Guidebook for Arnold, CA
Grocery Stores & Essentials
A natural foods market in Murphys about 15 minutes away. Sierra Hills has two side-by-side grocery stores, the natural foods store has an impressive selection for your hippie things.
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paikallista suositteleeSierra Hills Market
117 CA-416
paikallista suositteleeA natural foods market in Murphys about 15 minutes away. Sierra Hills has two side-by-side grocery stores, the natural foods store has an impressive selection for your hippie things.
This market is only a few minutes from the cabin and is a great stop on your way up. They have a good selection of produce, a deli and some hot to-go food as well. And if you forget anything, it's just down the hill. Also, free coffee while you shop!
22
paikallista suositteleeBig Trees Market
2182 California 422
paikallista suositteleeThis market is only a few minutes from the cabin and is a great stop on your way up. They have a good selection of produce, a deli and some hot to-go food as well. And if you forget anything, it's just down the hill. Also, free coffee while you shop!
Parks & Nature
Good spots for a walk in nature or for taking a dip!
True to its name, the sequoias here are impressive. The trail near the Visitor Center is an excellent intro to the park, flat, well-marked and lots of points of interest. The South Grove is expansive with the largest giant sequoias and access points to the Stanislaus River --it's about a 20 minute drive in. One river access point is near the parking lot for the less-crowded South Grove Trail. You'll see a foot bridge close to the parking lot. You can also access at Beaver Creek picnic area (follow the path down from the lot to a sandy beach). The picnic area's parking lot will be on your right as you drive to the South Grove. It's a good idea to ask a ranger!
HIKES: flat and well-marked North Grove Trail; Lava Bluff Trail
109
paikallista suositteleeCalaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 California 4109
paikallista suositteleeTrue to its name, the sequoias here are impressive. The trail near the Visitor Center is an excellent intro to the park, flat, well-marked and lots of points of interest. The South Grove is expansive with the largest giant sequoias and access points to the Stanislaus River --it's about a 20 minute drive in. One river access point is near the parking lot for the less-crowded South Grove Trail. You'll see a foot bridge close to the parking lot. You can also access at Beaver Creek picnic area (follow the path down from the lot to a sandy beach). The picnic area's parking lot will be on your right as you drive to the South Grove. It's a good idea to ask a ranger!
HIKES: flat and well-marked North Grove Trail; Lava Bluff Trail
A gem of Calaveras County! Enjoy swimming and kayaking amidst pines and huge granite rocks. Along the north shore along Highway 4, the trail is paved. West of the lake, the trail meanders through the forest, hooking up with a portion of the historic Emigrant-West pioneer route. Great hikes to check out near the lake are Inspiration Point (steep incline to a look out point with 360 degree views) or Duck Lake. Lake Alpine Lodge is a popular restaurant in the summer with an outdoor dining terrace and saloon bar. Or just grab an ice cream at the convenience store!
HIKES: Lake Alpine Trail, Lake Alpine Inspiration Point, Duck Lake Loop
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paikallista suositteleeLake Alpine
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paikallista suositteleeA gem of Calaveras County! Enjoy swimming and kayaking amidst pines and huge granite rocks. Along the north shore along Highway 4, the trail is paved. West of the lake, the trail meanders through the forest, hooking up with a portion of the historic Emigrant-West pioneer route. Great hikes to check out near the lake are Inspiration Point (steep incline to a look out point with 360 degree views) or Duck Lake. Lake Alpine Lodge is a popular restaurant in the summer with an outdoor dining terrace and saloon bar. Or just grab an ice cream at the convenience store!
HIKES: Lake Alpine Trail, Lake Alpine Inspiration Point, Duck Lake Loop
A solid nearby spot for swimming and fishing. The sandy beach is hit with kids.
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paikallista suositteleeWhite Pines Lake
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paikallista suositteleeA solid nearby spot for swimming and fishing. The sandy beach is hit with kids.
A quiet spot to take a dip or wade in the Stanislaus River. There’s also picnic tables in the shade, and hiking and fishing. Enjoy the little sandy beach close to the parking lot.
HIKES: There are paths that follow the river that start behind the parking lot and across the street from the lot.
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paikallista suositteleeSourgrass Day Use
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paikallista suositteleeA quiet spot to take a dip or wade in the Stanislaus River. There’s also picnic tables in the shade, and hiking and fishing. Enjoy the little sandy beach close to the parking lot.
HIKES: There are paths that follow the river that start behind the parking lot and across the street from the lot.
30+ miles of hiking. There are many access points -- the closest one is a 5-min walk. Go downhill on Fairway and you'll see a gate on your left (closest address: 3299 Fairway). Be sure to bring water and a map and some bug spray! I recommend Top of the World for ~90 mins, and Cougar Rock for about 2-2.5 hours of hiking. The views before sunset are stunning. The portion starting from White Pines Lake is also really beautiful with a different feel from the access point near the cabin. http://arnoldrimtrail.org
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paikallista suositteleeArnold Rim Trailhead And Logging Museum
2158 Dunbar Rd7
paikallista suosittelee30+ miles of hiking. There are many access points -- the closest one is a 5-min walk. Go downhill on Fairway and you'll see a gate on your left (closest address: 3299 Fairway). Be sure to bring water and a map and some bug spray! I recommend Top of the World for ~90 mins, and Cougar Rock for about 2-2.5 hours of hiking. The views before sunset are stunning. The portion starting from White Pines Lake is also really beautiful with a different feel from the access point near the cabin. http://arnoldrimtrail.org
A beautiful alpine lake about 1 hour from the cabin. Great for kayaking, stand up paddle board (can rent them from SNAC) or a day trip! To get there, you will need to drive on a dirt road. A higher clearance vehicle can be helpful, or just take it slow.
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paikallista suositteleeUtica Reservoir
13
paikallista suosittelee A beautiful alpine lake about 1 hour from the cabin. Great for kayaking, stand up paddle board (can rent them from SNAC) or a day trip! To get there, you will need to drive on a dirt road. A higher clearance vehicle can be helpful, or just take it slow.
Twin reservoir right next to Utica Reservoir about an hour from the cabin. Free entrance and parking. You'll need to drive on a dirt road to access. A higher clearance vehicle is helpful, or just take it slow.
Union Reservoir
Twin reservoir right next to Utica Reservoir about an hour from the cabin. Free entrance and parking. You'll need to drive on a dirt road to access. A higher clearance vehicle is helpful, or just take it slow.
This is currently closed (updated 9/6/20). It's a 2-mile roundtrip hike to a creek and pools of water in a cave. If you bring a floatie, you can float through the cave's tunnel to another pool, but would advise NOT to attempt swimming through the tunnel without one, because of the cave’s cold/deep waters! The creek is really pretty and a swimmable temp in the summer. The small parking lot along Parrott's Ferry Road can get full on summer weekends, so it's recommended to try on a weekday. River shoes recommended to wade/navigate the cool waters in the cave.
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paikallista suositteleeNatural Bridges Trailhead
6850 Stud Horse Flat Road24
paikallista suositteleeThis is currently closed (updated 9/6/20). It's a 2-mile roundtrip hike to a creek and pools of water in a cave. If you bring a floatie, you can float through the cave's tunnel to another pool, but would advise NOT to attempt swimming through the tunnel without one, because of the cave’s cold/deep waters! The creek is really pretty and a swimmable temp in the summer. The small parking lot along Parrott's Ferry Road can get full on summer weekends, so it's recommended to try on a weekday. River shoes recommended to wade/navigate the cool waters in the cave.
A small scenic lake off of Highway 4. I haven't seen people swimming here, but canoeing seems to be popular. There are some great hikes starting at the lake.
HIKES: There's a trail that goes up behind the lake that leads to Bull Run Lake. Or try another route for the Bull Run Lake Trail, starting between Lake Alpine and Mosquito Lake.
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paikallista suositteleeMosquito Lake
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paikallista suositteleeA small scenic lake off of Highway 4. I haven't seen people swimming here, but canoeing seems to be popular. There are some great hikes starting at the lake.
HIKES: There's a trail that goes up behind the lake that leads to Bull Run Lake. Or try another route for the Bull Run Lake Trail, starting between Lake Alpine and Mosquito Lake.
This is the largest reservoir/lake in the area, and is good for boating, kayaking, swimming. Parking is easy in the day-use lots.
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paikallista suositteleeSpicer Meadow Reservoir
10
paikallista suositteleeThis is the largest reservoir/lake in the area, and is good for boating, kayaking, swimming. Parking is easy in the day-use lots.
Food
Local coffee roasters in Murphys about 15 minutes away.
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paikallista suositteleeGold Country Roasters
78 Scott Street8
paikallista suositteleeLocal coffee roasters in Murphys about 15 minutes away.
About a 15-minute drive from the cabin. They serve wood-fired pizzas, tacos and burgers. Despite the big range, everything we've tried here is good! We actually love their simple side salad. Great for lunch or casual dinner, beers on tap.
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paikallista suositteleeFirewood
420 Main Street16
paikallista suositteleeAbout a 15-minute drive from the cabin. They serve wood-fired pizzas, tacos and burgers. Despite the big range, everything we've tried here is good! We actually love their simple side salad. Great for lunch or casual dinner, beers on tap.
Sarafina's Italian Kitchen
794 California 453
paikallista suositteleeGood for a date night. A local fav for New American, seasonal cuisine.
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paikallista suositteleeDogwood
1224 Oak Cir12
paikallista suositteleeGood for a date night. A local fav for New American, seasonal cuisine.
Classic burger, fries, soft serve, shakes spot. Also hot dogs and chili.
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paikallista suositteleeGiant Burger
846 California 413
paikallista suositteleeClassic burger, fries, soft serve, shakes spot. Also hot dogs and chili.
Red Apple
4950 CA-48
paikallista suositteleeYour stop for apple cider and apple cider donuts.
Tacos Correa Tacos Truck is a good en route lunch stop right off Hwy 4 about an hour before Arnold. It's at the main intersection in Farmington (look for a Circle K). They serve street tacos, burritos etc. Hours posted are 9-6:30 everyday.
Farmington
Tacos Correa Tacos Truck is a good en route lunch stop right off Hwy 4 about an hour before Arnold. It's at the main intersection in Farmington (look for a Circle K). They serve street tacos, burritos etc. Hours posted are 9-6:30 everyday.
Their deli is a great stop before heading out for the day's adventure. Generous-sized sandwiches that come with a snack.
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paikallista suositteleeBig Trees Market
2182 California 422
paikallista suositteleeTheir deli is a great stop before heading out for the day's adventure. Generous-sized sandwiches that come with a snack.
A good family-run place for take-out just down the hill if you don't feel like cooking!
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paikallista suositteleeArnold Chinese Restaurant
2182 California 47
paikallista suositteleeA good family-run place for take-out just down the hill if you don't feel like cooking!
The main cafe and place to get coffee drinks in Arnold. Cafe fare, espresso, and breakfast sandwiches. A large outdoor patio.
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paikallista suositteleeBistro Espresso
2182 California 425
paikallista suositteleeThe main cafe and place to get coffee drinks in Arnold. Cafe fare, espresso, and breakfast sandwiches. A large outdoor patio.
They have a saloon (with pub grub) and a restaurant with a big outdoor patio, serving fare like prime rib, baked brie, and Caesar salad. Reservations recommended on weekends. Open every day but closed from 3-5pm.
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paikallista suositteleeMurphys Historic Hotel
457 Main Street22
paikallista suositteleeThey have a saloon (with pub grub) and a restaurant with a big outdoor patio, serving fare like prime rib, baked brie, and Caesar salad. Reservations recommended on weekends. Open every day but closed from 3-5pm.
1131 CA-4
1131 CA-4Big Bear Cafe - a new bakery in town serving donuts and pastries
JoMa's Artisan Ice Cream
386 Main St7
paikallista suositteleeLocally made ice cream and sorbet!
A casual family-friendly "beer garden" that offers sandwiches and a great selection of interesting beers, ciders, and sours on tap. Nice shaded outdoor patio with picnic tables.
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paikallista suositteleeMurphys Pourhouse
350 Main St12
paikallista suositteleeA casual family-friendly "beer garden" that offers sandwiches and a great selection of interesting beers, ciders, and sours on tap. Nice shaded outdoor patio with picnic tables.
A saloon with outdoor patio that has good food and grill items like big burgers, kale salad, onion rings, etc.
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paikallista suositteleeLube Room Saloon
3431 California 431
paikallista suositteleeA saloon with outdoor patio that has good food and grill items like big burgers, kale salad, onion rings, etc.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great old-school bar with patio and sometimes live music. They have solid bar food too... burgers, kale salad, onion rings!
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paikallista suositteleeLube Room Saloon
3431 California 431
paikallista suositteleeGreat old-school bar with patio and sometimes live music. They have solid bar food too... burgers, kale salad, onion rings!
Ironstone Vineyards
1894 6 Mile Road32
paikallista suositteleeLavender Ridge Vineyard Tasting
425 Main StreetTasting room in downtown Murphys.
A casual beer garden atmosphere. Great selection of interesting beers, ciders, and sours on tap. Nice shaded outdoor patio with picnic tables that is kid-friendly. They also offer food and sandwiches.
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paikallista suositteleeMurphys Pourhouse
350 Main St12
paikallista suositteleeA casual beer garden atmosphere. Great selection of interesting beers, ciders, and sours on tap. Nice shaded outdoor patio with picnic tables that is kid-friendly. They also offer food and sandwiches.
Sightseeing
Mercer Caverns
1665 Sheep Ranch Road34
paikallista suositteleeMoaning Caverns Adventure Park
5350 Moaning Cave Road56
paikallista suositteleeShopping
Downtown Murphys (about 15 minutes away from the cabin), is charming and more bustling than Arnold. You can walk around and check out the shops and many restaurant and pub options.
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paikallista suositteleeMurphys
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paikallista suositteleeDowntown Murphys (about 15 minutes away from the cabin), is charming and more bustling than Arnold. You can walk around and check out the shops and many restaurant and pub options.
Equipment Rentals
Get outfitted for recreation! Rent your snowshoes, skis, winter clothing as well as kayaks and stand-up paddle boards here. Across from Big Trees Market.
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paikallista suositteleeSierra Nevada Adventure Co
2293 California 414
paikallista suositteleeGet outfitted for recreation! Rent your snowshoes, skis, winter clothing as well as kayaks and stand-up paddle boards here. Across from Big Trees Market.
Another great rental shop. Snowshoes run ~$12/day (FYI each renter must be present to sign liability waivers). Also you can buy your SNO Park pass ($5/day) here, to access a few sledding parks up highway 4.
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paikallista suositteleeEbbetts Pass Sporting Goods
925 CA-47
paikallista suositteleeAnother great rental shop. Snowshoes run ~$12/day (FYI each renter must be present to sign liability waivers). Also you can buy your SNO Park pass ($5/day) here, to access a few sledding parks up highway 4.