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 lies Ebbetts Pass. On Lake Alpine and on lakes around Spicer Reservoir there is flat water, perfect for kayaking. You can rent a kayak in Arnold, at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company or at Bear Valley Adventure Company. The second also offers kayaking instructions. With all rentals, paddles and life jackets are included.
Union Reservoir is approximately a mile long and is located near Spicer Reservoir. Its waters are sheltered, making it ideal for kayaking enthusiasts. There are primitive camping areas, an unimproved hand-launch site and pit toilets around.
North of Union Reservoir is Utica Reservoir, that has 8 mi/12.9 km of shoreline, a maze of inlets and scattered islands, making it a wonderful place for kayakers. It has an unimproved dirt launch ramp, pit toilets and camping areas like Union Reservoir. Up on the Pacific Grade Summit are Mosquito Lakes.
They are small lakes and if you choose to paddle there, you should watch out for fishing nets. At the end of a side road near the summit of Ebbetts Pass are Highland Lakes. Although they are reasonably large, their lack of varied shorelines make them less popular to kayakers. They are often exposed to brisk winds.
