Highway 4, Calaveras Co., California- Cross Country Skiing

A ski weekend with the dogs

We started our adventure on New Years eve by heading up Highway 4 in the California sierras for the holiday. We found many dog friendly cabin rentals, as well as restaurants, trails and adventures. We have visited this area in the summer and we were looking forward to the winter. We were blessed with beautiful weather, snow and cozy fires at night.

Highway 4 has recently been designated a scenic byway (visit http://www.scenic4.org/ ) and I can understand why. The roads are lined with granite boulders and towering pines. This weekend the pines appeared sugar dipped by the snow. The scenery was amazing and the views breathless. Along the way there are many places to stop. We began at Dorrington and Big Trees State Park (a great place to camp with the hounds in the summer) and we headed east. The highway was closed at Bear Valley Village/ Lake Alpine. From here we back country- cross country skied around the lake. This is a great work out and remember to take plenty of water and pack your lunches. It is a long one. If you're looking for a less intense work out, then just walk or snowshoe at the road closure for 1/2 mile to the Lake Alpine Lodge. They also offer a snow cat transport for no cost. You and your pouch can go on the snow cat. Dogs are allowed on the porch (outside dining) or in the bar area. While you fill your tank with excellent food your beloved friend will spend their time getting petted from literally tons or people! Enjoy this one, it's that good.