Calaveras

Calaveras-trees

Calaveras County Wheelchair Travel Guide

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From historic museums to wine tasting, and even a grove of giant sequoias, there’s a definite diversity in California’s Calaveras County. And if you’d like to spend a night or two, there’s also a good selection of comfortable inns and lodges. The good news is, many of the lodgings, attractions and trails are excellent choices for slow walkers and wheelchair-users. So pack your suitcase, gas up the car and check out this Calaveras County Wheelchair Travel Guide for a fun weekend in the California Gold Country.

Attractions

Calaveras County Museums Worth a Stop

emerginghorizons.com/four-calaveras-county-museums-worth-a-stop/
From an old courthouse to vintage logging equipment, and even a stagecoach or two, there’s lots to see and do in these immersive museums.

Calaveras Big Trees for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

emerginghorizons.com/calaveras-big-trees-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/
Explore an accessible trail through a giant sequoia grove, linger on a meadow boardwalk or roll on down to the river at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Wheelchair-Accessible Murphys Wine Tasting

emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-murphys-wine-tasting/
Take a wine stroll through downtown Murphys. And stop and enjoy some of the old time storefronts along the way.

Visit Ironstone Vineyards

emerginghorizons.com/visit-ironstone-vineyards-in-the-california-foothills/
Ironstone Vineyards offers much more than a tasting room. Take a tour of the wine caverns, enjoy the beautiful grounds, or check out the giant gold nugget in the museum.

Calaveras Frog Jump

emerginghorizons.com/experience-the-calaveras-county-frog-jump/
A top pick on the Calaveras County Wheelchair Travel Guide, this Angels Camp competition takes a page from one of Mark Twain’s short stories. Come and see who takes home the grand prize.’

Spend The Night

Victoria Inn

emerginghorizons.com/spend-the-night-at-the-murphys-victoria-inn/
Located on the main drag in Murphys, the Victoria Inn is just steps from a few favorite wine tasting rooms. And it offers a wheelchair-accessible room in a small cottage near the main building.

Black Bear Inn

emerginghorizons.com/sleep-near-the-big-trees-in-calaveras-county/
Set amongst the pines, this five-room lodge includes an expansive great room, a comfortable patio and the wheelchair-accessible Calaveras Suite.

Enjoy the Courtwood Inn While Touring California Gold Country

emerginghorizons.com/enjoy-the-courtwood-inn-while-touring-california-gold-country/
This tennis-themed inn includes the wheelchair-accessible US Open Room, which includes a spacious bathroom with a roll-in shower.

Logistics

Check Out These Five Calaveras County Picnic Areas

emerginghorizons.com/check-out-these-five-calaveras-county-picnic-areas/
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal al fresco at one of these Calaveras County wheelchair-accessible picnic areas.

Park Your Car and Ride the Calaveras Hopper

emerginghorizons.com/park-your-car-and-ride-the-calaveras-hopper/
The wheelchair-accessible Calaveras Hopper runs on Saturdays, and connects Angels Camp with the Murphys tasting rooms as well as Ironstone vineyards.

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Check Out These Five Calaveras County Picnic Areas

Check Out These Five Calaveras County Picnic Areas

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Although it’s great to eat in an iconic restaurant when you’re on a road trip, it’s also nice to be able to stop for a picnic lunch. This is especially true if you’re traveling to a rural destination. Not only does it help trim the food budget a bit, but it’s also very relaxing to enjoy a midday meal surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty. And Calaveras County is the perfect place to do exactly that. Located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, this rural area is composed largely of unincorporated areas, filled with flowers, greenery and beautiful scenery. So check one of these Calaveras County picnic areas on your next Golden State road trip.

Gateway Park
Angels Camp

angelscamp.gov/living-in-angels/parks/

Gateway Park in Angels Camp

First up on the list of Calaveras County picnic areas is Gateway Park. This small park in Angels Camp is definitely off the tourist trek. There’s accessible parking next to an accessible restroom, and a level trail down to a picnic table in a grassy area. Although it’s a standard table, there’s room for a wheelchair at the end. There’s also a paved path along the creek to another table under a tree near the play area. And although it’s not a busy park, you may have a few deer join you for lunch.

Gerald Turner Park
San Andreas

sanandreasparks.org/Turnerpark/TurnerPark.htm

Gerald Turner Park in San Andreas

If you use GPS to get to this park, it will take you to a row of houses on Pope Avenue behind the park. If you find yourself in this situation, then just turn on Treat Avenue to find the entrance to this small park. There’s no accessible parking in the small lot, but there’s level access on a cement pathway over to the picnic tables at this community park. And there’s plenty of room for a wheelchair to maneuver around the tables, and there’s room for wheelchair seating on the ends. There’s also a gazebo and a kids area at this park. The restrooms are accessible, but they may be locked in the off season.

White Pines Park
Arnold

whitepinespark.com

White Pines Park in Arnold

Next up on the list of Calaveras County picnic areas is White Pines Park. This small lakeside park is just down Dunbar Road from the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum. Turn left into the small parking lot just past the museum — it you hit Blagen Road, you’ve gone too far. There’s accessible parking near the lake, with level access out to an accessible picnic table. There are also BBQ grills available near the lakeside tables. And the great part about this park is that you can also wander over and enjoy the outdoor exhibits at the museum, even if they’re not open.

Murphys Community Park
Murphys

murphyspark.com/

Restroom at Murphys Community Park in Murphys

This popular park is located on Algiers Street, just around the corner from the Murphys Historic Hotel. There’s accessible parking in front of the restrooms near the park, and it’s just a short roll down to the park entrance. There’s also a large accessible stall in the park restrooms. Inside the park, there are a number of picnic tables under the trees, and some on pavement near the creek, with plenty of room for a wheelchair. And if you’d like to do a little wine tasting after lunch, you’re just a short walk from the Main Street tasting rooms.

Town Square Park in Copperopolis

facebook.com/TheTownSquareAtCV/
Last but not least on our roundup of Calaveras County picnic areas is Town Square Park in Copperopolis. It’s also one of the newest parks in the area. There’s level access to this small park, which is located across the street from The Gateway Hotel on Stone Street. Accessible parking is located in the Town Square parking lot, and in back of the Gateway Hotel. There’s only a few picnic tables in the park, but there are a number of benches and a gazebo as well. It’s just a pleasant spot to take a break.

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Wheelchair- Accessible Murphys Wine Tasting

Wheelchair- Accessible Murphys Wine Tasting

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Vineyard at Ironstone Winery

Calaveras County played an integral part in the California Gold Rush, as folks flocked to the area in hopes of striking it rich. Today the 49ers are long gone; however there’s another rush in this famous county — a wine rush, of sorts. The mining equipment of yesteryear has been replaced with vineyards and tasting rooms, as over two dozen wineries now dot the county.

And there’s no better place to enjoy the fruits of the harvest then in the tiny hamlet of Murphys. Located two hours southeast of Sacramento, this quaint town is a wine lovers paradise, as it boasts a gaggle of tasting rooms along the main drag. And even if you can’t walk or roll very far, there are still some excellent choices along this wheelchair-accessible Murphys wine tasting route.

Getting Around Downtown

Street Signs and Historic Building in Downtown Murpyys

Although Murphys is a historic town, access upgrades have been added over the years. Accessible parking can be difficult to locate, but the Murphys Creek Theater lot on Algiers Street has the largest number of accessible parking spots. The lot is located about 150 yards off of Main Street, but manual wheelchair-users may require some assistance getting up the steeper section of Algiers Street to access the main drag.

There is also one accessible parking spot next to the City Park restrooms, just down the street from the theater. Additional accessible parking is available in the public lot on Church Street and in the lot behind the Victoria Inn, both of which offer level access to Main Street. And if you can’t walk far, there are two tasting rooms close to accessible parking in Country Square on Main Street.

Most of the sidewalks in town are relatively free of obstructions, and once you get on Main Street, everything is pretty level. Although there are a few steps here and there, it’s still possible to navigate downtown in a wheelchair. Granted, some shops are housed in historic buildings with one or two steps, but all of the tasting rooms mentioned below have barrier-free access.

City Park restrooms in Murphys, California

Take a Wine Stroll

Bodega del Sur in Murphys, California

The Bodega del Sur (bodegadelsur.com) tasting room, which is located on Algiers Street just shy of Main Street, makes a good first stop on any wheelchair-accessible Murphys wine tasting stroll. There’s level access to the tasting room with plenty of room for wheelchairs and scooters inside. This boutique winery features wines made from locally grown grapes, with a decidedly Latin influence.

The Tanner Winery (tannervineyards.com) tasting room is a short walk away on the corner of Algiers and Main Streets. There is level access to the tasting room, where samples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Barbera, Mourvèdre and several blends can be had.

Wrap up your Murphys wine tasting stroll at Newsome Harlow (nhvino.com), which is located on Main Street, near Church Street. The tasting room offers level access through the courtyard, with plenty of room to roll around inside. A Murphys favorite, this winery is heavy on the reds and it produces some excellent Zinfandels.

Stay Put and Sip

If all that strolling is a bit too much for you, you can also opt to park close to a few tasting rooms in Country Square. Accessible parking is located off of Main Street, but it can only be accessed by vehicle from the back entrance. From Main Street, turn north on Church Street, then make a left at the stop sign. Country Square is the third driveway on the left, past Murphys Pourhouse and Murphys Professional Center. And as luck would have it, the accessible parking space is right across from the Frog’s Tooth

Frog’s Tooth Winery in Murphys, California

tasting room (frogstooth.com) .

There’s ramp access up to the Frog’s Tooth tasting room and the adjacent deck. Inside you’ll find wood floors, plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair and a lowered bar. Frog’s Tooth is known for their small batch locally produced wines. Favorites include Tempranillo, Syrah, a variety of red blends, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose.

And if you’d like to try another winery, Jazz Cellars (jazzcellars.com/) is located just across the courtyard from Frog’s Tooth. There’s barrier-free access to this tasting room, which features wide doorways and level access. Have a taste of their award-winning Barbera, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel or Syrah. And in keeping with their name, you can also often find live music at Jazz Cellars. It’s a great way to top off any wheelchair-accessible Murphys wine tasting stroll.

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Museums-Calaveras-County-1885

Four Calaveras County Museums Worth a Stop

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Located in the heart of California’s gold country, Calaveras County is chock full of wild west history. From Mark Twain’s famous jumping frog, to pop-up gold rush towns, and even a guest appearance or two by Kit Carson, there’s no shortage of tales — some taller than others — woven around this area. And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and learn about the colorful past of the gold country than to visit a few Calaveras County museums. Although things were a little rough and tumble back in the wild west days, today these museums offer good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Downtown Museum

Sheriff’s Office in the San Andreas Downtown Museum

historicalcalaveras.com/downtown-museum
The best place to start your tour of Calaveras County museums is in San Andreas, at the Downtown Museum. This historic complex is located in three side-by-side buildings, which date back to the 1800s — the old Courthouse and Jail, the Hall of Records and the Odd Fellows Hall.

Although steps grace the historic front entrance, an alternate entrance is available for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Instead on entering the museum from the Main Street entrance, drive around the back of the complex on California Street and park in the accessible parking spot behind the museum. There is a locked gate next to the accessible parking space, which has ramped access to the museum courtyard. To access the gate ring the bell — a real cow bell not a door bell — or call (209) 754-4658. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a companion, just have them go to the front desk to arrange access.

Inside there’s elevator access to the second floor of the courthouse, which includes the judge’s chambers, law library and the courtroom where Black Bart was tried. There are historical exhibits set up throughout the space and they include everything from a vintage kitchen to a collection of old typewriters, lots of photos, and some artifacts from the native Miwok people. And don’t miss the vault which contains the altar from the Comanche Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception, which was dismantled in 1962.

There’s level access to the courtyard out back but the path to the assay office and the old jail is uneven and too bumpy for wheelchair-users. Still it’s a nice stop and the buildings that you can access are filled with history.

Angels Camp Museum

Stagecoach in the Angels Camp Museum

gocalaveras.com/business/attractions/angels-camp-museum-gift-shop
Next up on the list of Calaveras County Museums is the Angels Camp Museum, which is located about 15 minutes south of San Andreas, on historic US 49. As an added bonus, the Calaveras Visitors Bureau is also located in the main museum building. There’s a flat gravel parking area in front of the building, with level access to the museum. Inside you’ll find exhibits that outline the story behind the Calaveras County Frog Jump, and everything from a vintage trophy to some frog cages.

From the main building there’s stairway access in the back to the other parts of this sprawling museum. That said, wheelchair-users can drive down and park in the accessible parking space in front of the Carriage House. From there, it’s a short level roll to the building. This part of the museum focuses on vintage transportation used in the area, and it includes a nice collection of wagons, steam engines, a fire truck and even a stagecoach. Docents are on hand to answer questions, and this building is a huge hit with kids.

There’s also accessible parking in front of the Mining & Ranching Building, which is located a short walk away. That said, wheelchair-users may want to drive as the path has a slight downhill slope. Exhibits include everything from an old print shop, mining tools and a textile shop, to farming implements, minerals and a nice collection of crystals.

There’s also an old stamp mill near the mining exhibit, and although the pathway is paved, some manual wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. And take along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, as there’s level access over to some shaded picnic tables.

Heritage Museum

The 44-pound Kautz Crystalline gold specimen in the Heritage Museum at Ironstone Vineyards

www.IronstoneVineyards.com
Although most folks head over to Ironstone vineyards to enjoy a little vino, there’s also a nice collection of historic artifacts in their Heritage Museum. From Angels Camp, continue along Highway 4 to Murphys, then follow Six Mile Road until you hit the winery. It’s a pleasant 15-minute drive through the countryside.

Accessible parking is located near the museum, with level access to the building. As you enter the winery, bear right to visit the museum. There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the museum and adjacent gift shop, which includes a good collection of old mining photos. equipment and documents.

That said, the highlight of the museum is located around the corner, in the vault. The Kautz Crystalline gold specimen, which weighs in at a whopping 44 pounds, is the largest crystalline gold specimen in the world. It was found in nearby Jamestown at the Sonora Mining Corporation Mine in 1992, and was subsequently purchased by Ironstone Vineyard proprietor John Kautz. This unique specimen consists of layers of gold separated by rock, and is said to be the rarest form of gold. To describe it as stunning is an understatement.

The vault also includes some mineral displays, some ancient bones, a few meteorite slabs and even some old coins. And if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area, the adjacent gift shop has a nice collection of books.

The Heritage Museum is well worth a stop, and best of all, there’s no admission charge.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum

Outside exhibits at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in Arnold

sierraloggingmuseum.org
Last but not least on the list of Calaveras County museums is the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum over in Arnold. From Murphys, continue east on Highway 4 and turn left on Dunbar Road. If you hit White Pines Park, turn around, as you’ve gone too far.

There’s accessible parking near the museum, with a level pathway near the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and wheelchair-accessible family restrooms are located near the front desk. Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to the picnic table on the back deck, which is a great spot to enjoy lunch, or just take a short break.

Exhibits range from forest management and the bark beetle, to the logger lifestyle, tools of the trade and even a display of logging camps. And volunteers are on hand to field questions or offer a deeper interpretation of the exhibits. Outside there’s a large collection of logging equipment under the pines. There is a mostly level trail that leads around the various saws, steam donkeys and a vintage Yosemite Lumber Company engine. And although there are a few rough patches here and there, the majority of the outdoor exhibits are manageable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Visitors will come away with a new knowledge of forest management and a definite appreciation of the hard work of loggers. There’s no admission to this excellent museum, which is staffed by volunteers; but plan ahead as hours and days of operation are limited.

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Park Your Car and Ride the Calaveras Hopper

Park Your Car and Ride the Calaveras Hopper

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It’s fun to go wine tasting with friends on the weekend. But then you have that age-old problem — who is going to be the designated driver? Of course you could always make a promise to limit your consumption, but sometimes that just doesn’t work. Well, if you happen to be visiting Murphys or Angels Camp on a Saturday, there is another solution — take the Hopper. This short shuttle route connects the two cities and even makes a stop at Ironstone Vineyards. And the good news is, they will also go a little off route with advance notice. So pack your bag, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy a wine tasting weekend on the Calaveras Hopper.

The Basics

The Calaveras Hopper only runs on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM. But that’s OK, as that’s when the tasting rooms do the bulk of their business. There’s about an hour wait between buses, and the schedules are posted at all hopper stops as well as at calaverasconnect.org/routes/saturday-hopper/. This route is also seasonal — it only operates from March to November.

The fare is a very reasonable $3 (seniors are half price). Drivers do not carry change so the exact fare is required if you pay cash. You can also pay with the Token Transit app, which is available from the App Store, Google Play, or by texting “token” to 41411.

Access is excellent on the Calaveras Hopper, with lift access and wheelchair spaces available. The drivers are also pretty friendly, and are happy to offer assistance if needed.

The route begins in Angels Camp and travels on Highway 4 to Murphys. It makes six stops along the way:

  • Travelodge Copello (Angels Camp)
  • WorldMark (Angels Camp)
  • Save Mart (Angels Camp)
  • Angels Camp Visitor Center (Angels Camp)
  • Murphys Creek Theater (Murphys)
  • Ironstone Vineyards (Murphys)

Murphys Creek Theater is just around the corner from several tasting rooms, and Ironstone Vineyards is a destination in itself. And if you want to get picked up at another spot with ¾ mile of the route, then call (209) 754-4450 at least two hours in advance. Additionally, drivers will usually stop at any safe location along the route. So enjoy a little Saturday wine tasting in Calaveras County, and leave the driving to the Hopper.

 

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Enjoy the Courtwood Inn While Touring California Gold Country

Enjoy the Courtwood Inn While Touring California Gold Country

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The Courtwood Inn in Murphys, California

Located a little over two hours from Sacramento, the tiny town of Murphys is barely a blip on the map. And although that’s not such a good thing if you need the services of a metropolitan city, it’s just what the doctor ordered if you’re seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. And the Courtwood Inn (www.courtwoodinn.com) is the perfect place to get a heaping helping of the latter. As an added bonus, you just can’t beat the wheelchair access.

Courtwood Inn

Perched on a pine-covered hillside just outside of town, this five-room tennis-themed inn is the brainchild of Larry and Chris Parker. It’s named for two things that this tennis pro couple holds near and dear — the game of tennis and their lovely three story cedar log lodge. And although local codes didn’t require an accessible room, the Parkers opted to include one, so everyone can enjoy this peaceful mountain retreat.

Access is excellent at the inn, with accessible parking just steps from the front door, and level access to the entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access throughout the great room, which offers a magnificent view of the pine-studded hillside. In keeping with the tennis theme, each guestroom is named after a grand slam event, and decorated with items reminiscent of the host country. The accessible US Open room is located right off the great room.

Wheelchair-Accessible US Open Room

The US Open room at Courtwood Inn

Access features in the US Open room include wide doorways, level access and plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter. It’s furnished with a 32-inch high king-sized bed, but with advance notice it can be replaced with a lower bed. Other furnishings include two bedside tables, a chest of drawers, two chairs and a small table.

Decorated in a red, white and blue palette, the color scheme reflects the location of the US Open; while rackets, balls and even a poster for the event can be found throughout the room. And for a bit a local flavor, the room also comes adorned with a stuffed frog, in honor of Mark Twain’s famous short story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

The bathroom is equipped with a tiled roll-in shower with a built-in shower bench and a hand-held showerhead. A portable shower chair is also available. Other access features include a roll-under sink, and toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated). There’s also a hydrotherapy tub in the bathroom, and in keeping with the Calaveras theme, the standard rubber ducky has been replaced with a rubber frog. There’s also a refrigerator and a coffee maker in the large walk-in closet, which is adjacent to the bathroom.

Bathroom in the US Open Room at Courtwood Inn

The Little Extras

One of the best features of this room is actually located outside — the large deck that offers a great view of the surrounding forest. There’s level access to the deck through a sliding door, and plenty of room to roll around outside. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee.

There’s also barrier-free access to the dining room, where Chris serves up a healthy breakfast every morning. And the beverage bar, along with homemade snacks and goodies is open all day.

Although it took the Parkers nearly two years to build their dream inn, they didn’t stop there. They also added tennis courts (the lower one is accessible) and now they offer private tennis lessons to their guests. It’s the perfect fit for two former professional tennis players, and a great addition to this tennis-themed inn. And they are always adding new features to the inn, so check back often — you never know what else the Parkers might have up their sleeves.

Inside the Couetwood Inn
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calaveras

Experience the Calaveras County Frog Jump

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Every Spring professional frog teams from around the world flock to the heart of California Gold Country, to compete in the Calaveras County Frog Jump. Held on the third weekend in May in the tiny hamlet of Angels Camp, this competition first debuted in the pages of Mark Twain’s short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”.

As the story goes, a local man who was somewhat of a compulsive gambler bet a stranger that his frog would win a jumping contest. The stranger subsequently sabotaged the gambler’s frog, by filling its mouth with heavy lead bullets which rendered it too heavy to jump. And although the colorful characters in Twain’s tome were a product of the author’s vivid imagination; legend has it that the inspiration for this work came from a tale overheard in an Angels Camp tavern.

The first “modern” frog jump was held back in 1928; and today this popular event has evolved into a four-day celebration, which is now part of the Calaveras County Fair. And although access at the first frog jump was probably pretty difficult for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, today things have evolved so now everyone can enjoy this popular event. So make plans now to attend the famous, fun and festive Calaveras County Frog Jump.

Calaveras County Fair Basics

Held at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, this small town fair is filled with fun activities and events. From the Youth Parade on Thursday morning to the Destruction Derby on Sunday afternoon, there’s no shortage of family friendly activities to be had.

There’s accessible parking near the fairgrounds entrance with level access over to the fairgrounds. Inside some of the pathways are steeper than others, but most are doable for manual wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And of course, there are also accessible restrooms on the grounds.

If you’d like to save a few bucks on parking and skip the traffic then park your car at Save Mart in Angels Camp and take the free Calaveras Connect shuttle directly to the fairgrounds. Access is excellent on all Calaveras Connect vehicles, as they offer lift access and wheelchair spaces. And the drivers, who are extremely friendly, are happy to lend a hand if you need assistance. For more information about the shuttle schedule and hours, visit www.calaverasconnect.org/.

Another way to save time at the gate is to purchase your tickets online at www.frogtown.org. Sometimes the line backs all the way out to the parking lot at this popular event; and if you have your tickets in hand you can just stroll past that long line to the entrance gate.

Once inside there’s no shortage of entertainment, from shows and skits for the kiddos to live music foe everyone. And there’s level access to the livestock area which is filled with chickens, goats, pigs and cows; as well as the inside exhibits which feature everything from artwork and baked goods to quilts, preserves and a smattering of local businesses. And of course there’s no shortage of fair food to whet your appetite.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Jump!

Of course the highlight of the fair is the Calaveras County Frog Jump. There are two frog jumping stages at the fairgrounds — the Main Stage and the Lily Pad. The serious competition takes place on the Main Stage, but anyone can jump their frog for fun on the Lily Pad. A lot of first timers practice on the Lily Pad, before they move on to the Main Stage.

The competition begins when a frog jumper places his frog on the starting pad. After that he’s not allowed to touch him; however he can jump, yell, sing, hop, or do whatever he can to get the frog to jump. After three jumps the distance is measured from the starting pad to the final landing spot. It’s entertaining to watch the frog jumpers as each one has their own unique method of getting their frog to jump. The current record is 21 feet 5¾ inches, which was set by Rosie the Ribiter in 1986.

The competition begins on Thursday, and the top 50 frogs compete in the finals on Sunday afternoon. And the winner gets bragging rights, and a $5000 prize if they beat the current record jump. And when they’re not competing the frogs stay in the luxurious Frog Spa, which is located near the competition area.

The Calaveras County Frog Jump is a fun and accessible event. Make plans to spend the whole weekend, and enjoy some of the other accessible offerings in the area.

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Spend the Night at the Murphys Victoria Inn

Spend the Night at the Murphys Victoria Inn

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The Victoria Inn in Murphys, California

Located on the main drag of the Gold Rush town of Murphys, the Victoria Inn (www.victoriainn-murphys.com/) fits right in with the vintage buildings that line the thoroughfare. And aside from the allure of its decidedly old world ambiance, it also makes a great home base for exploring the area. Not only is the property located within walking distance of many favorite restaurants and tasting rooms, but it’s also just a short hop off of Highway 4, which connects to other Calaveras County must-sees. And although the Victorian Era wasn’t exactly know for its stellar wheelchair access, this namesake property does a nice job accommodating the needs of wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Finding the Property

Admittedly, finding this property can be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with the area, and are relying on GPS. Granted GPS will technically take you to the front door; however you can’t exactly see the front door from Main Street. The Victoria Inn is located across the street from Murphys Mall, between Murphys Village Toy Store and Shirt Tales Boutique; however the approach to the parking lot is marked “no outlet” and it looks like a private driveway.

Nonetheless, that is the correct spot to turn. If you miss it, then turn on Church Street, go around the block and try again. The small parking lot includes one accessible space that’s usually open, and from there it’s just a short walk to the registration area. There’s no guaranteed public parking with a room reservation, so try and grab the accessible parking space as soon as you can. There’s also some public parking in the lot on Church Street, but if you choose that option, try and drop off any wheelchair-users or slow walkers first.

Spend the Night

Entry to room 15 at the Victoria Inn

There’s ramp access up to the main building of the Victoria inn, and level access through the front door to the registration desk. There’s also barrier-free access to a large room off the front lobby which is furnished with sofas and chairs and has all the essentials for a relaxing stay. There are cookies, water, ice, board games, coffee, cocoa, a microwave and of course the requisite wine glasses available for guest use.

Room 15 (also called Mae’s Room) is located in a small cottage around the corner. Although the accessible parking spot is near the registration desk, there’s paved standard parking in front of the cottage that may be more convenient for guests. There’s ramp access up to the front door, and level access to the room. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and adequate pathway access.

Inside room 15 at the Victoria Inn

The room is furnished with a 24-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on the left (as you face it), a chest of drawers and two end tables. The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius, a tile floor and a pedestal sink. The 36-inch-square transfer-type shower has a slight half-inch lip, and is equipped with a fold-down shower seat (with easy transfer access from the bathroom), and a hand-held showerhead. There’s also a portable shower bench, if needed, The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated).

There’s also a small front porch with two chairs and a table, which can be moved to accommodate a wheelchair. The porch is surrounded by trees and it’s a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing. It’s a very relaxing and accessible Calaveras County lodging pick.

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Sleep Near the Big Trees in Calaveras County

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The Black Bear Inn in Arnold, California

Located in California Gold Country, the Black Bear Inn (www.arnoldblackbearinn.com/) in Arnold makes the perfect home base for a wheelchair-accessible Calaveras County getaway. This five-bedroom lodge is surrounded by the forest, and offers a quiet, comfortable and accessible mountain retreat. From the massive ceiling beams and the welcoming fireplace in the great room, to a secluded patio in the pines, the Black Bear Inn has all the ingredients for a relaxing and refreshing mountain retreat. And if you’d like to explore the area, it’s just a short drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and some fabulous Murphys wineries.

The Calaveras Suite

The Black Bear inn offers accessible parking near the entrance with level access over to the front door. Inside there’s plenty of room to roll around the great room, and barrier-free access to the accessible Calaveras Suite at the end of the hall. Access features in the suite include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and low-pile carpet for easy rolling..

The suite is furnished with a 32-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on the left side (as you face it). Other furnishings include two chairs, a table, a chest of drawers and an armoire. There’s also a fireplace in the oversized room, and if you’d like to enjoy the outdoors, there’s plenty of room to roll-around on the private patio. Of course, if you’d prefer to partake of the creature comforts, there’s also Wi-Fi and a TV available.

The bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius, and is outfitted with an extra large — six foot wide by 4 foot deep — roll in shower. Other access features include a hand held showerhead, shower grab bars and a pedestal sink. Top it off with toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and you have a very accessible suite.

The Little Extras

Although the suites at the Black Bear Inn are certainly comfortable, it’s the little extras that set this Calaveras County property apart. First and foremost there’s breakfast. It’s a full sit down affair in the main dining room or on the back patio. Owner Bruce Davison graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Academy in Sacramento, and whatever he serves is a treat. That said, cross your fingers that his delicious Nut Crusted French Toast is in the rotation. Crispy on the outside and creamy on inside, it’s the perfect way to start the day.

And then there’s the afternoon wine and cheese spread. It’s served in the gathering room, the back patio or even on your own private patio. And it includes artisan cheese charcuterie items, crackers and fruit, and of course your choice of local wine.

And for a real treat, Bruce can prepare dinner for you and your party — up to 10 folks. For a more intimate affair it can even be served by candlelight. And if you have a larger gathering like a family reunion or a girlfriends getaway, it can be also served in the larger dining room or on the back patio. Bruce uses fresh local ingredients, and his barbeques are phenomenal; but whatever you choose you won’t go away hungry. It’s truly the perfect way to top off a weekend visit to the Black Bear Inn.

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