Welcome to the Inn!

Our Region Provides Exceptional Experiences

Arnold is the gateway to the spectacular
Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway.

On Highway 4, over 58 miles of spectacular scenery and recreational opportunities stretch east from Arnold to Bear Valley, across Ebbetts Pass at 8,730 feet, and descend to meet with Highway 89 at picturesque Markleeville.

The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway (EPSB) offers the most wilderness scenery of any Scenic Byway in California. Download a brochure about the EPSB with a map and points of interest.

Click on the EPSB badge above or the photo below to visit the US Department of Transportation Scenic Byways website. Look on the left side of the website and click on "Photos."  

Click on the photo of the Dardanelles (copyright 2005 by Chris Hall) for images from excellent local photographers of the EPSB on the US Department of Transportation Scenic Byways website. Look on the left side of the website for "Photos."  

See more images by Chris Hall and Dick James on the Scenic Byways website.

Begin your own EPSB adventure in Arnold, and stay with us at the Black Bear Inn!

A Year-Round Destination

Explore the websites below. You'll find outstanding recreation, music, wine-tasting, and much more!!

BEAR VALLEY SKI RESORT

Outstanding downhill skiing and summertime recreation.


BEAR VALLEY CROSS COUNTRY

Enjoy cross country in the winter, biking and kayaking in the summer.


BEAR VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

39th Season of dazzling and eclectic performances set in the grandeur of Bear Valley in July and August.


CALAVERAS BIG TREES STATE PARK

Truly magnificent groves of Giant Sequoias with some trees over 2,000 years old, 325 feet in height, and 33 feet in diameter. Visit the website and click on "Trails" to see examples of Earth's largest living objects. Download a brochure about the park in PDF format that details the camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife resources of the park. Photo below of the Big Trees North Grove Trail copyright 2004 by Dick James. Notice the tiny person in white t-shirt on the left side. This photo and many more are on the EPSB website.


CALAVERAS VISITOR'S BUREAU

Excellent, in-depth resource that includes maps, history, activities and much more on their website. Very knowledgeable staff can answer your questions.

CALAVERAS WINEGRAPE ALLIANCE

Calaveras won its first Gold Medal for wine in 1872. Today nearly 20 family-owned wineries from large to boutique are active in the county with tasting and tours -- and still winning Gold Medals. Download a map of the tasting rooms in PDF format.


CALIFORNIA CAVERN TOURS

Our region has an extensive and fascinating system of caverns. You can walk, raft, or rappel your way through these amazing natural wonders that were first explored thousands of years ago by Native Americans. Recently a quarter-mile aerial adventure has been added to Moaning Cavern. Find out more.


GOLD COUNTRY BIKE TOURS

Discover the beauty and history of our region on guided bicycle tours that include a support van to carry your provisions and purchases, if you just happen upon a shop that interests you.


O.A.R.S. WHITEWATER RAFTING

Extraordinary adventures (and a lot of wet fun) await you when you participate in a local O.A.R.S. expedition. 

 

SIERRA NEVADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

Whatever you need for outdoor recreation, S.N.A.C. in Arnold has it: clothing, equipment, and most importantly -- expert advice. 



 

Golf Courses

SEQUOIA WOODS COUNTRY CLUB

Two miles east of Arnold. The Inn offers Sequoia Woods golf privileges. This 18-hole course is at 4,000 feet amid the beauty and majesty of a forest.

 

FOREST MEADOWS GOLF COURSE

Located between Murphys and Arnold.

 

GREENHORN CREEK

Just west of Angels Camp.


SADDLE CREEK GOLF COURSE

A couple miles west of Copperopolis.


MEADOWMONT GOLF COURSE

A minute or two west of the Inn.

 

 

Performing Arts

Local theater and the arts are very much alive and well in our region. We offer performing arts packages for our guests, including the following venues.


MURPHYS CREEK THEATRE

"Theatre Under the Stars" at Stevenot Winery's 300-seat outdoor amphitheatre near Murphys. A wonderful summertime treat.


SIERRA REPARATORY THEATRE

At the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park and in East Sonora.


IRONSTONE VINEYARDS

On their website look for "2007 Summer Concerts." Check out their schedule and call early for tickets! Outdoors in their amphitheater near Murphys. The concerts are announced in May.


BEAR VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

July and August. Another must-see event, as described above on this page.


Shopping and Dining

Along Highway 4, Arnold, Murphys and Angels Camp offer restaurants, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, art, and other services and necessities. Murphys is the most complete shopping and dining scene -- diverse and bustling, with ample shops to satisfy every taste, and excellent cuisine in a dozen varieties. Murphys is also the epicenter of our wineries, and Kautz Ironstone Vineyards is a true must-see destination. The Inn's hometown of Arnold has dining and shops just minutes from your room. Contact us with any questions about where to find what.


EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE

 

Visit Bear Valley's Website

Bear Valley Webcam

 

 

Bear Vally Cross Country


 

Golf, Ski, Wineries & Shopping

 

 

Click for Arnold, California Forecast

 

 Gift Baskets, Massage & More

 

 

We're looking forward to your visit!

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