4)

Mosquito Lake is not large enough for kayaking, but a worthy destination for a picnic or a scenic drive. It's a very small, but charming lake that features rustic and picturesque cabins on several rock outcroppings.

Ebbett's Pass National Scenic Byway (140 miles roundtrip to Markleeville and back)

If you're not up for a hike or water day, and want to spend the day surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra's, consider driving from Snowflake Chalet to Markleeville. Be forewarned that this is a full-day's outing, but you will see many gorgeous vistas along the way. Click on the link above for points-of-interest guide to the drive.

The suggestions above are all activities we have done and enjoyed. If you are still looking for ideas, please check out these links below:

Calaveras Visitor's Bureau

A comprehensive website with links to many local attractions.

7 Things to Do in Arnold

List of suggested activities from the Go Calaveras County website