Calaveras County, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Spring (March-May)

Mild temperatures (60-75°F) make this an ideal time for hiking and outdoor activities. The hills turn a vibrant green, wildflowers bloom, and the famous Jumping Frog Jubilee takes place in May. Spring runoff means waterfalls and rivers are at their most impressive.

Summer (June-August)

Warm days (80-95°F) are perfect for swimming in alpine lakes, attending outdoor concerts at Ironstone Vineyards, and exploring the naturally cool cave systems. The higher elevations offer relief from the heat with temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than the foothills.

Fall (September-November)

Comfortable temperatures (65-80°F) and beautiful fall colors make autumn a photographer’s dream. Wine harvest season brings special events, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day. The annual Grape Stomp in October is a local favorite.

Winter (December-February)

The higher elevations receive significant snowfall, making Bear Valley a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The lower elevations remain relatively mild (45-60°F), allowing year-round access to many attractions including Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which offers snowshoe tours.

Local Events

Plan your visit around signature events like the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (May), Murphys Irish Days (March), Presidents’ Day Wine Weekend (February), or the Grape Stomp (October) for an extra special experience.

Insider Tip

For the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting during the “shoulder seasons” of late spring (late May-June) or early fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant and most attractions are open.

Historic Hotels

Step back in time at the Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge, operating since 1856 and once hosting Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant. This National Historic Landmark offers both historic rooms and modern accommodations. In Mokelumne Hill, the Hotel Leger (established in 1851) provides another authentic Gold Rush-era experience with a historic saloon and restaurant.

Cabins & Vacation Rentals

For a true mountain experience, consider renting a cabin in Arnold or the surrounding areas. Many cabins offer amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and forest views. Vacation rentals are particularly popular for families or groups wanting more space and kitchen facilities. Arnold and the areas near Calaveras Big Trees State Park have numerous options.

Camping & RV Parks

Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers two campgrounds with a total of 129 sites, providing a unique opportunity to camp among giant sequoias. Lake Alpine, New Melones Lake, and White Pines Lake also offer camping facilities. For RV travelers, Angels Camp RV & Camping Resort provides full hookups and amenities in a convenient location.

Murphys

Known as the “Queen of the Sierra,” Murphys features a delightful Main Street lined with Victorian-era buildings housing wine tasting rooms, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Murphys Hotel and saloon has operated continuously since the Gold Rush. On Saturday mornings, you can take a free guided tour of the town’s history from the Murphys Old Timers Museum.

Angels Camp

Made famous by Mark Twain’s jumping frog story, Angels Camp preserves its mining town character with historic buildings and Gold Rush artifacts. Don’t miss the Angels Camp Museum & Carriage House, which features three acres of exhibits on local history, including mining equipment and a collection of carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches.

San Andreas

The county seat offers several historic attractions, including the old courthouse, jail, and museum with displays on Black Bart, the gentleman bandit. The Red Barn Museum just outside downtown features a collection of antique machinery and agricultural artifacts that tell the story of the region’s farming heritage.

Moaning Cavern

Home to the largest single cave chamber in California (big enough to fit the Statue of Liberty), Moaning Cavern Adventure Park offers walking tours down a 100-foot spiral staircase into the main chamber. For the adventurous, they also offer spelunking tours through narrow passages and a 165-foot rope rappel. Above ground, you’ll find zip lines and a climbing tower.

Mercer Caverns

Discovered in 1885, Mercer Caverns is the longest continuously operated show cave in the Gold Country. Located just outside Murphys, this cave features 16 flights of stairs interspersed with level walking areas, allowing visitors to see formations up close. The cave is known for its rare aragonite crystal formations called flos ferri, or “flowers of iron.”

California Cavern

As the first cave discovered during the Gold Rush, California Cavern offers both walking tours and wild cave expeditions. This State Historic Landmark is the most accessible cave for those with limited mobility. During winter and spring, some passages fill with water, creating magical “Jungle Room” boat tours when conditions permit.

Murphys Wine Trail

Downtown Murphys features over 20 tasting rooms within walking distance of each other, making it easy to sample a variety of local wines without driving. Standouts include Hovey Winery in a historic house with a beautiful garden, Allegorie with its art gallery, and Lavender Ridge, which pairs wines with artisanal cheeses.

Ironstone Vineyards

This impressive estate just outside Murphys offers more than just wine tasting. Explore their beautiful gardens, museum (featuring the 44-pound Crystalline Gold Leaf Specimen), and deli. During summer, their amphitheater hosts major concerts, while spring brings thousands of daffodils and tulips to their gardens.

Vineyard Experiences

For a more immersive experience, visit Locke Vineyards with its lavender fields and garden setting, or Twisted Oak Winery, known for its quirky atmosphere and winery cats. Many wineries offer special events throughout the year, with the Presidents’ Day Wine Weekend in February being one of the biggest celebrations.

Alpine Lakes

The higher elevations feature several beautiful alpine lakes perfect for summer recreation. Lake Alpine offers swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking with stunning mountain views. White Pines Lake near Arnold is family-friendly with a sandy beach, playground, and access to the Arnold Rim Trail. For more remote experiences, check out Utica, Union, and Spicer reservoirs.

Hiking & Biking

The 35-mile Arnold Rim Trail offers spectacular views and is suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. For a memorable sunset hike, head to Cougar Rock. In winter, Bear Valley Resort provides skiing and snowboarding, while Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers snowshoeing on its trails.

Water Adventures

The North Fork of the Stanislaus River provides exciting whitewater rafting opportunities with rapids suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. For a unique swimming experience, visit Natural Bridges near Vallecito, where you can swim through a cave formed by a creek flowing through a limestone cavern.

Murphys

The culinary heart of the county, Murphys features numerous dining options. The Watering Hole offers craft beers and locally sourced food with a constantly changing menu. Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen serves tasty pasta dishes in a cozy setting. For casual dining, Pablito’s Basecamp Taco Truck is a local favorite with excellent burritos and outdoor seating.

Arnold & Dorrington

After exploring Big Trees State Park, head to The Lube Room Saloon in Dorrington for great burgers and drinks in a historic setting with live music and lawn games in summer. Bistro Espresso in Arnold offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with excellent coffee and a back patio that hosts music nights. Don’t miss their sister business, Bistro Creamery, for ice cream treats.

Angels Camp

In Angels Camp, the Lemon Tree Bakery serves delicious smoothies, coffee, and breakfast items. For picnic supplies or a quick lunch, the deli at Big Trees Market makes outstanding sandwiches and specialty brats. During apple season, stop by The Red Apple for fresh cider, donuts, and pies – a perfect autumn treat.

Spring Events

• Murphys Irish Days (March) – Downtown Murphys transforms into a giant Irish-themed festival with artisan booths, food trucks, beer, and live music.
• Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (May) – The world-famous event inspired by Mark Twain’s story features frog jumping competitions, carnival rides, livestock shows, and entertainment.

Summer Events

• Bear Valley Music Festival (July-August) – A multi-week festival featuring classical, rock, blues, and country performances in a mountain setting.
• Ironstone Summer Concert Series – The winery’s amphitheater hosts major musical acts throughout the summer.
• Fourth of July celebrations – Parades in Arnold and fireworks displays throughout the county.

Fall & Winter Events

• Grape Stomp (October) – Teams compete to stomp grapes in barrels at Murphys Community Park, accompanied by wine, food, and music.
• Presidents’ Day Wine Weekend (February) – Over 20 wineries participate in this popular tasting event with special releases and food pairings.
• Murphys Holiday Open House (December) – Main Street closes to cars for a Christmas street fair with lights, fire pits, and holiday magic.

Weather Preparation

Mountain weather can change quickly, so dress in layers even in summer. The temperature difference between the foothills and higher elevations can be 10-15°F. In winter, carry chains for your vehicle if heading to Arnold or higher, as snow is common above 4,000 feet. Check road conditions before traveling on Highway 4 beyond Arnold in winter months.

Connectivity

Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas and higher elevations. Download maps, directions, and information before heading out. Many businesses in the smaller towns are cash-only, so come prepared. ATMs are available in the larger towns like Angels Camp and Murphys.

Outdoor Safety

When hiking, carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and be aware of wildlife. Poison oak is common in the foothills, so learn to identify and avoid it. During summer, check for fire restrictions before planning any outdoor activities involving flames. In winter, be prepared for snow and ice on trails and roads.