Some recommended activities near Bear Valley
There are lots of opportunities for fun around Lake Alpine. Don't forget some water, some sunscreen and a good hat!
Wine Tasting
Of course we're excited by all the outdoor fun, but many of our guests may want to spend a more relaxing day wine tasting in Murphy's (45 minutes from Bear Valley)
Hiking
There are a nice range of hiking options nearby. Be sure to pace yourself if you haven't spent much time at altitude before. All the more reason to hang around after the wedding and acclimatize a bit!
The trail around the south side of Lake Alpine is a nice light hike and there is a short trail up Inspiration Point with great views of the lake and out over the surrounding mountains.
Nearby hikes up to Mt. Reba or Wheeler Ridge are a bit more of a workout, but with great views of the Pacific Crest to the east and the Mokelumne River canyon to the north.
Caleveras Big Trees State Park is about 30 minutes west on Highway 4 which has hikes ranging from 1 to 5 miles through giant sequoia groves. It's a couple thousand feet lower in elevation, so it's a good option for anyone sensitive to altitude, and the more gentle, shady trails are probably a good place to start with younger kids.
Several more trailheads can be accessed at higher elevations east of Lake Alpine, including more challenging hikes to Bull Run Peak (9200 ft) and along the Pacific Crest Trail. If we get another big snow year this winter, these trails might be covered in snow though!
The trail around the south side of Lake Alpine is a nice light hike and there is a short trail up Inspiration Point with great views of the lake and out over the surrounding mountains.
Nearby hikes up to Mt. Reba or Wheeler Ridge are a bit more of a workout, but with great views of the Pacific Crest to the east and the Mokelumne River canyon to the north.
Caleveras Big Trees State Park is about 30 minutes west on Highway 4 which has hikes ranging from 1 to 5 miles through giant sequoia groves. It's a couple thousand feet lower in elevation, so it's a good option for anyone sensitive to altitude, and the more gentle, shady trails are probably a good place to start with younger kids.
Several more trailheads can be accessed at higher elevations east of Lake Alpine, including more challenging hikes to Bull Run Peak (9200 ft) and along the Pacific Crest Trail. If we get another big snow year this winter, these trails might be covered in snow though!
Canoeing
Canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards can be rented at the Lake Alpine Resort.Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes are available for rent in Bear Valley. The ride up to Lake Alpine and on to Cape Horn is rated intermediate and additional rides up to Mt Reba and down to Utica Reservoir are rated advanced.
Rock Climbing
Of course there are a smattering of popular bouldering spots around Bear Valley. Bear Valley Adventure Company sells maps with descriptions of some of the more popular spots.Whitewater Rafting
They're a bit of a drive, but there are a couple of options for whitewater rafting nearby. This early in the summer the water should be nice and high. Beginners can raft down the East Fork Carson River over Ebbetts pass. More advanced paddlers can try their hand at the class IV rapids through Caleveras Big Trees State Park.Cave Tours
There are some caves with family-friendly tours near Murphys (Mercer Caverns) and Angels Camp (Moaning Caverns). These might be tourist traps, but they sound pretty fun.Gold Rush Historic Fun
Columbia State Historic Park is a nearby town with preserved old buildings, exhibits, historical re-enactors and a stagecoach ride popular with kids and European post-docs alike. You can also try your hand at panning for gold at Columbia SHP, or find some other local guides in the area.
Horsies
It's a bit of a drive, but some of you may want to experience a ramble in the mountains on horseback from Aspen Meadow's Pack Station.
