The Sierra Nevada is a natural arena of globally renowned wonders, such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. There are parts in this 400-mile mountain range, however, that even indigenous Californians have scarcely covered. One such place lies only two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s name (pause) is Arnold.
Arnold appears to be like any other California alpine town: at every bend lies a rustic village, a frosted forest and a friendly seasonal worker—who is always Chilean. What’s significant about this area, though, is its skiing and wine tasting.
Murphys
Although other California ski areas have venues for wine tasting nearby, here there is an entire town devoted to it. Planted in the wine-producing town of Murphys, there are more than 24 wineries that offer tours and tastings year-round. In addition to these idyllic vineyards, the town’s Main Street is comprised almost entirely of the wine-makers’ satellite tasting rooms, where more immediate comparisons can be drawn, and revelry is, well, inevitable. Altogether Murphys offers a rather refined après-skiing experience.
Bear Valley
With its motto of “Pure Mountain Fun” and reputation of being the “funky little ski resort at the end of the road,” Bear Valley is a soul-skier’s sanctuary. What this resort lacks in manmade infrastructure, it makes up for in natural character. Families and beginners benefit from the mountain’s laidback culture, while thrill seekers enjoy an abundance of advanced terrain. The good ol’ days of skiing have yet to leave Bear Valley.
Other Highlights
Well worth a look when visiting Arnold is the local Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to over two thousand Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the giant sequoia. The giant sequoia has grown in this part of the planet since the prehistoric era, withstanding multiple ice ages, and some of the specimens in this park are over 200 feet tall and have stood for over 1,000 years.
Another favorite in the area is the Arnold Rim Trail. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians trek this unobstructed ridge, which provides panoramic views that stretch hundreds of miles, offering vantages of far-off peaks, like Walnut Creek’s Mt. Diablo.
Long before the arrival of historic groups like the Sierra Miwoks and prospecting gold miners, the American Black Bear made a home in these mountains, and is still present today. On these roads, drivers should be mindful of an unexpected crossing, while hikers do well to anticipate a chance encounter.
While some favor the bounty of Lake Tahoe or the preserved majesty of Yosemite, Arnold’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay, along with its particular set of attractions, creates a unique haven. There are many gems hidden in these mountains, though, and the onset of spring and summer will set the stage for a new host of pursuits. Soon we’ll venture to serene lakes, remote pools, and glacial canyons in the next installments (pause) of PLANET SIERRA.
