The post Top 10 Attractions in Arnold CA first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Renting a cabin in Arnold, CA is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Arnold cabin rentals offer a wide range of options, from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious multi-room lodges, there is something to suit every taste and budget.

Outdoor Activities For Your Cabin Stay

For outdoor enthusiasts, Arnold is a dream destination. The area is home to a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding. The nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a must-see for nature lovers, with its towering sequoias and peaceful hiking trails. Fishing and boating enthusiasts will also find plenty to do on the nearby New Melones Reservoir.

Relaxation and Wellness

If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation, Arnold is also the perfect place to simply relax and unwind. The town is home to several spas and wellness centers, where you can indulge in a massage or other spa treatment. And with several wineries nearby, there’s no shortage of opportunities to sip on local wines and take in the beautiful scenery.

Family Activities

For families, Arnold offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. There are several mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and even an alpine slide. For an extra special treat, take a ride on the historic Ebbetts Pass scenic railway, which winds its way through the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Dining and Shopping

When it comes to dining, Arnold has something to offer everyone. From casual cafes and pubs to fine dining restaurants, there are plenty of options for every taste. And with a wide range of local farmers markets and specialty food shops, it’s easy to stock up on delicious local produce and ingredients for a home-cooked meal in your cabin.

Flexibility and Options for Cabin Rentals in Arnold CA

One of the best things about Arnold cabin rentals is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are cabin rental options to suit every budget and schedule. And with so many activities and attractions to choose from, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your group will enjoy.

Conclusion

Overall, renting a cabin in Arnold, CA is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With its stunning scenery, wide range of outdoor activities, and variety of dining and relaxation options, Arnold has something to offer everyone. So why not book your Arnold cabin rental today and start planning your next adventure in the mountains?

Choosing the Right Cabin When it comes to choosing the perfect Arnold cabin rental, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the size and layout of the cabin. Are you looking for something cozy and intimate for a romantic getaway, or do you need something larger for a family vacation? Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas you will need.

Location Another important factor to consider when choosing an Arnold cabin rental is the location. Some cabins are situated in more secluded, wooded areas, while others are closer to the town center and more easily accessible to local attractions and amenities. Think about what kind of experience you’re looking for, and choose a cabin that will help you achieve it.

Amenities When it comes to amenities, there are many to choose from. Some cabins come equipped with hot tubs, fireplaces, and private decks with mountain views. Others may have fully-equipped kitchens, or even game rooms and home theaters. Think about what kind of amenities you’ll need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

The post Cabin Rentals in Arnold, CA For Your Next Getaway first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Bear Valley: Second Stop on the World Pro Ski Tour

The second stop for the 2023 season is Bear Valley, CA at the Bear Valley Ski Resort. This highly competitive ski tour features world-class racers from all over the world. It’s a complementary tour to the World Cup and accessible to local race fans in the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.

All Tour stops will feature four races; two men’s and two women’s, all of which are televised on CBS Sports Network and live-streamed on FloLive.tv. Fans can also follow behind-the-scenes action of racers on the WPST with the award-winning ‘Life In Between Gates’ docuseries, that appears on NBC Regional Sports Networks, OutsideTV, AT&T Sports, Amazon Prime and more. 

Regular tour participants include two-time Olympic gold medalist, Ted Ligety; World Champion, Olympian and U.S. Ski Team Member, Paula Moltzan; World Champion and Olympic silver medalist, Linus Strasser; 2023 Women’s Tour Champion, Tuva Norbye; 3-time Men’s Tour Champion, Rob Cone and many more of the world’s top ski racers fighting for equal podium prize money. 

About Bear Valley Ski Resort

Bear Valley offers a total of 9 lifts and 75+ trails across 1680 ski-able acres and a 1900′ vertical drop for an amazing amount of variety for all abilities. Our Lifts include a high-speed 6-pack, a high-speed quad, one triple chair, four double chairs, and two conveyor carpet lifts with one carpet exclusively dedicated to the Cub Club Children’s Learning Center. 

The terrain at Bear Valley offers introductory lessons and slopes for beginners, while hosting a mountain filled with off piste tree terrain for seasoned pros, and everyone in between. 

• 25% of the trails are beginner-friendly
• 40% are intermediate
• 35% are advanced or expert

2023 World Pro Ski Tour Schedule

Here’s the current schedule for the World Pro Ski Tour. The second stop is Bear Valley!

 

Jan 5-7                        City of Steamboat Springs’ Howelsen Hill, Colorado

 

Feb 9-12                      Bear Valley, California

 

Mar, 2023                   East Coast, TBD

 

Mar 30-Apr 1               World Championships, Ski Taos, New Mexico

 

Where to Stay for World Pro Ski Tour at Bear Valley

Bear Valley does have a little village area on the other side of the mountain. There’s a hotel, a lot of condos, and a couple options for restaurants. 

If you want to be very close, you’ll have to stay at the Bear Valley Lodge or rent a condo or house right at Bear Valley. There are no slope side ski in/out condos, so even for as close as you can stay, you’ll need a 5 minute car ride or shuttle to the mountain.

Vacation Rentals Near Bear Valley

The next major areas to find Airbnbs or house rentals will be in major neighborhoods which will be 20-25 mins back down Highway 4.

Hotels, better dining, shopping, and tasting rooms are located way down in Murphys, which is about 37 miles or 48 min drive. 

Up and back from Murphys can get tiring, so the compromise is finding something in Arnold, where there’s a major grocery store, middle of the road restaurant options, and a 30 min drive to Bear Valley. 

Choosing something at the edge of the rental areas like Camp Connell can shave off 10 mins to the mountain, but running to the grocery store will bring you back down the Arnold, so you’ll be burning up the travel time you tried to save.

If our lakeside chalet fits your needs for your trip to the World Pro Ski Tour at Bear Valley, head over to make a reservation now!

 

Make Reservations

Restaurants at Bear Valley

I’d say it’s far from the typically commercial “village” experience you’d find in Tahoe at Heavenly or Palisades. There’s a pizza place and a bistro. They advertise other places to eat, but we’re talking about bar snacks, and a coffee shop.

Arnold map of restaurants and notable places.

Check out our interactive map of all the places along Highway 4 that matter that most right now.

The post World Pro Ski Tour at Bear Valley first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Find Your Dream Airbnb Near Bear Valley

When the ski season is active, Bear Valley Resort offers skiers and riders the best option in a smaller and less touristy mountain.

Bear Valley offers a total of 9 lifts and 75+ trails across 1680 ski-able acres and a 1900′ vertical drop for an amazing amount of variety for all abilities. Our Lifts include a high-speed 6-pack, a high-speed quad, one triple chair, four double chairs, and two conveyor carpet lifts with one carpet exclusively dedicated to the Cub Club Children’s Learning Center. 

The terrain at Bear Valley offers introductory lessons and slopes for beginners, while hosting a mountain filled with off piste tree terrain for seasoned pros, and everyone in between. 

• 25% of the trails are beginner-friendly
• 40% are intermediate
• 35% are advanced or expert

The terrain park varies throughout the season. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the early half of the season with a few small jumps and a box at the top of the mountain, then as the season progresses, the full park at the bottom of the mountain takes shape. They mix up the features when they get it going, and there are a whole slew of features that my 90s snowboarding body cannot handle, but I do enjoy watching the more skilled rider do flips and 360s off the jumps, boxes, and pipes…. and when I say pipes, I mean large drainage pipes, and not half-pipes.  

Bear Valley Hours of Operation: 

Summer: Mokelumne Express runs from 10am-4pm weekends & Holidays July Through September (currently), this may change

Winter: Mokelumne Express, Cub, Super Cub and the carpets run from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.

Polar Express and Grizzly run from 9:00 AM – 3:30 daily. 

Staying at Bear Valley

The Bear Valley Lodge is positioned at the base of the mountain, but you’ll need to shuttle over to the ski lodge to begin your day of skiing, where you can rent equipment.

There aren’t too many dining or shopping options in the area, so your next best option will be to rent an Airbnb in the adjacent towns like Arnold, and Dorrington.

If you’re going to drive over to the ski area anyway from Bear Valley Lodge, you might as well find a cozy cabin near points of interest for an extra 20-30 minutes.

What to Look For in an Airbnb Near Bear Valley

Bear Valley is a little recreational vacation town located 2.5-3 hrs from San Francisco. It has a history dating back to the 1850s, and has been redeveloped several times to finally take shape into what you see today to bring thousands of skiers and riders to the mountain.

Because of the deep history, you’ll find thousands of cabins brought to life over the decades, so many of the Airbnb options will take on many shapes, sizes, and prices. For this reason, you’ll need to carefully shop Airbnbs near Bear Valley with a modern take, to make sure it accommodates your family with all the amenities you deserve.

Wifi at Cabins Near Bear Valley

Although Wifi and TV is underrated, it’s how we function in today’s world, so make sure your rental home is wired to provide connectivity to stay in touch with the weather, storm advisories, and friends you’ll be meeting up with.

Accessibility to Your Airbnb Cabin

Getting to your Airbnb, especially when heading up to Bear Valley is half the battle, so snowplow contracts are important to have in order to ensure your journey is complete. The main roads are constantly plowed, but individual subdivisions aren’t always a guarantee, and when it comes to steep driveways, you’ll want to make sure you don’t need a dogsled to power your groceries and gear up to the cabin through 3 ft of snow.

A Warm Cozy Airbnb for Your Bear Valley Adventure

After a three-hour drive from San Francisco, a frozen cabin is the last thing you want. It takes hours to warm up a cabin, so many Airbnb owners use Nest thermostats to preheat the cabin before your arrival to offer warmth right when you walk in.

Alpine Modern offers all of these amenities to allow you relieve the stress and enjoy your trip. High speed Internet, a giant TV, and a toasty fireplace is everything you need to survive the winters near Bear Valley.

You’ll be near Murphys, Dorrington, Camp Connell, and all the modern services that you’d find at home.

Preparing for Your Stay at an Airbnb Near Bear Valley

Heading up to the resort is usually straightforward unless it snows the day before. The plow trucks are typically  pretty good at clearing the main roads. Arnold will see less snow, but as you get up past Big Trees and Camp Connell, the elevation dramatically increases, and you’ll need to be prepared to drive on snow-packed roads.

Bring a 4wd vehicle or chains to be safe, as the toughest part is the last mile up the hill to the parking lot. You’ll know it’s bad when there are chain check areas and you won’t be permitted past the area unless you have 4wd or chains. The cellular reception starts to get poor from Camp Connell upward until you get to Bear Valley. During popular holiday weekends you may be greeted with a line of cars that can backup. 

When the hill at the entrance backs up, you’ll be sitting in some stop and go traffic, and the 2wd cars end up getting stuck and will be forced to turn around.

Price Ranges for an Airbnb Near Bear Valley

There are Airbnbs at various price ranges, accommodations, and availability. It really all depends on the capacity you need to host and the style of the interiors. Many of these homes are second homes, and can be either treated as the place to dump old furniture, OR it may be the prized possession.

View On AirbnbArnold cabin w/garage and private lake access

On the lower end of the spectrum, you can find cute little cabins like the one above, that can run $140-$240/night depending on the season. It’ll be adequate, but will feel like your grandma’s cabin if that suits your taste. This particular cabin is in Lakemont Pines, and sleeps 6 guests in 2 beds and 2 baths.

View On Airbnb*CastleByTheLake*Private Estate*Hot-Tub*K9ok

At the upper end of the spectrum you can get a “Castle by The Lake” also in Lakemont Pines for about $500/night which sleeps 12 guests in 4 bedrooms, with 8 beds, and 3.5 baths. This is walking distance to our cabin, Alpine Modern, and is perfect for a couple families who need lots of room. It’s an easy stroll to Tanner Lake and is on a beautiful level lot.

Alpine Modern is a smaller, but finely furnished cabin, right on the lake. It can host up to 6 guests from it’s 1 bedroom, and loft with 4 beds. It is mainly suited for a single family who want to enjoy the lakeside views and the beauty of winter. Prices range $220-$330 depending on the season, and will be priced slightly higher from it’s designer finishes.

The newly renovated kitchen and bathroom feature a gourmet kitchen, warm butcher block countertops, and Danish / Mid-century Modern furniture. 

Popular Neighborhoods for Airbnbs Near Bear Valley

The areas near Bear Valley are filled with neighborhoods developed for vacationers like you–seeing safe and relaxing weekends with Mother Nature. There are little spots with cabins, but I’d recommend sticking to developed communities otherwise the winter snow may leave you parking at a trailhead and packing in your gear, groceries, and family. An established neighborhood will have snowplow service, and will give you a bit more confidence with your investment in time and safety.

Here are neighborhoods and area heading up the mountain, in order of elevation:

• Murphys – hardly any snow. This is the posher area, with it’s own shopping strip, tasting rooms, and where all the restaurant action occurs.
• Lakemont Pines (Arnold)- some snow. This is the main epicenter that other towns draw from, where you’ll find the main grocery store, Ace Hardware, a few boutiques, the restaurant staples (Mexican, Italian, burgers, coffee/breakfast, sporting goods, and a Round Table pizza. There’s also Snowshoe Brewery and Hinterhaus distillery for adult socializing.
• Meadowmont (Arnold)– some snow. An adjacent area with shares all the same things with Lakemont Pines.
• Blue Lake Springs – more snow. 10 mins further up the hill, but you’ll need to head back to Arnold to get everything.
• Big Trees Village (Dorrington) – lot’s of snow. 15 mins further up the road.
• Camp Connell – lot’s of snow. 2 mins further up the road.

The post Airbnbs Near Bear Valley first appeared on Alpine Modern.

On the way up to Arnold or on the way out, be sure to stop by the Red Apple to pickup cider, donuts, cider donuts and other great treats.

The Red Apple is located on the historic Darby Farm, which dates back to the 1890s. While the Darby family added a bakery on site much later, the Red Apple has been a pillar in Murphys since at least the 1930s, when it started selling doughnuts and pies made from fresh apples grown on the surrounding orchard.

It’s one of those special places that has kept the donut-making tradition alive using fresh local ingredients and recipes passed down from several generations.

You can’t help but overstuff your bag and think of all your besties when you stop in to this historic roadside landmark.

Google Map link.

SF Gate has the full scoop!

The post The Red Apple at Darby Ranch first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Find Cozy Arnold Cabin Rentals

Check Availability

There are many cabin rentals options in Arnold, CA where you can enjoy in all the spectacular seasons ahead.

Arnold is a hidden gem that provides for a great getaway for vacationing away from all the major metros of the San Francisco bay area. It’s a popular destination due to its low-key atmosphere, but offers all the great outdoor activities found in Lake Tahoe without all the crowds. You’ll find Arnold to be a genuine escape to the woods without all the commercialized hotels and casinos. Here, you’ll be able to hunker down in an Arnold cabin rental with the peace and quiet you deserve.

Here are some cabins in Arnold also in our neighborhood if ours is booked or if you want friends and family to join you:

View On AirbnbDreamy Lakefront Cabin, Lake Mont Pines!

View On AirbnbCasa Cazadores - On the shores of Lakemont Pine Lake W/pool table, kayaks and canoe. Pet friendly!

View On AirbnbPlaya Del Lago - Across from Lakemont Pines Lake, Sleeps 17 W/HOT TUB, Pet-friendly

Arnold Cabin Rentals In The Fall

The fall brings great hikes, hot vegetable stews, and the season to put in a few logs to kickback and slow down in front of a crackling fire. November brings the first snowfall, which enables the nearby ski slope, Bear Valley, the chance to switch gears and start making snow.

From the Lake Mont Pines neighborhood, you can hit the trailhead for the Arnold Rim Trail, which puts you in an hour hike to the Top of The World.

Tanner Lake inside of Lake Mont Pines is the nearby favorite for a casual stroll to gaze at the wildlife with your entire family. There’s usually a fun little stream to cross, and plenty of geese for the dog to chase.

As the season unfolds, there are beautiful trees turning brilliant colors, and fish still running about.

Arnold Cabin Rentals in the Winter

In the winter, the snow covers most of the ground and the first snowfall installs the base layer for the season. At almost 4,000 ft, Arnold receives enough snowfall to create a wonderland, but not enough to trap you in. The past couple years, we’ve seen a few weeks of several feet of snow, which is the perfect level of enjoyment. Continuing up Highway 4 into Dorrington, the elevation increases dramatically to make it much more challenging at times to move about. Overall, the town will clear the main roads, but just beyond Arnold, chains will be the norm.

Winters in Arnold also brings skiers and riders to Bear Valley Resort, about 35 minutes away. It stands at about 7,000 ft elevation, and offers tons of tree skiing for the advanced adventurist, while also approachable beginner runs and magic carpet rides.

The resort is fully equipped with rentals, lessons, pro shop, bar, and cafeteria for all the needs you may have. 

There’s a competitive youth ski program, as well as professional ski events hosted at Bear Valley.

Bear Valley also has a cross-country ski area near the main center of town. They offer rentals, sledding, and a little market to warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks.

Snowmobiling is also popular during the winter season. You can rent or bring up your own sled for miles of snowmobile trails.

 

Enjoying Summer at Arnold Cabin Rentals

The spring and summer explodes with excitement, as the snow melts, filling up all the local lakes and stream. Fishing becomes more active, and explorers on local OHV trails start to rip it up on trucks, ATVs, and bikes. 

Explore Lakes Near Arnold Cabin Rentals

Unlike Tahoe, there are many lakes to enjoy. You can spend years enjoying the exploration of a new lake in all their glory for boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and photography.

Lake Alpine

You’ll find that Arnold cabin rentals are close to Lake Alpine, a spectacular lake with islands to wade out to for afternoon picnics. We rented some kayaks at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company (SNAC), and wandered around with our kids and dog for a day. In the winter, Highway 4 closes right at the entrance of the lake, but you can hike over to it to enjoy its beauty.

New Melones Reservoir

This is the largest lake nearby, which offers a full-service marina with houseboat and ski boat rentals. You can also rent slips, jet skis, pontoon party boats, and patio boats.

The lake spans a huge area so you can explore for hours and discover Arnold and surroundings for all its glory.

 

Tanner Lake

This is a neighborhood lake exclusive to Lakemont Pines, and is one of the few community lakes not drained in the winter. You’ll find stand up paddle boarders, swimmers, and fishermen frequenting this spot. No motorized vessels are allowed here.

The fishing is great, with active trout, bass, and bluegill. You’ll find a lifeguarded beach during the peak summer months with a snack shack and stuff shack for all your water toys and beachy activities. You’ll need to present permits to use the beach area, and dogs are not allowed. 

Spicer Meadows Reservoir

Spicer is offers a good campground and day use area, held up by a huge dam you’ll be able to see. You are allowed motorized boats here.

White Pines Lake

White Pines is just in Arnold and a local favorite. It’s easily accessible with day use areas, a beach, bathrooms. It used to be run by a local mill back in the day, and is now managed by volunteers. There are also basketball and tennis courts, larger bbq pit areas, and a disc golf course that lines the lake. You can rental disc golf gear also at SNAC.

Utica and Unions Reservoirs

Utica and Union are a bit more remote, as you’ll need to take a gravel road to the destination. It’s well worth the trip, and there’s also an island to explore and huge rocks to jump off of. Camping here is supreme, with tons of sites right along the lake, as well as day use.

Kickback in a Stream Near Arnold Cabin Rentals

The Sourgrass Campground is a great place for a day picnic, which is easily accessible by car.

Camp out for the day on a nice warm boulder, toss in a line or an inner tube for a some lazy river enjoyment.

The post Arnold Cabin Rentals first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Enjoy a vacation at Lakemont Pines Vacation Rentals

Lake Mont Pines is a picturesque cabin neighborhood located in the town of Arnold along scenic HWY 4 in the beautiful Sierra Foothills of Calaveras County at 4,000 ft in elevation. The community enjoys the majesty of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the Stanislaus National Forest. It also includes two trailheads for the 17-mile Arnold Rim Trail allowing year-round fishing, hiking, biking and skiing/riding.

This neighborhood is a private wooded community centered around picturesque Tanner Lake offering seasonal activities and year-round local recreation and amenities. Come enjoy the “Little Piece of Heaven” where you can enjoy outdoor activities all season long.

Lakemont Pines in the Summer

The summer offers swimming, fishing, and soaking up the sun at Tanner lake. There are a couple floating docks that are moved out to the middle of the lake that provide a mini-getaway from the beach. You can dive off the end of the dock and swim out to these satellite docks for some extra tranquility.

The Fall at Lakemont Pines Vacation Rentals

The fall brings beautiful leaves that turn brilliant colors, and spectacular views from the ridge. Mountain biking is accessible if you’re up for the climb.

Winters at Lakemont Pines

The winter brings a sugar-coated scene that matches any European landscape vista, with serene frozen lake, evergreens, and trees dusted with fresh snow. Bear Valley Ski Resort is 30 mins away and offers great skiing/riding, competitive skiing, and switches over to mountain biking in the summer.

Lakemont Pines Vacation Rentals

Many homes are available for short-term rentals, many recently changing hands during the pandemic, which have been restored and renovated with all the modern amenities you’d want in a cabin in the woods. You can find may great choices in the community, and in the neighboring community of Meadowmont.

Check out Alpine Modern Cabin for availability.

The post Lakemont Pines Vacation Rentals first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Lazy river, picnics, trout... what else could you want?

Just 30 mins from Arnold is another perfect spot along the Stanislaus River to enjoy the day. Pack a raft, a cooler, and a fishing rod and you’ll have an afternoon of fun.

How to get to Sourgrass

You’ll head up 10 mins to the Dorrington Hotel and take a backroad to a campground and day use area.

The Sourgrass Day Use features a small parking lot with bathrooms, and you’ll be able to walk down to the river to scope out an area to chill.

We fly-fished for rainbow trout and let the kids flow downstream over fun little drops, and of course, let our dog play in the water.

For the well-equipped off-roader, the 4×4 trail offers a 4 mile out and back adventure with a river crossing. I observed from the reviews that you’ll want more than a stock vehicle to traverse the terrain.

The post Sourgrass Day Use first appeared on Alpine Modern.

The post Map & Guide of Arnold first appeared on Alpine Modern.

From Arnold, we explored Sonora, another great little town just 35-40 mins away. You’ll get to cross over the bridge with great views of New Melones Lake, and continue through Columbia (if you’re into Western bandit reenactments, pitstop there).

Sonora has coffee shops (closed around 2pm), antique shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and other things for a change of pace. Classic toy and candy shops also appear in the heart of the main strip.

The post Strolling Through Sonora first appeared on Alpine Modern.