Bear Valley is a ski area located near Angels Camp, on highway 4, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, approximately 3 hours southeast of Sacramento, California, USA.
Near Bear Valley, on Highway 4 lies Lake Alpine about 50 mi/80.5 km from Angels Camp. Elevation of the lake is 7300 ft/2225 m. If you visit Lake Alpine, you should definitely go for snowmobiling around Ebbetts Pass. Ebbetts Pass area is a popular place for snowmobilers. Routes are groomed and can be found near two Sno-Parks on the west side.
There are miles of twisted, country roads through the hills on both sides of the summit. You can rent a sled at Bear Valley Snowmobiles for use on Spicer or Lake Alpine trails or around Bear Valley village. Bear Valley trail is a 1.5 mi/2.4 km groomed trail from SnoPark at Lake Alpine to Bare Valley Village.
The trail starts on Highway 4 and during the winter months it is groomed for snowmobile use from SnoPark east of Bare Valley to the top of Ebbetts Pass about 15 mi/24.1 km and to Highland Lakes. There are many segments that are appropriate for all kind of levels.
While the trail climbs toward the pass, the vistas are magnificent. If you are an expert rider, you might want to continue riding on portion of the east side of Ebbetts Pass, which is ungroomed. You should pay attention, because this trail is multi-use so you might find some nordic skiers.
Spicer Reservoir Area is another snowmobile 20 mi/32.1 km, groomed trail, which is appropriate for novice to intermediate riders. This trail begins at a quarter of mile from Highway 4 at the parking area. There is a descent of about 2.5 mi/4 km to Stanislaus River, where you cross a bridge and then there is ascent out of the canyon.
From there, for the next 8 mi/12.9 km the trail offers a gentle ride to a three way intersection. If you are a very experienced rider, you can continue on the ungroomed route by Slick Rock Road to have access to Lake Alpine.
