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Sports & Recreation
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Displaying activities 11 - 17 of 17 found.
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Land of Giants
Ranging from 1500' to 14,494' in elevation, these adjoining parks protect immense mountains, deep canyons, huge trees, and stunningly diverse habitats. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks. Beneath the surface lie many beautiful caverns.
Although they were created by separate acts of Congress, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country.
For information on travel to and within Sequoia & Kings Canyon, please visit www.nps.gov
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A Goldmine of History and Recreation
Calaveras County is mother natures’ playground. Biking down quiet country roads or on challenging mountain trails is popular. The Stanislaus National Forest and Calaveras Big Trees State Park brings day hikers and more ambitious back packers to the many miles of hiking trails. Being the closest ski area to the San Francisco Bay Area makes the affordable Bear Valley a well-liked place for both skiers and snow boarders. O.A.R.S. is the outdoor river specialist and offers quality whitewater adventures with experienced guides, great meals and always safety first along the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. There’s rafting trips for all levels and ages. To many sport enthusiasts’ water means fish and fish means fishing. Rivers and lakes in the high country are especially beautiful and some are very close to Highway 4. Camping is often found near these favorite-fishing holes and in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. In the summer Bear Valley becomes a popular place for both mountain biking and kayaking and Bear Valley Adventure Company can rent you supplies for these adventures. The high country is recognized as a splendid destination for golf and tennis. Forest Meadows and Sequoia Woods Country Club offer these two sports and are open to the public. Both have beautiful mountain settings and are surrounded by tall pines and cedars. Calaveras County is a bonanza for people who love sports and outdoor recreation!
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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
These trees were ancient even in medieval times. The oldest recorded living things on earth, some have been dated back to more than 4,500 years. Bristlecone pines grow in the White Mountains at elevations over 9,000 ft. It's hard to imagine anything living in this harsh, wind-swept environment, but that is part of the reason these trees flourish.
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Visitor Center at Schulman Grove features extensive interpretive displays which tell the story of these amazing trees.
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Birdwatching
A major stopover on the pacific flyway, Mono Lake hosts over 98 species of water birds and in 1991 was dedicated as an International Shorebird Reserve. The diversity of habitats in the surrounding area creates a wide range of birding opportunities. Visit us in the summer and fall for the best bird watching.
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Exploring the Eastern Sierra
An activity that has always been popular around Big Pine since Pioneer days is exploring the vast expanses of publicly owned land. Locked gates and "no trespassing" signs are rare. Canyons, ravines, meadows, desert flats, Pinyon pine forest and historical sites known by only the few who have ventured there await the modern day explorer. It is actually unusual to see another person at all once you get a few miles off the popular track. Some of these remote places have scarcely seen a footprint in 100 years. Archeological and petroglyph sites, some dating back thousands of years, are scattered around Big Pine. New ones are still being discovered to this day. Mines and town sites dating back to the gold rush era are to be found in various stages of decay. Gold as well as other interesting and valuable minerals can even be found in some places. Geological features like the Crater Mountain lava tubes which extend far into the earth are located here as well.
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Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing
Alpine County beckons adventurous backcountry skiers, 'boarders and snowshoers to the beautiful public lands available in the winter months. With miles of snow covered meadows and forests, as well as more challenging mountain slopes, Alpine County offers great access for a day or overnight winter excursion.
For Nordic skiers and snowshoers, Hope Valley is one of the most popular and easily reached areas for enjoying these winter sports. Access to this beautiful area is at the Hope Valley Sno Park and off Highways 88 and 89. Adjacent to Kirkwood Ski Resort, the Mokeumne Wilderness provides miles of great backcountry snowriding. Access is available from the Carson Pass Sno Park and along Highway 88 near Kirkwood. Near Bear Valley, the Sno Park at Lake Alpine, Round Valley, Bear Trap Valley and other locations are popular with off trail enthusiasts.
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A Winter Wonderland
Tahoe features North America's largest concentration of Ski/Snowboard Resorts, with perfect powder, groomed and machine-made snow from late November to early April. Add the adventures of snowmobiling, snow play parks, cross country skiing and showshoeing, and you'll discover why Lake Tahoe is America's favorite winter vacation destination.
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Displaying activities 11 - 17 of 17 found.
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