The Area

Arnold sits at about 4,000 feet in the Sierra foothills, high enough for winter snow and pine-scented summers, and low enough to stay open year-round. It's an easy drive from the Bay Area and Sacramento, without the Tahoe crowds.

Across the street

The Blue Lake Springs Recreation Center is the heart of the neighborhood. Spend the day between the pool and the sandy-beach lake, play tennis or pickleball, or have dinner at the Snowflake Lodge restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings. Usage fees apply; check with the rec center for current rates.

Summer and Fall

• Walk among giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, just up Highway 

• Hike or bike the Arnold Rim Trail to the Top of the World viewpoint

• Paddle or picnic at White Pines Lake, an easy evening stroll
• Drive the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway to Lake Alpine for a day on alpine water

Winter

• Ski or snowboard at Bear Valley, about 45 minutes up the highway
• Cross-country ski the groomed trails near Bear Valley
• Sled and build snowmen right outside the cabin (sleds are in the garage)
• Come home to the wood stove and a board game

Year-round

• Wine tasting, shopping and dining on Main Street in Murphys
• Gold Rush history at Columbia State Historic Park, where you can pan for gold
• Local favorites: Sarafina's Italian Kitchen in Arnold and The Lube Room in Dorrington