Guidebook for Murphys and Calaveras Area
Restaurants
Good steaks, mushroom risotto, brunch, local wine and cocktails. They have an outdoor patio in the back which is great place to take your weekend brunch or lunch.
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Grounds
402 Main StGood steaks, mushroom risotto, brunch, local wine and cocktails. They have an outdoor patio in the back which is great place to take your weekend brunch or lunch.
They have 40 draft beers and great pub food. The menu changes regularly. There are game consoles for the kids, an honor ice cream bar, and beautiful wooden picnic style tables. They have a great patio out back too.
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The Watering Hole
223 Big Trees RdThey have 40 draft beers and great pub food. The menu changes regularly. There are game consoles for the kids, an honor ice cream bar, and beautiful wooden picnic style tables. They have a great patio out back too.
This restaurant has great French bistro style food with great cocktails. There is a formal restaurant and then a bistro next door. They have a nice patio which is perfect for weekend brunch.
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V restaurant & Bar
402 Main StThis restaurant has great French bistro style food with great cocktails. There is a formal restaurant and then a bistro next door. They have a nice patio which is perfect for weekend brunch.
They have good tacos and pizzas in a relaxed environment. They also have a vegan impossible burger on offer.
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Firewood
420 Main StThey have good tacos and pizzas in a relaxed environment. They also have a vegan impossible burger on offer.
In a town dedicated to wine, this a beer lover's gem. They have innumerable list of beers and ciders on offer with great sandwiches and wraps. There have a great patio and garden area behind the Hovey winery.
Tuesday nights they host a fun trivia game.
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Murphys Pourhouse
350 Main StIn a town dedicated to wine, this a beer lover's gem. They have innumerable list of beers and ciders on offer with great sandwiches and wraps. There have a great patio and garden area behind the Hovey winery.
Tuesday nights they host a fun trivia game.
A great little place around the corner from Murphys Getaway. We always order the Vietnamese dishes. The vermicelli noodle salad (bun) and fresh rolls are highly recommended.
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Asian Cafe
64 Mitchler StA great little place around the corner from Murphys Getaway. We always order the Vietnamese dishes. The vermicelli noodle salad (bun) and fresh rolls are highly recommended.
The smell of freshly made waffle cones immediately greets you when you walk in to JoMa's. So many great flavors of ice cream and sorbets.
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JoMa's Artisan Ice Cream
386 Main StThe smell of freshly made waffle cones immediately greets you when you walk in to JoMa's. So many great flavors of ice cream and sorbets.
Delicious handmade candies made on site at this old-fashioned candy shop. The Nelson family has owned this candy store for five generations. They have fudge, licorice, candied apples, and every confection you can imagine. My favorite is the chocolate pine nut roll. I never go to Columbia without stopping here. There is also a location on Main Street in Murphys.
Columbia Candy Kitchen Inc
22726 Main StDelicious handmade candies made on site at this old-fashioned candy shop. The Nelson family has owned this candy store for five generations. They have fudge, licorice, candied apples, and every confection you can imagine. My favorite is the chocolate pine nut roll. I never go to Columbia without stopping here. There is also a location on Main Street in Murphys.
A quaint tea house with fabulous homemade salads, quiches, tea sandwiches, pasties, and soups. Their fresh bread is heavenly. They always have a tea of the day special. Great to sit outside on the patio on a warm day. All the splendor of Afternoon Tea in a rustic Gold Rush environment.
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Columbia Kate's Teahouse
22727 Columbia StA quaint tea house with fabulous homemade salads, quiches, tea sandwiches, pasties, and soups. Their fresh bread is heavenly. They always have a tea of the day special. Great to sit outside on the patio on a warm day. All the splendor of Afternoon Tea in a rustic Gold Rush environment.
Great pizza, calzones, and salad bar. They have several vegan and vegetarian options.
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Murphys Pizza Co.
178 Big Trees RdGreat pizza, calzones, and salad bar. They have several vegan and vegetarian options.
Alchemy offers American comfort food with indoor and outdoor dining. They often have live music playing. Must try the nugget bread.
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Alchemy Café
191 Main StAlchemy offers American comfort food with indoor and outdoor dining. They often have live music playing. Must try the nugget bread.
Small sushi restaurant on Main Street. They also have Japanese curries, katsu, and bento boxes. They offer local wines, but you can also enjoy a nice sake.
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Doke Sushi
403 Main StSmall sushi restaurant on Main Street. They also have Japanese curries, katsu, and bento boxes. They offer local wines, but you can also enjoy a nice sake.
Murphys Hwy 4 Diner (formerly Hillbillies Restaurant)
Hands down best country breakfast. If you have kids, try to get the table located inside a Conestoga wagon.
Murphys Hwy 4 Diner
55 California 4Murphys Hwy 4 Diner (formerly Hillbillies Restaurant)
Hands down best country breakfast. If you have kids, try to get the table located inside a Conestoga wagon.
They have wonderful baked goods and coffee. Everything from freshly baked hamburger buns to bagels to cookies. They're coffee is very good too.
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Aria
458 Main StThey have wonderful baked goods and coffee. Everything from freshly baked hamburger buns to bagels to cookies. They're coffee is very good too.
This place where do I begin... They have the BEST apple cider donuts, wonderful homemade fruit pies, baked apples, apple cider, frozen apple cider pops in summer, produce, jams, nuts. It's the perfect roadside attraction. Don't miss this.
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Red Apple
4950 CA-4This place where do I begin... They have the BEST apple cider donuts, wonderful homemade fruit pies, baked apples, apple cider, frozen apple cider pops in summer, produce, jams, nuts. It's the perfect roadside attraction. Don't miss this.
Great pizza! We love the veggie pizzas and the meatball pizza. They have a salad bar and games for the kids.
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Mike's Pizza
294 S Main StGreat pizza! We love the veggie pizzas and the meatball pizza. They have a salad bar and games for the kids.
Outstanding Italian fare and great local wine list.
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Sarafina's Italian Kitchen
794 CA-4Outstanding Italian fare and great local wine list.
This place has great burgers and homemade potato chips. Try the jalapeno bacon as an add on.
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Lube Room Saloon
3431 CA-4This place has great burgers and homemade potato chips. Try the jalapeno bacon as an add on.
Great and large portions for breakfast food fans with outdoor dining.
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Bristol's Ranch House Cafe
961 CA-4Great and large portions for breakfast food fans with outdoor dining.
Great vegan and veggie options. The grilled veggie pita wrap with hummus is one of our favorites. They have Mediterranean fare such as kabobs, falafel, salads, pita wraps, and pasta. They always have something tasty for everyone
The House of Pita
Great vegan and veggie options. The grilled veggie pita wrap with hummus is one of our favorites. They have Mediterranean fare such as kabobs, falafel, salads, pita wraps, and pasta. They always have something tasty for everyone
Drinks & Nightlife
The Saloon at the hotel is a must for understanding and experiencing historic Murphys. This bar takes you back in time and the barkeeps are great.
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Murphys Historic Hotel
457 Main StThe Saloon at the hotel is a must for understanding and experiencing historic Murphys. This bar takes you back in time and the barkeeps are great.
Great venue for summer concerts. Please bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. Murphys Getaway provides 4 low back chairs for concerts in the area. Just return them to the house when you're done.
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Ironstone Amphitheatre
1894 6 Mile RdGreat venue for summer concerts. Please bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. Murphys Getaway provides 4 low back chairs for concerts in the area. Just return them to the house when you're done.
Slot machines starting at a penny denomination, smoke-free room, table games, poker room etc. The casino obviously offers gambling, but there is also a fantastic family section with a 24 line bowling alley and arcade. The restaurant next to the bowling alley has superb nachos.
The new 2018 Westside Pavilion Amphitheater has a great summer concert series. Please bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. Murphys Getaway provides 4 low back chairs for concerts in the area. Just return them to the house when you're done.
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Black Oak Casino Resort
19400 Tuolumne Rd NSlot machines starting at a penny denomination, smoke-free room, table games, poker room etc. The casino obviously offers gambling, but there is also a fantastic family section with a 24 line bowling alley and arcade. The restaurant next to the bowling alley has superb nachos.
The new 2018 Westside Pavilion Amphitheater has a great summer concert series. Please bring your own blanket or chair to sit on. Murphys Getaway provides 4 low back chairs for concerts in the area. Just return them to the house when you're done.
Snowshoe Brewing Company
2050 CA-4Organic apple orchards and hard cider and brandy distillery. You enter the beautiful property through a covered bridge. There are picnic grounds, hiking trails and a gift shop.
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Indigeny Reserve
14679 Summers LnOrganic apple orchards and hard cider and brandy distillery. You enter the beautiful property through a covered bridge. There are picnic grounds, hiking trails and a gift shop.
Hinterhaus Distilling LLC
Entertainment & Activities
The Angels Theater originally opened in 1924 and is still showing movies daily. They have a friendly staff and reasonable prices in the snack bar. We highly recommend it.
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Angels Theatre
1228 S Main StThe Angels Theater originally opened in 1924 and is still showing movies daily. They have a friendly staff and reasonable prices in the snack bar. We highly recommend it.
They offer rentals for Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing, Sledding & Tubing with groomed sledding hills with picnic tables and benches near by for seating.
In the summer they switch gears with bike, flatwater kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, sales, and repair, retail clothing and accessories, mini-mart, fishing and camping supplies.
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Bear Valley Adventure Company
1 Bear Valley RdThey offer rentals for Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing, Sledding & Tubing with groomed sledding hills with picnic tables and benches near by for seating.
In the summer they switch gears with bike, flatwater kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, sales, and repair, retail clothing and accessories, mini-mart, fishing and camping supplies.
Held the 3rd weekend every May. One of the longest running events in California dating back to 1893. This is a treasure of an old county fair where you can experience the Frog Jump made world famous by Mark Twain. There's yummy food, carnival rides, live music, exhibits, livestock and a rodeo. This is fun for the whole family.
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Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee
2465 Gunclub RdHeld the 3rd weekend every May. One of the longest running events in California dating back to 1893. This is a treasure of an old county fair where you can experience the Frog Jump made world famous by Mark Twain. There's yummy food, carnival rides, live music, exhibits, livestock and a rodeo. This is fun for the whole family.
zip lining, axe throwing, and spelunking. A fun outing for the adventure seekers.
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Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
5350 Moaning Cave Rd zip lining, axe throwing, and spelunking. A fun outing for the adventure seekers.
Murphys Mini Golf
265 Tom Bell RoadMurphys Tennis Courts
99 School StreetEssentials
This is a full service family owned market with deli, meat market, cheese, salad bar, local wines, propane, ice. Everything you would need for grocery needs.
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Sierra Hills Market
117 CA-4This is a full service family owned market with deli, meat market, cheese, salad bar, local wines, propane, ice. Everything you would need for grocery needs.
Chevron
18151 CA-108Gas station with convenient store open until 10 pm.
Shell
138 E CA-4Gas station with convenient store open 24 hours.
Sierra Hills Natural Market is next door to the other Sierra Hills grocery store. They specialize in organic produce, bulk bins, plant-based and health food.
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Sierra Hills Market
117 CA-4Sierra Hills Natural Market is next door to the other Sierra Hills grocery store. They specialize in organic produce, bulk bins, plant-based and health food.
Arts & Culture
Angels Camp City Museum
753 S Main StCOLUMBIA MUSEUM
11256 State StGold Rush history
Parks & Nature
Big Trees is a must see year round - guided tours on Saturdays. The North Grove of the Sequoias is easily accessed from the parking lot at the Visitors Center. The dogwoods blooming in spring is not to be missed. In winter, the Warming Hut is a great place to warm up by a roaring fire on a cold day, and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage (tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa) served by friendly Docents. The Warming Hut is also the place to borrow snowshoes for a North Grove Guided Hike, if there is sufficient snow on the ground. (Our snowshoes are available only for guided tours; we do not rent them.) The Warming Hut is normally open Saturdays & Sundays, with some additional days around holidays
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 CA-4Big Trees is a must see year round - guided tours on Saturdays. The North Grove of the Sequoias is easily accessed from the parking lot at the Visitors Center. The dogwoods blooming in spring is not to be missed. In winter, the Warming Hut is a great place to warm up by a roaring fire on a cold day, and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage (tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa) served by friendly Docents. The Warming Hut is also the place to borrow snowshoes for a North Grove Guided Hike, if there is sufficient snow on the ground. (Our snowshoes are available only for guided tours; we do not rent them.) The Warming Hut is normally open Saturdays & Sundays, with some additional days around holidays
Discovered in 1885 by Walter J. Mercer. There are a total of 440 steps, 208 down into the caverns and 232 up out of the caverns. It is worth EVERY step. Don't miss the world famous and rare Aragonite flos ferri that won them a Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris World Exposition.
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Mercer Caverns
1665 Sheep Ranch RdDiscovered in 1885 by Walter J. Mercer. There are a total of 440 steps, 208 down into the caverns and 232 up out of the caverns. It is worth EVERY step. Don't miss the world famous and rare Aragonite flos ferri that won them a Grand Prize at the 1900 Paris World Exposition.
A popular spot for outdoor activities, such as boating and hiking in the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter
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Lake Alpine Lodge
4000 CA-4A popular spot for outdoor activities, such as boating and hiking in the summer, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter
The Natural Bridges trail is a beautiful two-mile round trip hike that will lead you to a limestone cavern that has been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake. The trailhead is off Parrotts Ferry Road. You will need to look for the brown "Natural Bridges Day Use Area" sign on the side of the road. Be sure to pack out anything you take in with you.
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Natural Bridges Trailhead
Parrotts Ferry RoadThe Natural Bridges trail is a beautiful two-mile round trip hike that will lead you to a limestone cavern that has been carved out by Coyote Creek which feeds into New Melones Lake. The trailhead is off Parrotts Ferry Road. You will need to look for the brown "Natural Bridges Day Use Area" sign on the side of the road. Be sure to pack out anything you take in with you.
Located in the heart of the California Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state. Visiting Columbia is like traveling back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of a nineteenth century mining town—merchants dressed in 1850’s attire, a whiff of coal smoke from the blacksmith shop, and the rumble of a stagecoach pulling into town! Spend the day enjoying fun activities for the whole family. Pan for gold, explore exhibits, ride the stagecoach, discover unique shops, and learn about the rich history of the California gold rush. Don't miss the Columbia School House up the hill
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Columbia State Historic Park
11259 Broadway StLocated in the heart of the California Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state. Visiting Columbia is like traveling back in time to the sights, smells, and sounds of a nineteenth century mining town—merchants dressed in 1850’s attire, a whiff of coal smoke from the blacksmith shop, and the rumble of a stagecoach pulling into town! Spend the day enjoying fun activities for the whole family. Pan for gold, explore exhibits, ride the stagecoach, discover unique shops, and learn about the rich history of the California gold rush. Don't miss the Columbia School House up the hill
3rd largest reservoir in California where you can enjoy miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, swimming, boating and boat rentals, kayaking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and stargazing.
New Melones Lake Park Administration and Visitor Center
6850 Stud Horse Flat Rd3rd largest reservoir in California where you can enjoy miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, swimming, boating and boat rentals, kayaking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and stargazing.
Angels Creek Trail: 2.5 miles | 4.0 kilometers | moderate
Buck Brush Loop: 1.3 miles | 2.1 kilometers | easy
Carson Creek Trail: 2.3 miles | 3.7 kilometers | moderate
Frontier Trail: 2.0 miles | 3.2 kilometers | moderate
Gold Rush Trail: 2.2 miles | 3.5 kilometers | moderate
Tower Climb: 1.3 miles | 2.1 kilometers | challenging
Glory Hole Recreation Area
6503 Glory Hole Rd Angels Creek Trail: 2.5 miles | 4.0 kilometers | moderate
Buck Brush Loop: 1.3 miles | 2.1 kilometers | easy
Carson Creek Trail: 2.3 miles | 3.7 kilometers | moderate
Frontier Trail: 2.0 miles | 3.2 kilometers | moderate
Gold Rush Trail: 2.2 miles | 3.5 kilometers | moderate
Tower Climb: 1.3 miles | 2.1 kilometers | challenging
You can ride the historic steam train on the weekends and take a tour of the roundhouse where they have historic locomotives/cars and movie props. The Sierra Railroad property and engines have been featured in over 200 westerns and TV shows including High Noon, Petticoat Junction, Bound for Glory, Unforgiven, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, and the list goes on.
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Railtown 1897 State History Park
10501 Reservoir RdYou can ride the historic steam train on the weekends and take a tour of the roundhouse where they have historic locomotives/cars and movie props. The Sierra Railroad property and engines have been featured in over 200 westerns and TV shows including High Noon, Petticoat Junction, Bound for Glory, Unforgiven, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, and the list goes on.
One of the most beautiful parks in the world! The valley is breathtaking no matter how many time you visit. Go for the waterfalls, the nature, the hiking, but just go! It's worthy of a visit no matter the time of year.
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Yosemite Valley
One of the most beautiful parks in the world! The valley is breathtaking no matter how many time you visit. Go for the waterfalls, the nature, the hiking, but just go! It's worthy of a visit no matter the time of year.
Arnold Rim Trail http://arnoldrimtrail.org/
The northern terminus of the Arnold Rim Trail is at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in the community of White Pines. From the museums parking lot, look for the start of the trail across the adjacent gravel road. The first mile is paved and gently graded for wheelchair accessibility.
To get here:From eastbound Highway 4 in Arnold, veer left onto Blagen Road just past the Chevron gas station. Follow Blagen Road for approximately one mile through the community of White Pines. Turn left on Dunbar Road, following signs for Hazel Fisher School and Logging Museum. Just past White Pines Lake, turn right at the giant pencil that marks the Logging Museum
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Arnold Rim Trail Head
Arnold Rim Trail http://arnoldrimtrail.org/
The northern terminus of the Arnold Rim Trail is at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in the community of White Pines. From the museums parking lot, look for the start of the trail across the adjacent gravel road. The first mile is paved and gently graded for wheelchair accessibility.
To get here:From eastbound Highway 4 in Arnold, veer left onto Blagen Road just past the Chevron gas station. Follow Blagen Road for approximately one mile through the community of White Pines. Turn left on Dunbar Road, following signs for Hazel Fisher School and Logging Museum. Just past White Pines Lake, turn right at the giant pencil that marks the Logging Museum
While the PCT is best known for its long-distance backpacking opportunities by the infamous thru-hikers, a number of great day hikes are available from the two trail heads at Ebbetts Pass.
Ebbetts Pass to Upper Kinney Lake (north) - a 6 mile loop to and from Upper Kinney Lake
Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake (south)- an 8 mile loop to and from Noble Lake
To get here: From Murphys, Calif. head east on California Highway 4 to Ebbetts Pass. The PCT trail head is just on the east side of the pass on the south side of the highway. A limited number of short-term spaces for day users only are available at the north trail head. More day parking at southern trail head.
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Pacific Crest Trail
While the PCT is best known for its long-distance backpacking opportunities by the infamous thru-hikers, a number of great day hikes are available from the two trail heads at Ebbetts Pass.
Ebbetts Pass to Upper Kinney Lake (north) - a 6 mile loop to and from Upper Kinney Lake
Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake (south)- an 8 mile loop to and from Noble Lake
To get here: From Murphys, Calif. head east on California Highway 4 to Ebbetts Pass. The PCT trail head is just on the east side of the pass on the south side of the highway. A limited number of short-term spaces for day users only are available at the north trail head. More day parking at southern trail head.
While the Pacific Crest Trail is best known for its long-distance backpacking opportunities by the infamous thru-hikers, a number of great day hikes are available from the two trail heads at Ebbetts Pass.
Ebbetts Pass to Upper Kinney Lake (north) - a 6 mile loop to and from Upper Kinney Lake
Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake (south)- an 8 mile loop to and from Noble Lake
To get here: From Murphys, Calif. head east on California Highway 4 to Ebbetts Pass. The PCT trail head is just on the east side of the pass on the south side of the highway. A limited number of short-term spaces for day users only are available at the north trail head. More day parking at southern trail head.
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Ebbetts Pass
While the Pacific Crest Trail is best known for its long-distance backpacking opportunities by the infamous thru-hikers, a number of great day hikes are available from the two trail heads at Ebbetts Pass.
Ebbetts Pass to Upper Kinney Lake (north) - a 6 mile loop to and from Upper Kinney Lake
Ebbetts Pass to Noble Lake (south)- an 8 mile loop to and from Noble Lake
To get here: From Murphys, Calif. head east on California Highway 4 to Ebbetts Pass. The PCT trail head is just on the east side of the pass on the south side of the highway. A limited number of short-term spaces for day users only are available at the north trail head. More day parking at southern trail head.
This is a great lake for kayaking, swimming, and paddle boarding just 1 mile outside of Arnold.
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White Pines Park
Blagen RoadThis is a great lake for kayaking, swimming, and paddle boarding just 1 mile outside of Arnold.
This is the most charming park around and the epicenter for many Murphys festivals and concerts. There's a nice playground for the kids and floating in the creek is always fun in the summertime. The Murphys Community Club usually has food and drinks for sale that supports the park during the events.
There are also bocce courts for public use. Players must register at the front desk of the Murphys Historic Hotel to make a reservation and ensure availability. There is no charge if players have their own set of balls, however, a set of balls may be rented from the hotel desk for $12/one court for 2 hours.
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Murphys Community Park
505 Algiers StThis is the most charming park around and the epicenter for many Murphys festivals and concerts. There's a nice playground for the kids and floating in the creek is always fun in the summertime. The Murphys Community Club usually has food and drinks for sale that supports the park during the events.
There are also bocce courts for public use. Players must register at the front desk of the Murphys Historic Hotel to make a reservation and ensure availability. There is no charge if players have their own set of balls, however, a set of balls may be rented from the hotel desk for $12/one court for 2 hours.
Feeney Park
New Melones Lake Marina
6503 Glory Hole Rd