Parking Camping/ Lodging - At the Sno-Park: CalTrans's policy is that you can't camp (except inside your vehicle) at the Sno-Park, itself. However, according to the Forest Service, you're allowed to set up a tent or bivy just off the road surface on the snow.
- Lake Alpine campground, approximately 1/4 mile from the Hwy 4 road closure.
- West along Hwy 4 near Arnold is Calaveras Big Trees State Park, with a campground which is usually plowed and available for free camping. Best to check on your way up.
- There is a "Nordic Loft" above the BVCC center in which Mountain Adventure Seminars rents out bunks and private rooms. It's generally intended for individuals attending MAS's seminars, but is often available as a cheap way to sleep in a warm bed.
- There are of course several hotels/ inns/ B&Bs/ etc. between Murphy's and Lake Alpine which will happily exchange your money for a good night's sleep, as any google search will attest.
- Lake Alpine Resort (on the shore of the lake) is closed this winter, both for lodging and for restaurant/ bar.
Food/ Dining - There is a small grocery store in the lower level (mall) of the Bear Valley Lodge, and larger ones around Arnold.
- Lake Alpine Resort (on the shore of the lake) is closed this winter, both for lodging and for restaurant/ bar.
- There is a restaurant, and pizza place, and sometimes open cafe in the lower level of the Bear Valley Lodge, as well as several more eateries down the Highway surrounding Arnold.
Restrooms - There are two port-a-potties at the Lake Alpine Sno-Park.
- There are also vault toilets available along Highway 4 near the Lake Alpine boat ramp, though these are often inaccessible due to snow, and they are not dug out by the forest service. (There are other
- There are plenty of flush toilets in the town of Bear Valley - most notably in the Nordic Center just off Hwy 4, and in the Bear Valley Lodge lower level.
|
|
