The Arnold area is a scenic playground with something for everyone!
Heading East on Highway 4 in Arnold (Fall).
Drone photograph by Gabriel Deamicis.
Heading East on Highway 4 in Arnold (Winter).
Drone photograph by Gabriel Deamicis.
BIG TREES STATE PARK
Murphys is a small, gold-rush era town you will pass through before reaching Arnold. It is full of historic architecture, boutiques, restaurants and wineries/tasting rooms.
Compared to Wine Country, Murphys is quaint, with tasting rooms dotting Main Street. Wine aficionados appreciate Hatcher Winery, Newsom Harlow and Broll Mountain Vineyards. Lavender Ridge pairs their wine tastings with cheese and hosts fun events. Check out Val du Vino at the west end of Main Street, and then visit its sister winery, Allegorie for its arts & crafts gallery.
Several wineries are located off of Murphys Grade Road, such as Chatom Winery, Coppermine and Ayrial Vieux, a limited production, artisan vineyard and winery, producing wines from grapes grown on their estate.
In comparison, Ironstone Winery has an enormous tasting room with a 42’ stone fireplace, set among gorgeous gardens. You can buy drinks & food at their deli and then picnic on their grounds.
Gazebo in Murphys Community Park
Historic downtown Murphys has a town square with a gazebo, playground, picnic area, lawns, a creek and a bocce ball court.
There are so many options for dining in Murphys… Grounds (excellent for breakfast), Alchemy, V Restaurant and V Bistro, to name a few. In nice weather, eat outside at the Murphys Hotel. Grab a cup of locally-roasted coffee at the Gold Country Roasters, visit Nelson’s Candies to experience an old fashioned candy shop, and treat yourself to a scoop of delicious homemade ice cream at JoMa’s.
Special events in Murphys include Irish days in March, the Grape Stomp in October, the Jumping Frog Jubilee & County Fair (in Angels Camp) in May and multiple weekend wine festivals.
Snow sports in the winter, outdoor adventures in the summer.
About a mile hike down to an amazing waterway running through caverns that look like they belong in South America (or Disneyland!). Bring a raft to cruise from one side to the other.
THE LAKES
For fishing, kayaking and enjoying the natural beauty of the lake. The area was originally a lumber mill, so you can stop in to the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum for a little local history.
White Pines Lake.
Drone photograph taken by Gabriel Deamicis.
STANISLAUS RIVER
A few minutes east up Highway 4 from Arnold is the neighborhood of Big Trees Village. Wind through the neighborhood for an insider’s path to the Stanislaus River for camping, fishing and swimming. Take Boards Crossing Road 5 miles down to the Stanislaus River. This path is a free river access, but the road is closed in the winter.
Whitewater Rafting
Oars offers a Class IV+ 1 day whitewater rafting trip on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River through Big Trees State Park.
ARNOLD DINING
There are many excellent dining options right here in Arnold! Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen always draws crowds, as does Dogwood for fine dining. More casual options include El Vaquero, Snowshoe Brewing Company and Arnold Chinese. And for super casual (and take out), there are Subway, Giant Burger, and Round Table Pizza, but don’t miss out on the Chevron station deli for delicious sandwiches, as well as the Cruisers station. Breakfast options include Bistro Espresso and Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe. Our local market – Big Trees Market – is well stocked if you would prefer to eat at home.
THE LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS SCENE
Many artists and craftspeople call this area their home.
Art on Main in Murphys features the work of local painters, potters, photographers, wood workers and glass artists.
You can view Bill Poulson’s stunning art glass at Poulson Art Glass in the Cedar Center in Arnold along with his wife Bobbette Budworth’s glass works.
Timeless Home Gallery in Arnold showcases the modern barnwood style furniture and resin table designs of owners John and Lynn Glocker.
There are numerous festivals and fairs throughout the year in Murphys, Arnold and Bear Valley that feature the work of local and visiting artists.
Linda Trent is an independent artisan whose hand-crafted jewelry is characterized by clean lines, quality of craftsmanship and affordability. You can find her jewelry, alongside unique and gorgeous items for your home, at ND&X in Murphys. You can also see Linda’s jewelry online at Linda Trent Jewelry.
If you appreciate handcrafted pottery, you won’t want to miss Quyle Kilns. Look for an old red pick-up truck along the stretch of Highway 4 between Arnold and Murphys. Pamela Quyle runs the operation which has been in her family since the 1950s. They locally mine and process raw clay and produce handmade pottery. Pamela offers visitors a fascinating tour of her facility, which includes the kilns, the pigment room and the clay manufacturing machinery.
Artsy Parts offers classes and art supplies.
GOLD COUNTRY ADVENTURE
Columbia
Another quaint, gold-rush era town. This one has saloons (don’t miss the Sarsaparilla) and, in summer, fun activities such as panning for gold, horse-drawn carriage rides and candle-dipping (some of these are only offered on weekends).
Moaning Caverns
You can walk or rappel down in to the cavern, and ride their twin zip lines.
