Our favorite place to start a good ride is the heart of California's gold country in Angels Camp located in Calaveras county. From Calaveras it is a short ride to Tuolumne county, rich in gold country history and Alpine county with its mountainous pine rimmed highways and scenic vista views. Each of these counties have great websites to explore and help you plan your trip:
Here are some town and destination highlights we would recommend taking a Spyder to. The times next to each town is how long it would take to get there from Angels Camp.
Angels Camp
Angels Camp: Born in 1848, Angels Camp is a town of 3000 people with a classic old town feel. She was made famous by Mark Twain's tale, "Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" in 1865. Just outside of Angels is California's 5th largest reservoir, Lake Melones. The Melones Lake visitor's center is a nice stop to stretch your legs and learn about the local animal and plant life.
Murphys
Murphys/15min: Known as the "Queen of the Sierras", Murphys is a popular small town stop with its many quaint dining, shopping and wine tasting options. There are over 16 wineries within the Murphy's area with tasting rooms in Murphys. The grandest winery, Ironstone, has an impressive line up of outdoor concerts in their grand amphitheater. If hiking underground rather then above ground is your style, be sure to stop by Mercer Caverns.
Sonora
Sonora/20min: The largest city in our three county area, Sonora was established in 1848. On your drive back to Angels Camp if driving a Spyder is not thrilling enough take Parrotts Ferry Road and stop by the Moaning Caverns and go rappelling or better yet try their zip line - more sedate walking tours also available.
Columbia State Historic Park
Columbia State Historic Park/20min: You will go back in time when you visit this real gold rush town preserved to historical accuracy.
Big Trees State Park
Big Trees State Park/45min: Take a break from riding and enjoy one of the short (or long) hikes this beautifully preserved park offers. Be humbled by the giant sequoias in this forest.
Bear Valley
Bear Valley/60min: Traveling north up Scenic Byway Highway 4 will take you to the small town of Bear Valley at 7,000 feet one can enjoy incredible majestic Alpine views and scenery on a gentle winding mountain road. See why this section of highway was awarded the prestigious Scenic Byway standing - only 125 in the United States.
Markleeville/Grover Hot Springs
Markleeville/Grover Hot Springs/2hours: After driving over Ebbetts' Pass with its breath taking canyon views and tight winding mountainous road, only traversable in the Summer, you will find yourself in the small town of Markleeville. Don't blink! Just outside is our favorite "hot" spot, Grover Hot Springs State Park.
Yosemite
Yosemite/3hours: If time allows, a must for every traveler if you have not been there already.
LODGING
When you come visit us in Angels Camp here are some lodging options in our home town:
| Angels Camp Resort 800-867-2095 |
123 Selkirk Ranch Road Angels Camp 95222 |
| Angels Camp RV and Camping Resort 209-736-0404 888-398-0404 |
3069 Highway 49, P. O. Box 847 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Angles Inn Motel 209-736-4242 1-888-753-0226 |
600 N. Main St., P. O. Box 521 Angels Camp 95221 |
| Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites 209-736-4000 800-767-1127 |
444 S. Main St., P. O. Box 50 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Cooper House Bed & Breakfast Inn 209-736-2145 |
1184 Church St., P. O. Box 1388 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Frogtown RV Park 209-736-2561 |
2465 Gun Club Road, P.O. Box 489 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Gold Country Inn Motel 209-736-4611 800-851-4944 |
720 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 728 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Greenhorn Creek Cottages Managed by Big Trees Realty 800-736-6165 |
711 McCauley Ranch Road Angels Camp 95222 |
| GreenStone Ranch & Inn 209-736-4466 209-736-4845 |
1655 Tryon Road, P.O. Box 100 Angels Camp 95222 |
| Jumping Frog Motel 1-888-668-0988 736-2191 |
330 Murphys Grade Road, P.O. Box 27 Angels Camp 95221 |
