Attractions and Places To See in Calaveras County - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Calaveras County include a diverse range of natural wonders and historic sites within California's Gold Country. The region is characterized by majestic giant sequoias, extensive subterranean caverns, and numerous lakes and rivers. Visitors can explore historic Gold Rush towns and experience the area's rich winemaking culture.
Best attractions and places to see in Calaveras County
- The most popular attractions is Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor), a natural monument that marks the site of a giant sequoia felled in 1853. The stump was later used as a dance floor, a practice criticized by John Muir.
- Another must-see spot is Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a facilities that provides historic park information, maps, and amenities. It serves as a gateway to exploring the towering groves of Giant Sequoia trees, accessible year-round.
- Visitors also love Natural Bridge π Calaveras (upper), a natural monument featuring limestone caverns carved by Coyote Creek. Visitors can hike to this unique formation and explore the active limestone caves.
- Calaveras County is known for ancient groves of giant sequoias, subterranean caverns, and historic Gold Rush towns. The region offers a diverse range of natural features and cultural sites to explore.
- The attractions in Calaveras County are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 32 highlights, with 7 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor)
Highlight β’ Natural Monument
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Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Highlight β’ Rest Area
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Murphys Historic Main Street π
Highlight β’ Historical Site
John and Daniel Murphy were part of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, the first immigrant party to bring wagons across the Sierra Nevada to Sutter's Fort in 1844. They earned a living as merchants, but like many others, began prospecting when the California Gold Rush began. They first started in Vallecito, which was known as "Murphys Old Diggings," before moving to another location in 1848 which became "Murphys New Diggings," "Murphy's Camp," and eventually just "Murphys."
The placer mining in this location was wildly successful. Miners were limited to claims of 8 square feet (0.75 m2) and yet many were still able to become rich. The Murphy brothers themselves, however, made far more money as merchants than as miners. In fact, John was so successful that he left town at the end of 1849 and never returned, having amassed a personal fortune of nearly $2 million. Roughly $20 million in gold was discovered in Murphys and the surrounding area. Two of the richest diggings were named Owlsburg and Owlburrow Flat. It is also a base for visitors to the nearby giant sequoia trees in what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphys,_California
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Natural Bridge π Calaveras (upper)
Highlight β’ Natural Monument
There is a Lower Natural Bridge about half a mile downstream from the Upper Natural Bridge, requiring scrambling along the overgrown river rocks but amazing. Ferns hang down over the arched limestone walls to create an exotic landscape. Coyote Creek spills down a smooth-rock channel and disappears in the darkness of the limestone cave tunnels. Water drips down, growing beautiful deposit formations. hikespeak.com/trails/upper-natural-bridge-hike-calaveras-county
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Angels Camp π° gold mining town
Highlight β’ Historical Site
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Top Of The World
Highlight β’ Viewpoint
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North Fork Stanislaus River
Highlight β’ River
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New Melones Lake
Highlight β’ Lake
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Lake Camanche
Highlight β’ Lake
These days it is a popular recreation destination for all manner of outdoor activities. The day use and camping areas do fill to capacity regularly throughout the busy summer season, so early planning is essential if you don't want to miss out.
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Big Meadow Campground βΊοΈ
Highlight β’ Rest Area
Operational Hours: Campground is open about June-Nov.
No Reservations: Big Meadow is a first-come, first-served campground.
Fees $19.00 per night.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=14841
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Tips from the Community
Accessible free for bikers, good visitor center with info about history and nature trails, restrooms, drinking water fountains, snack sales. Safe place to leave bikes to explore the walking-only trails.
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This reservoir was created when the Camanche Dam was built across the Mokelumne River in the 1960s. The dam and lake get their name from the former town of Camanche, that now lies deep below the surface of the water. These days it is a popular recreation destination for all manner of outdoor activities. The day use and camping areas do fill to capacity regularly throughout the busy summer season, so early planning is essential if you don't want to miss out.
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New Melones Lake straddles the border of Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. In addition to providing electric power, irrigation water, and flood control to the area the lake is also open for recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
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The hike down to the river is pretty easy, but remember to conserve some energy for the return trip. Since you're hiking down to a river you'll be ascending on the way back. The river itself is a beautiful mountain flow that varies wildly throughout the seasons. If you're here in spring or early summer expect high water levels as the snowmelt from higher elevations rushes downhill.
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As you would expect from a place called Top Of The World, the views from here are great. You can hike to the summit as an out and back, or loop around on some longer trails for a day hike.
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You'll get some great views from up here! Touring cyclists should make sure to approach via Manuel Peak Road (often misspelled as Manual Peak Road) to the north. The trail to the south is a black-diamond-rated mountain bike trailβnot great for touring tires.
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Scenic campground within a mature conifer forest of red fir and lodgepole pine with scattered quaking aspen. Sites are large, private and shady. Natural granitic rock outcrops are scattered throughout. The campground is located adjacent to Highway 4; some traffic noise may be apparent in individual sites close to the highway. Campground is closed for the season. Bear boxes are available at campground sites. Operational Hours: Campground is open about June-Nov. No Reservations: Big Meadow is a first-come, first-served campground. Fees $19.00 per night. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=14841
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Free for bikers, good visitor center with info about history and nature trails, restrooms, drinking water fountains, snack sales. Safe place to leave bikes to explore the walking-only trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural wonders can I explore in Calaveras County?
Calaveras County is home to magnificent natural attractions. You can visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see ancient giant sequoias, including the historic Big Stump - Discovery Tree. Explore unique limestone caverns at Natural Bridge (Coyote Creek), or delve deeper into the earth at Moaning Cavern Adventure Park and Mercer Caverns. The region also features beautiful lakes like New Melones Lake and Lake Camanche, perfect for water activities.
Are there any historical sites or Gold Rush towns to visit?
Absolutely. Calaveras County is rich in Gold Rush history. You can wander through the charming Murphys Historic Main Street, known for its wine tasting rooms and historic hotel. Angels Camp, famous for Mark Twain's 'Jumping Frog,' offers a glimpse into the past with its historic downtown and museum. Other notable sites include the San Andreas Historical Museum and Mokelumne Hill, one of California's principal mining towns.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Calaveras County?
Many attractions cater to families. Kids will love exploring the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where the Big Stump - Discovery Tree offers a unique historical perspective. Moaning Cavern Adventure Park provides thrilling experiences like zip-lining and gemstone mining. Lakes such as New Melones Lake and Lake Camanche are great for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Exploring the historic downtowns of Murphys and Angels Camp also offers engaging scavenger hunts.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Calaveras County offers diverse outdoor recreation. You can enjoy hiking and biking on the Arnold Rim Trail, or explore trails within Calaveras Big Trees State Park. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including the 'North Fork Stanislaus River β Calaveras Big Trees State Park loop from Arnold' which you can find more about in the Cycling in Calaveras County guide. Mountain biking trails like 'Slick Rock Road' are detailed in the MTB Trails in Calaveras County guide. The Stanislaus River is popular for whitewater rafting and fishing, while the many lakes provide opportunities for boating and swimming.
Are there accessible attractions for visitors with mobility challenges?
Yes, some attractions offer accessibility. The Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park is wheelchair accessible and provides information about the park. While some natural trails may be challenging, the main areas of the Big Trees State Park are generally more accessible, particularly the North Grove. It's always recommended to check specific venue details for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
When is the best time to visit Calaveras County for attractions?
Calaveras County offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for hiking and exploring historic towns, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities at lakes like New Melones Lake. In winter, the higher elevations, such as Bear Valley Resort, offer skiing and snowboarding, and guided snowshoe tours are available at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Calaveras County?
The region boasts several scenic spots. The Top Of The World offers expansive views. The Arnold Rim Trail provides diverse terrain with scenic overlooks, including a waterfall. Additionally, the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many of the lakes, like New Melones Lake, also provide picturesque vistas.
What unique local experiences, like wine tasting, are available?
Calaveras County is known for its burgeoning wine scene, particularly around Murphys. You can visit numerous wineries and tasting rooms to sample local vintages. Ironstone Vineyards not only offers wine tasting but also features a Heritage Museum with a gold nugget exhibit. Exploring the historic downtowns of Murphys and Angels Camp provides a chance to discover unique shops and local eateries.
Are there opportunities for running or jogging trails?
Yes, Calaveras County has several running trails. You can find routes like the 'Running loop from Inspiration Point' or the more challenging 'San Antonio Falls β San Antonio Falls Overlook loop from Arnold'. More details on these and other options are available in the Running Trails in Calaveras County guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Calaveras County's attractions?
Visitors frequently praise the majestic beauty of the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, often noting the ease of access to these ancient wonders. The unique geological formations of the caverns and natural bridges, such as Natural Bridge (Coyote Creek), are also highly appreciated. The charm of the historic Gold Rush towns like Murphys, with its vibrant Main Street, and the diverse outdoor activities available at the lakes and rivers, consistently receive positive feedback.
Can I find parking easily at major attractions?
Many major attractions, such as the Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park, offer designated parking facilities. Historic downtowns like Murphys and Angels Camp typically have street parking or public lots available. For natural areas and trailheads, parking availability can vary, so it's advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
Most popular routes in Calaveras County
Most popular attractions in Calaveras County
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