From the hill above the Alpine County Museum and Historical Complex, the view stretches across Markleeville and the surrounding meadows to the Sierra peaks in the west. The historic complex brings together an Old Log Jail, the Webster School House, a Stamp Mill, a Basque Bread Oven, a Blacksmith Exhibit, historic machinery, and the museum. The different traces of the past come together in one place.
Historic Sites and Trails
Construction of the Webster School House in Markleeville began in 1882; classes first took place in October 1883. The two dates mark the time between the start of construction and the opening of the school. Another historic trace leads over Ebbetts Pass: the Emigrant Trail opened in the early 1850s.
The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway also reveals the landscape’s striking contrasts. In Alpine County, the road passes through glacier-carved valleys and canyons, past ancient volcanic peaks and rugged, snow-covered granite ridges. Here, the byway reaches the junction of SR 4 and SR 89; continuing on SR 89, the route ends in Markleeville.
Meadows, Hot Springs, and River Landscapes
Grover Hot Springs State Park is at the end of Hot Springs Road, four miles west of Markleeville. At an elevation of 5,900 feet, it is set in an alpine meadow. Visitors can bathe in a mineral pool fed by six hot springs. Since pool availability may vary, check whether swimming is possible before your visit.
A different landscape defines the Indian Creek Recreation Area, which includes the Indian Creek Reservoir, the Indian Creek Campground, and the East Fork of the Carson River. Pines and sagebrush shape the foothills scenery. Airport Road branches off California State Route 89 between Woodfords and Markleeville; the access road is paved. Since road conditions may change seasonally, check access conditions before setting out.
Trails with Different Profiles
The Charity Valley Trail runs for about 8.5 miles through Alpine County and has approximately 2,300 feet of elevation gain. For several miles, it follows Charity Valley Creek and passes waterfalls and beaver ponds. The trail is open to equestrians and mountain bikes. Check permitted uses and restrictions before setting out.
The Burnside Lake Trail is a two-mile connector trail with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain. It first passes through dense mixed-conifer forest with wildflowers and old trees, then descends over rocky switchbacks. The Thornburg Canyon Trail is an approximately eight-mile historic wilderness trail with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. In direct comparison, the Burnside Lake Trail is considerably shorter based on the stated distances; Charity Valley and Thornburg Canyon are close in length at approximately 8.5 and eight miles, respectively. Their elevation gains are approximately 900, 2,300, and 2,500 feet.
For a short, paved interpretive trail near Woodfords, consider the Curtz Lake Interpretive Loop, an easy, informative walk. Check trail conditions after fires or storms. To prepare for hikes in Alpine County, the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce shop offers detailed topographic and hiking maps. Check ahead to see whether the map service is currently available.
Summer Activities and Cycling Routes
At Lake Alpine, activities range from fishing, hiking, and biking to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, swimming, climbing, and wildlife watching. In summer, Forest Service rangers also offer interpretive programs there. Silver Valley Campground is at the eastern end of the Lake Alpine Recreation Area, in a wooded setting and near several trailheads. The opening season and reservation policies may vary; check them before planning your stay.
At Kirkwood Mountain Resort, the summer mountain bike park features an extensive trail network. Lifts operate on weekends in July and August; check the current summer schedule. The annual Death Ride – Tour of the California Alps offers a different kind of experience, with a route through Alpine County: 103 miles, more than 14,000 feet of elevation gain, and up to five alpine passes. Since the course may change, check that year’s route.
Discover more destinations: Kirkwood, Alpine Village, Stanislaus, Merced, Amador County, Mendocino, Tulare, Mono.
Go to the main travel overview: California.
