Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Activities
Hiking, Biking, Fishing (Rivers, Reservoirs & Lakes)
Tabeaud Reservoir (2 miles from Ranch) Take East Clinton to right on Tabeaud Road. Nice little nearby lake ideal for hiking and bike/horse riding with a 2.5 mile loop around the lake (we like going up/away from lake for views over Mokelumne River canyon). Dogs often seen swimming and off leash here (though please leash when encountering other dogs on leash, bikes, horses).- Mount Zion (6 miles) Less crowded with lots of dirt area parking and great view spot. Easy ~1 mile loop past fire lookout or take side trails for longer more strenuous hike.
- Mokelumne River access off Electra Road (13 miles). Nearby river well known for kayaking. Day Use Area 2.8 miles east of Hwy 49 with parking, picnic facilities, bathrooms, beach and rope swings into slow pool in river.
- Middle-Fork Cosumnes Campground (33 miles), Hwy 88 to Cat Creek Rd just past Ham Station. Follow signs to campground for 8 miles. Great swimming hole and slide rock under Cosumnes River bridge. Hiking trails along creek-sized river and campground.
- Bear River Reservoir (37 miles). High altitude fun all year round.
- Shealor Lakes (44 miles) Trailhead with parking marked on the west side of Hwy 88 across from Silver Lake. Fairly easy 3.2 mile round-trip hike to pretty mountain lake. This is one of our favorite 1/2 day excursions and we’ve not had problems with crowds nor letting our dogs off-leash (see the photo).
- Potholes at Silver Lake (47 miles) Scenic swimming holes across from the Kit Carson lodge.
- Carson Pass / Hwy 88 hikes (45-55 miles near Kirkwood). There are many great day hikes of various lengths and intensities to beautiful destinations: Silver Lake, Caples Lake, Emigrant Lake, Woods Lake, Blue Lakes, Round Top Lake, Winnemucca Lake, Granite Lake, 4th of July Lake, Thunder Mountain, and along the Pacific Crest Trail. Most are off-leash since National Forest (supposed to be on-leash in wilderness area) with the link to the Carson Pass describing hikes and trailheads. Caples Lake is a favorite for easy hike along the lakeside.
- Kirkwood Meadows (50 miles) Not just for winters, Kirkwood offers many fantastic summer sports including bike park, climbing wall, chair lift, zip lining, disc golf, and of course miles of alpine hiking trails. Dogs often seen off leash.
Larger Lakes for Hiking, Fishing, Boating & Waterskiing
- Lake Camanche (27 miles). Marinas on both shores with ramps, rentals, gas. Swimming off sandy beaches. Waterskiing -- bring your own boat. Trout, catfish, sunfish, & bass. North Shore off 88 near Ione.
- New Melones Lake (43 miles) Full service marina. Variety of water rentals including ski boats and wake boards. South of Angels Camp.
- Additional lakes within an hour include New Hogan, Pardee, and Amador, with others a bit further away
Railway and Cavern Adventures
- Rail Explorers (20 miles): 2-hour unique rail car tour on train tracks through Ione country hills. Dog permitted on rail car but may not enjoy it (noise and vibration).
- Black Chasm Cavern (8 miles): 50 min cave tours daily, nearby in Volcano. Cool underground even during hot summer days. 888-488-1960.
- California Cavern (36 miles). 45-80 minute family tours or wild cavern expedition trips. East of San Andreas in Calaveras County.
- Moaning Cavern (43 miles). Descend via stairs or 180-ft rope rappel. Adventure tours and twin zip line rides also available. East of Angels Camp.
Horseback Riding
- Pine Grove ranch (5 miles) a neighbor who offers an Airbnb horse riding experience.
- 4Horse Ranch (27 miles) a family ranch in Valley Springs for lessons, trail rides, etc.
- Kirkwood Sierra Outfitters (45 miles) small group customized summer riding in the mountains. Their website isn't up-to-date but confirmed they are open for 2022.
- Boarding on the Lake (49 miles) Horseback riding on beautiful Folsom Lake including highly-rated rental string trail rides -- Cyndi has ridden with a guest and it's a fun ride!
- Shadow Glen Riding Stables (49 miles) Large horseback riding stables near Sacramento along the American River -- Cyndi has ridden with a guest and it's an easier ride for kids.
- Quartz Mountain Stage Line (50 miles) Authentic stagecoach rides in Columbia. Ride shotgun or inside the coach.
Winter Snow Fun
- Snowboarding and skiing at Kirkwood (1 hr on Hwy 88) or other South Lake Tahoe resorts such as Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe. Dogs love the open meadows behind the condos and the cross country trails!
- Snow play in the Sierras (30-60 minutes up Hwy 88, depending on the snow elevation). Bear River Reservoir is often a great location to pull off the highway and let the pups enjoy the snow. There are also 4 nearby California SNO-PARKS that are ideal for people and their pets enjoying the snow.
White Water Rafting
May - September is the best time to enjoy. Many rafting companies offer 1/2 day or longer trips on the American River South Fork about an hour away. None that we’ve found allow dogs though.
- OARS 800-346-6277 or 209-736-4677
- Raft California 530-626-7385
- Tributary Whitewater Tours 800-672-3846
- Whitewater Excitement 800-750-2386
Hunting/Shooting
Throughout the Sierras with proper tags and seasons.
- Comanche Hills for bird hunting and sporting clays in Ione (27 miles)
- Sac Valley Shooting Center (29 miles)
Golf
- Mace Meadows (14 miles) up Hwy 88 in Pioneer 209-295-8808
- Castle Oaks (21 miles) has a USGA rating of 73.3. Located near Ione. 209-274-0167
- Green Horn Creek (37 miles) in Angles Camp 209-729-8111
Bowling
- Gold Country Lanes (12 miles) 81 W Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek, 209-223-3334
Indicates dog-friendly activity!
