Just three miles east of Arnold on Highway 4 sits one of the most remarkable natural sights in California: two groves of giant sequoias, some of them over 2,000 years old. Calaveras Big Trees has been a tourist destination since 1852, making it the oldest continuously operated one in the state, and it still doesn’t feel crowded or touristy once you’re standing under the canopy.
The park has something for every pace. The North Grove Trail is an easy, flat walk that’s manageable for kids and grandparents alike, while the South Grove Trail is longer and quieter if you want more solitude among the trees. There’s a visitor center with hands-on exhibits about the sequoias and local wildlife, picnic areas, campgrounds, and in winter, groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. It’s a genuine year-round destination.
One note for dog owners: pets aren’t allowed on the main trails through the sequoia groves, only on the fire roads. Worth knowing before you plan your day.
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. In summer, Ironstone also hosts a concert series in its amphitheater, past performers have included Steve Miller, Peter Frampton and Willie Nelson, so it’s worth checking the schedule before your trip.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort, about a 40 minute drive from Arnold, is a family-friendly ski destination with terrain for every skill level, from first-timers to experts, along with rentals and lessons. Off the slopes, there’s snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobile adventures for those who’d rather stay off the chairlift.
Come summer, Bear Valley shifts gears entirely. The village becomes a base for hiking and mountain biking, and Bear Valley Adventure Company rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes if you didn’t bring your own gear. It’s a genuinely different destination depending on the season, worth a visit whether you’re coming for snow or sun.
The Arnold Rim Trail is a 17 mile trail stretching from White Pines Lake to Sheep Ranch Road, and it’s the local favorite for a reason. It’s open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, winds through the Stanislaus National Forest, and passes wildflowers, viewpoints and a waterfall that makes a great spot for a picnic.
The trailhead is easy to reach and the paths vary in difficulty, so it works for a young family out for a stroll or a more serious hiker chasing the overlooks. It’s dog-friendly too (leashed), which makes it one of the easiest ways to get your pup out into the forest. Check arnoldrimtrail.org for guided weekend walks and other events through the summer.
The area around Arnold and Bear Valley is full of water, not just the big attractions, but quieter spots too.
White Pines Lake, right in Arnold, sits next to a nine-hole golf course and the Arnold Rim Trail, making it an easy stop to pair with a round of golf or a hike.
Lake Alpine, up at 7,350 feet in the Stanislaus National Forest, is a genuine alpine gem with 180 acres of water ringed by granite and pine. It’s popular for fishing, swimming, boating and camping, with a lodge, small store and restaurant on-site, and it tends to stay uncrowded even in summer. Dogs are welcome in the day-use areas and on the trails.
Spicer Meadow Reservoir is the largest of the area’s lakes and has a concrete boat ramp, making it a solid choice if you’re bringing your own boat and want more room to spread out.
Closer to Dorrington, the Stanislaus River offers free access along Boards Crossing Road at the Sourgrass Recreation Area in spring, summer and fall. It’s a favorite for an afternoon on the rocks watching the whitewater, and the access areas are dog-friendly as well.
There are many excellent dining options right here in Arnold! Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen always draws crowds. Kalamata Mediterranean Cuisine is a newer addition worth trying, their salads and moussaka are excellent. More casual options include El Vaquero, Snowshoe Brewing Company (very pet-friendly, on-site brewery since 1995) 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. Our local market, Big Trees Market, is well stocked if you would prefer to eat at home.
Down the road in Dorrington, the Lube Room Saloon is a local institution, good burgers and pizza, live music some summer weekends, and a genuinely fun place to grab a drink.
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 see her 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.
If you didn’t pack for every activity (or flew in and can’t bring gear at all), a few local shops have you covered. SNAC (Sierra Nevada Adventure Company) in Arnold rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, snowshoes, downhill skis and snowboards, and carries outdoor clothing and footwear too. Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods, also in Arnold, has over 40 years of experience with fishing tackle, camping gear, and winter rentals including skis, snowboards, snowshoes and sleds.
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). Columbia State Historic Park has the full details on hours and events.
You can walk or rappel down in to the cavern, and ride their twin zip lines.
If you want to extend your gold country day, New Melones Lake near Angels Camp is one of California’s larger reservoirs, with over 30,000 acres of land and water. It’s a good spot for boating, fishing, camping and hiking if you have a full day to spare on the way back from Columbia.