Welcome to the secluded and serene “Amongst The Trees.” retreat. Boasts 5 BR, 2.5 BA, dual-living rooms and a fully equipped kitchen highlights two large wrap-around bars for entertaining, the centerpiece to a large open floor plan for all guests to relax and revisit the importance of quality time. Host your family, extended family and friends, and discover the hidden gems that Calaveras has to offer come winter or summer.
This secluded floor to ceiling A frame custom build was inspired and built by our father Bob. He had a vision of a family retreat with not only his single family in mind, but spacious enough for extended family and friends to all enjoy. Come! savor a cup of coffee on the furnished wrap-around deck with the sound of mountain air moving through the pines above. Or sip a glass of wine beside one of 2 wood-burning fireplaces. Soak in the serene and uninhabited forest of Big Trees that will captivate all the pleasures of mountain living and ignite the curiosity of exploration just steps from the front door.
At just above 5,000 feet elevation you can explore the unlimited outdoors come winter or summer. Ski and snowboard Bear Valley Resort, fish the lakes of Alpine and White Pines, or the rivers from North Fork to South Fork and beyond. Hike the Big Trees State Park’s many scenic trails. Wine taste and shop in the charming town of Murphy’s, or see the secret caverns at Mercer or Moaning Caverns. Visit Historic Columbia State Park and take old time photos, or pan for gold. Take part in swimming, tennis, frisbee golf, and BBQ’s at Big Trees rec-center. After you explore in the fresh mountain air, retreat to this oasis with family and friends. “Big Trees Retreat” offers you a passport to the many hidden gems from the mountain tops of Alpine, to the foothills of the sierras, among all the mysteries of Stanislaus Forrest’s.
Accommodations
Level 1:
“Kids Getaway,” Sleeps 6, 2 bunk beds,1 single bed with trundle
“Calaveras Room,” Sleeps 2, Queen Bed
Living Room: Entertainment center, Wood burning fireplace, Foosball table, Library, Games, DVD’s, Full Bath and ½ Bath
Laundry: Washer, Dryer
Entry-way/Mudroom: Storage and pet needs
Level 2: Wrap-around deck, Furnished, Gas grill
Open Floor plan: Fully equipped kitchen, Large dining table, 2 wrap-around bars, Wood burning fireplace,
Entertainment center, Puzzles
“Alpine Room,” Cal King Bed, Sleeps 2
“Bear Valley Room,” Cal King bed, Sleeps 2
“Murphy’s Room,” Queen bed, Sleeps 2
Full Bath Amenities:
Bathtub, Shower, Hair dryer, Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, Make-up remover, Magnifying mirror, Towels, hand towels, washcloths
Bedrooms: Fresh bed sheets and linens, Extra pillows and blankets, Luggage racks, Hangers, Portable Fans
Laundry: Free washer - In unit, Free dryer - In unit, Iron and ironing board,
Detergent, dryer sheets, essential cleaning supplies
Entertainment: 50” TV (Level 1/Level 2), Smart TV, Netflix and Amazon login apps, DVD Players, HDMI cables (to connect your own device), Xfinity high speed internet for streaming devices, Books, DVD’s, Games, Puzzles
Family: Pack N play/Travel crib, High chair, Children’s dinnerware
Heating and Cooling: 2 Indoor Fireplace: wood-burning, Ceiling fan, Portable fans, Room heaters
Home Safety:
Security cameras on property
To look out for snow levels and deliveries, and to protect property, there are two exterior security cameras
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit
Flashlights/LED candles
Kitchen and dining:
Large Kitchen
Refrigerator and freezer
Beverage refrigerator
Microwave
Gas Stove
Gas Oven
Dishwasher
Fully equipped cookware - Pots, pans, cooking utensils, etc.
Dishes and silverware - Plates, bowls, cups, etc.
Cooking basics - Salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic
Coffee maker - Sugar, tea, filters
French press
Hot water kettle
Toaster
Blender
Wine glasses
Popcorn maker
Crockpot
Baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins
Cutting boards
Tupperware
Barbecue utensils
Tablecloths and placemats
Dish towels
Hot pads
Paper towels, dish soap, hand soap,
Essential cleaning supplies
Location Features:
Private entrance - Separate street or building entrance
Outdoor:
Front porch
Private wrap-around deck
BBQ grill
Snow Sleds and shovels
Parking and facilities:
Free parking on premises
Services:
Dogs allowed - Assistance animals are always allowed
Front porch lockbox
Self check-in
Some onsite-assistance available
Destinations:
Big Trees Village Recreation Center
www.bigtreesvillage.org
1211 Sierra Parkway
Camp Connell, CA 95223
8 min and 1.8 miles
Big Trees Village Recreation Center is the social HUB of Big Trees Village, a neighborhood association located in the heart of Camp Connell. BTVRC has been one of our #1 summer family vacation destinations. We have been dedicated members of this association since the beginning. As a guest of “Big Trees Retreat,” you will have full access to this center. Located only 1.8 miles from “Big Trees Retreat,” it offers swimming pools, tennis, bocce, frisbee golf, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, children’s playground, a multi-purpose field, and a large (reservable) BBQ area. Much, much, more!
Note: Swimming is open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Bear Valley:
Bear Valley is a year round destination with an emerging center for family outdoor adventures–rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, and disc-golfing in the summer, and cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort
www.bearvalley.com
2280 CA-207,
Bear Valley, CA 95223
22 miles and 31 minutes
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is one of California’s finest mid-sized snow sport destinations with nine ski lifts accessing beginner through expert terrain. Ski and snowboard, rent gear and book lessons.
Lake Alpine
CA-4 W/Ebbetts Pass
Scenic Byway
20.8 miles and 29 minutes
Lake Alpine is a year round destination with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking during the summer months and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter. Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Alpine!
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
www.parks.ca.gov
1170 CA-4,
Arnold, CA 95223
4.9 miles and 8 minutes
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is home to the North Grove, the pristine South Grove, the raging North Fork of the Stanislaus River, and tranquil Beaver Creek. Open year-round, the park offers picnic areas, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a visitor center. You’ll discover over 1,000 mature giant sequoias between the North and South Grove, the largest in the world and believed to live as long as 2,000 years.
White Pines
www.gocalaveras.com
CA-4 E/Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway
15 min and 8.5 miles
Locals favorite, White Pines Lake is situated along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. It’s a small, picturesque high country lake with beaches, picnic tables, and children’s playground. Thai lake can be the center of your entire day, when combined with fishing or swimming, kayaking or paddle-boarding.
Murphy's
Murphy’s is a must see destination! With its nearly two-dozen wine tasting rooms all within strolling distance along charming Main Street, its multiple restaurants, boutique shopping, historic architecture, and much more! The friendly, laid-back culture in town is a significant contributor to Murphy’s appeal. Murphy’s has been a staple destination for our family and continues to be.
Main Street Wineries
You’ll find welcoming wine makers or vineyard owners ready to answer all of your wine questions and help you find your favorite varietal from our innovative wine scene. Best of all, Murphy’s is a snob-free zone, with a friendly vibe you’ll find delightful!
Columbia State Historic Park
www.parks.ca.gov
11255 Jackson Street
Columbia, CA 94296
47 min and 32.9 miles
Travel back in time to a Gold Rush Town! Columbia State Historic Park is the ideal getaway for great family fun and relaxation. The park is an accrual town that has been preserved with restaurants, shops, two hotels and a theater with live performances. Visitors can taste hand-dipped chocolates, superior cups of coffee, or savor fine dining, or purchase picnic provisions. Take a stagecoach ride and old time photo, pan for gold, make candles or purchase Columbia made soap and more!
Columbia State Historic Park is just another staple destination!
Stanislaus River
www.stanislausrive.com
Fishing on the Stanislaus River is increasingly popular due to the beautiful scenery, variety of fish species, as well as the sheer number of fish that can be found in the river. Each section of the river has its own unique variety of fish as well as a set of fishing regulations, so any angler thinking of tackle-in the Stanislaus should educate themselves before heading out.
Explore the fishing diversity at North Fork, South Fork, and Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. It has been heavily fished by our families over the years.
Other popular fishing locations on the Stanislaus River:
Goodwin Canyon
Knights Ferry
Orange Blossom to Oakdale
These are just a few of our favorite destinations. You'll be provided with a Guest Guide upon checking in that includes all the information and more to help you explore!
