Our family has been exploring the Arnold and Dorrington area since the mid-2010s, back when we were just looking for a family-friendly mountain escape from the Bay Area. What started as weekend getaways with our young kids turned into a passion—and eventually, in 2019, we took the leap and bought our very first vacation home!
Now, we visit as often as we can—sometimes for fun, sometimes for the labor of love that is maintaining the cabins, but always with fresh eyes for what makes this corner of the Sierra Nevada special.
This blog is where we share everything we’ve learned along the way: the best family-friendly hikes, pet-friendly spots, hidden gem restaurants, seasonal activities, and practical tips to help you make the most of your mountain getaway. We post about once a month and regularly update our existing posts as we discover new spots or as things change in the area.
As Bay Area residents who make the 2.5-hour drive regularly, we get it—you want to maximize your limited time in the mountains. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a returning guest, we hope these insider tips help you fall in love with Arnold and Dorrington just like we did.
