|
|
|
| |
 |
The Bear Valley and Lake Alpine region of Alpine County has a rich history, and today hosts thousands of guests, many who take part in the varied recreational activities available throughout the year.
This area was originally named Grizzly Bear Valley by explorer Jedediah Smith, who traveled up the Stanislaus River drainage on his journey across the Sierra Nevada in 1827 following the route of today's Highway 4*.
In 1850, the route was traced by Major John Ebbett's, who led a company of miners across this route. The Major's death in 1854 resulted in the naming of the pass in his honor. A toll road, known locally as the Big Trees Road, operated from 1866 to 1911, while today, the highway is one of Alpine County's state scenic highways.
*Designated a scenic byway by the National Scenic Byways Program, United States Department of Transportation, October 2005. |
Development of the Bear Valley Village and nearby ski area began in the early 1960's. Located on the site of Blood's Toll Station, homesteaded by Harvey Blood a hundred years earlier, development began with the purchase of 480 acres in 1952 by the Orvis family, prominent San Joaquin Valley ranchers.
In 1955, 20 acres on the north side of the valley were subdivided, marking the beginning of today's Bear Valley community.
The Bear Valley Mountain Resort, originally named Mt. Reba, opened in December 1967, while the construction of homes, condominiums and commercial facilities began about the same time. Nearby Lake Alpine, a manmade reservoir, offers a rustic lodge, cabins, restaurant and store, as well as a large concentration of camping facilities. |
|
|
Today, Bear Valley is a recreational paradise, offering a multitude of summer and winter sports, and is close to foothill golf courses and the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The community is also home to the oldest cultural event in Alpine County, the Bear Valley Music Festival, held every August.
|
|
