PLAYMBA2020-05-12T10:06:41-07:00
Watersports
Photo: Sierra Nevada Adventure Co.
Nearby Lake New Melones provides boating, water and jet skiing opportunities, as well as luxury houseboat rentals. The more adventurous can try whitewater rafting on the Class IV North Fork Stanislaus River, or flatwater kayaking or canoeing on one of the many beautiful alpine lakes in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Big Trees
Photo: Lisa Boulton
Just a short drive from Murphys and open year-round, Calaveras Big Trees State Park features two magnificent groves of giant sequoia, as well as over six thousand acres of pine forest, campgrounds, picnic areas, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Golf
Photo: Calaveras Visitors Bureau
In Calaveras County, all within easy driving distance of Murphys, are several outstanding public golf courses, including one 9-hole course in Murphys (Forest Meadows Golf Club), and three regulation par-72 courses that will challenge and delight golfing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Caves
Photo: Moaning Caverns
Calaveras County is blessed with some spectacular caves and caverns, all of which are open to the public and offer a variety of tour options. These include Mercer Caverns, located just outside of Murphys off of Sheep Ranch Road, Moaning Cavern in Vallecito just a short drive west on Highway 4, and California Cavern, located in the hamlet of Mountain Ranch.
Zip Lining
Photo: Menka Belgal
Hang on to your helmet! Get ready to take to the skies on the Racing Zip Lines. Moaning Caverns offer two types of zipping, regular seated style and tandem zipping. Experience the fast-paced, high-intensity adventure of zip line traversing. All you need is the courage to step off the platform!
National Forest
Photo: Laura Bowly
The Stanislaus National Forest offers year-round recreation opportunities including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, low-speed boating, whitewater rafting and kayaking, stream and lake fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more, on over 250,000 acres of spectacular alpine terrain.
Disc Golf
Photo: Sierra Nevada Adventure Co.
If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family, why not play a round of disc golf? Feeney Park behind Michelson School in Murphys is a great place to start. If you want to play in the woods on a little steeper terrain, check out White Pines Disc Golf. If you need a free map to any of our local disc golf courses, stop by Sierra Nevada Adventure Co.
Skiing
Photo: Jason Smith
Winter sports fans will enjoy the world-class downhill (Bear Valley Mountain Resort)and cross country skiing (Bear Valley Cross Country) at Bear Valley, about an hour drive east on Highway 4 from Murphys. You’ll also find snowmobiling and snowplay in the town of Bear Valley. There’s something for everyone!
Cycling
Photo: Arnold Rim Trail Association
For you cyclists, there’s no better way to enjoy a day in Murphys than on a bike. Click here to view a list of several gold country & high alpine rides.