'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun
Well-equipped cozy condo with everything a family or group needs for a blissful time in the mountains.
Play among wildflowers and shimmering aspens all summer or fall colors in autumn
Just minutes to lakes, lodge, trails, and great swimming, fishing, and road and mountain biking.
Extremely responsive owner
Cleaning option: Cleaning and linens provided (just message owner in advance to arrange) -- OR save $150 and self-clean and provide your own linens.
A stay at my condo includes:
-High-speed WiFi -DISH network -Flat-screen TV and HDMI cables to stream your favorite family movies from your laptop
Sleeping for 7: -one full-size bed with high-end mattress -one full-size sofa bed -3-tier bunkbed
For those traveling with a children: -a travel crib/bassinet, -a portable high chair (6 months to 36 months), -a booster chair, sippy cup, cutlery.
Fully equipped kitchen (it's small but mighty): -full-size microwave, -4-burner gas stove with oven -A full-fledged freezer! (a welcome fix to a kitchen designed for under-counter fridges which can’t have a freezer. But what is a vacation without ice cream or ice cubes??? I ask you) -two coffee makers (just in case one person wants caffeinated and another wants decaf), -coffee grinder -electric kettle, -blender, -4-slice toaster -and every utensil, cooking device or dish you could imagine.
Bathroom with: -separate changing area -a high-end shower head that adjusts for little ones to shower -an iron (for those attending weddings or having dinner at Serafina in Arnold or the Lodge's Creekside restaurant) -first-aid supplies -blow dryer -feminine protection (to cover anyone in an emergency)
There's also: -an outdoor deck -grounds shaded by conifers, with snowboard benches and sun-warmed boulders perfect for early-morning coffee, happy hour or just hanging out -massive parking lot (empty in summer) - perfect for frisbee, for star-gazing, learning to ride a bike or skateboard
Fun extras: -Set of discs for the disc golf course at the entrance to Bear Valley (along with course map in a side pocket) -Games: Pictionary, Sorry, Connect 4, Uno, Farkle, backgammon, Battleship, Slamwich, Rummikub, and playing cards and poker chips -travel chairs for deck or lakeside -picnic supplies (large insulated bag, picnic blanket and picnic set with wine puller etc as well as disposables (paper plates, plastic cups and cutlery napkins) -matches and fire-starter for bonfires at the Bear Valley Lakefirepit (see below) -a light-up frisbee to play in the massive open lot in the evening when alpenglow lights up the sky -- or the night sky is sugared with stars -a map marking local fishing and rock climbing spots, as well as hiking and mountain biking routes (owner has also assembled a binder full of information and ideas for outings in the area)
The condo also includes access to private Bear Valley Lake -- well-stocked with fish and great for swimming. Come and enjoy its: -sandy beach -volleyball court -raft, kayaks and paddle boards (just bring your own paddle!) -rope swing (on the west side of the lake) -shaded picnic tables -2 portable (and clean!) restrooms -firepit (for roasting marshmallows and nighttime bonfires)
Just 10 minutes from Lake Alpine and four other high alpine lakes, the Stanislaus River and world-class fishing and mountain biking
-Surrounded by all levels of hiking trails, everything from easy romps to the Pacific Crest Trail.
-Or enjoy a meal or a drink on the deck overlooking Lake Alpine at their café, bar and gift shop
Nearby: -Calaveras Big Trees, -Columbia State Historic Park: relive the California Gold Rush with buggy rides, gold-panning, saloons, ice cream, the Fallon Theatre, candy and antique shops, with all workers in period costume -whitewater rafting on the North Fork of the StanislausRiver,
-Highway 49 - gold mine tours -Mercer Caverns -Murphy’s -rock climbing-wine tasting-antiques shopping-kayak, mountain bike and boat rentals
Don't get stuck driving 30-45 minutes (each way!) up thehill from Arnold, or Dorrington each day!
This condo sits in the sweet spot of the Sierras: In the heart of the mountains but minutes from shop and Bear Valley Lodge (with its lounge with its 4-story stone fireplace, where all Bear Valley visitors are welcome.
Bring your swimming, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and fishing stuff and your own linens (sheets and bath and kitchen towels) and prepare to enjoy the Sierras at their best!
$600 monthly rate (off-season, April 15-November 15 for lease of several months). Ski season or winter-month leases also available.
Questions? Message me -- I'm always happy to help! I look forward to hosting you!
Warmly, DeAnne
Alpine County Short-term Rental Permit Number 2023-272
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Arnold
Located in Arnold, this condo is in the mountains and on a river. Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and Bear Valley Ski are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Alpine and Stanislaus Meadow Trailhead. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
Bear Valley, CA
What's nearby
Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Lake Alpine - 7 min drive - 6.9 km
Bear Valley Ski - 7 min drive - 6.9 km
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 45 min drive - 39.2 km
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 53 min drive - 47.1 km
Getting around
Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) - 117 min drive
Restaurants
Ebbetts Grill - 9 min drive
Monte Wolfe Saloon - 9 min drive
Sky High Pizza & Pub - 5 min walk
Creekside Dining Room - 1 min walk
Sunrise Cafe - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun?
As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun on 31 May 2026 start from £86, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is 'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun located?
Situated on a river, this condo building is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Bear Valley Ski. Lake Alpine and Balancing Rock are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The condo is a small room located right in front of BV lodge, very convenient to just get your skis/snowboard and hop on the shuttle. The host was very responsive throughout our stay.
We had a great time! Host was awesome, great communication and very accommodating! Condo is very cozy, heats up fast, instant hot water. Plenty of kitchen supplies, paper towels, and utensils and perfect for a small family. Location is perfect for skiing at Bear Valley or accessing Lake Alpine.
Great location for all of your Bear Valley aventures. The condo had everything I needed and bonus points for access to the lake. DeAnne is a very responsive host and super easy to work with.
This was our first time not staying in the lodge. We had the best and easiest stay ever! Extremely convenient and we loved how homey this place was. I will always be checking this place out first before considering anything else. Thank you!Tha
Location was very convenient for all my purposes. Being here off-season from the skiing, I had no neighbors the entire time, so complete peace and quiet. Prompt return of my cleaning deposit for doing the cleaning myself. Good communication with owner.
As for our last-minute decision to go skiing/boarding, this cozy condo was the perfect place, being right in the village, with access to the shuttle and on the mountain in minutes. Communication with the host was amazing! This condo works great for a group of 4! Thank you, DeAnne, for your amazing flexibility to work things out with us on this short notice!!
Meike G.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Heather
21 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The location was great: 10 minutes to the ski resort. There was a mix-up with the communication, in that I didn't realize that we had to bring towels and sheets, but the host ended up accommodating us, which was very nice. The bunk beds weren't usable for my teen kids, but may be ok for small children. The place was very small.
The information/instructions sent to us were very detailed and accurate. The kitchen has many useful items, which makes it super easy to fix meals, etc.
The host was very responsive and thorough in her communication. The onsite property manager is also very helpful. Rick does an awesome job with plowing the snow and keeping the parking easy and accessible. Overall we had a great experience. The place is right opposite the lodge and general store.
Aditya M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Katerina S.
18 Apr 2023
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
Unfortunate experience with host
Very convenient location, we enjoyed our stay. Unfortunately, although we left the property cleaner than we found it, the host was not convinced by our photos and was not open to discussing and was quite disrespectful in their communications. It might be helpful to take pictures of the place as soon as you get there so you avoid any issues with the host.
It's all about the location, and the location doesn't disappoint - you're a couple minutes walk from the Bear Valley shuttle bus that brings you to the slopes in less than 10 minutes, and you can actually ski down from the top of the mountain right to your accommodation (ok, you'll still need to walk a couple hundred feet).
Inside - it's all pretty basic, and very compact, but our family of 5 fit in just fine for a week. Cooking is not too easy, but there are a couple of restaurants in the lodge. Our cleaning fee was waived, because I did the clean up myself, which was pretty easy with the detailed instructions provided by DeAnne.
We would definitely come again!
Perfect location. Our family of four was very comfortable. It ended up raining while we were there but we were very entertained and cozy inside. There were games and movies. The kitchen had everything we needed. The host was extremely flexible and accommodating. Very good communication. The cleaning instructions were very easy and common sense stuff. Got my deposit back very quickly. We would love to return during the winter and other seasons. Looking forward to more Bear Valley adventures here in the future.
We stayed here in the summer (June) and just needed a place for one night while on a bike tour. DeAnne's self cleaning option was great for us as all other properties required a hefty cleaning fee even for 1-2 nights! Normally sheets are BYO, but DeAnne provided sheets for us as we couldn't carry them while biking. The unit itself is small but comfortable and cozy. We didn't cook, but the unit had plenty of kitchen utensils, etc. Wifi was good. DeAnne was prompt with contacts and refunded our cleaning deposit with no issues. Would recommend for a reasonable place to stay at BV!
Great deal, great stay; don't let the price fool you!
With all other listings being close to double in price or more, I thought this had to be too good to be true. But I took a chance, and it paid off!Firstly, the location was very convenient, with Condo Bear (the building this condo is in) being right across from the lodge and shuttle stop.Secondly, DeAnne, the host, was very communicative and responsive, both before and during our stay.Thirdly, the condo had everything we needed: enough beds to comfortably sleep all four of us (up to 7!), a fully-equipped kitchen, and even a heated towel rack!Downsides? The water heater was smaller than expected, so we had to take quick showers or space them apart.The price may have been what lured me in, but the location, the host, and the condo itself made this a true gem.
Joshua A.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Heidi B.
9 Jan 2019
Small but great location
The condo was in a great location directly across the Bear Valley Lodge. It was nice to have three restaurants right across the street at the lodge. Shuttle service took you to the Bear Valley ski resort in 10 minutes which was really convenient. The condo was small and very basic. The cabin needs updating. My son sat in a dining room chair and the back of it broke. I was afraid to make coffee because the coffee maker was loose from its holder. I was afraid to touch anything for fear it would break. It was nice of the condo owner to not charge a cleaning fee of $150 like most rentals. She gave a long list of items that should be cleaned which was more than manageable due to the small size of the condo. I would recommend this place to someone who was on a tight budget.
Heidi B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Heidi, Thank you so much for letting me know re: the chair -- it must've gotten broken by the renter before you and was put together so that it couldn't be seen before it was used. I am so sorry. I bought the set especially for the condo, to make it as comfortable as possible for families, only two years ago. To be honest, I'm pretty sad a chair is broken -- the set was expensive (far more than my own table at home and much, much newer!), but I want to provide nice things for people who spend their hard-earned money on a vacation at my condo. I'll have the chair fixed right away.
Thanks also for letting me know about the coffeemaker. Because the unit slides into a holder mounted under the cabinet (to leave the counters open for cooking, etc.), if it slides forward at all, it just needs to be pushed back, but there's no way you could know that. I will include a note about that in my instructions going forward. Thank you for giving me the heads-up that that is not clear to visitors.
I'm glad that you appreciate the effort I've made to offer a place that's affordable to those on a budget. I'm a single mom and have rented a lot of places with kids -- I understand how expensive it can get. I also know what I've needed when staying in a place where I plan to cook and so try to provide everything a visitor could need to cook for a family after a long day of hiking, skiing swimming, etc. Because that's why people come to Bear Valley -- to get outdoors. It's not about what's inside, it's all the great stuff that's just outside the door!
We had a great stay here: the location can't be beat for doing anything in Bear Valley, and the triple bunkbed was a huge hit with the youngest part of our family :). Huge thank you to the host for a wonderful weekend!
We had a great time at Deanne’s place. It was extremely clean, very well stocked in terms of all paper goods, cleaning supplies, and cooking utensils. It is very well located; across the street from the lodge and shuttle stop. Rick did an amazing job keeping the parking and pathways clear of snow and safe and available for the condo guests. No small feat as the days we stayed at Bear Valley saw the most December snow ever and over the holiday week too. Things I wish I knew: turn the heater and the gas stove all the way down at night, the first night I only turned the thermostat down to 60 and it was too toasty to sleep, the outlet that the tall skinny floor lamp near the dining room table is plugged into is a switched outlet. Important if you have phones plugged in. And (although this is super clear in the listing as pointed out by my partner and daughters once we got there) this condo is a large 1 room studio. It works well for 4 however and the lodge across the street has a large and very cool great room with a fireplace if you want to get away. Also, if it was not so snowy, the large deck would have been a great additional space. All in all a very nice place to stay.
Condo was exactly as described. The location could not be any better. I have this 5 star as it was suitable, exactly as described, and met our family’s needs perfectly. The condo could use updating overall, but that is the case with most of the condos here in BV. We would definitely stay here again.
We thoroughly enjoyed our two day stay at the condo. It was very conveniently located, a few minute walk to the Bear Valley Cross Country resort and tubing/ sledding. The condo was clean and had all the necessary things to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. We will definitely stay there again and will recommend it to others. Thank you DeAnne for making our stay enjoyable.
katya k.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
George R.
5 Sept 2018
Very cozy condo close to everything!
The condo was appointed with all the necessary items to make our state very comfortable!
George R.
About the host
Hosted by DeAnne
I have rented -- and written about -- vacation rentals all over the world so I know how it feels to invest hard-earned money in a vacation. And I also knows how it feels to spend huge amounts of money in cleaning fees -- that's why I offer my condo to people without cleaning fees if they self-clean.
It's very gratifying to host folks coming to the mountains to have fun. We are kindred spirits. And it's very gratifying to read reviews.
Here are reviews from Expedia:
5/5 Excellent Spencer J. Oct 14, 2019 Clean and comfortable. The property was perfect for our family of four.
5/5 Excellent katya k., SF Jan 9, 2019 Nice, cozy and conveniently located condo We thoroughly enjoyed our two day stay at the condo. It was very conveniently located, a few minute walk to the Bear Valley Cross Country resort and tubing/ sledding. The condo was clean and had all the necessary things to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. We will definitely stay there again and will recommend it to others. Thank you DeAnne for making our stay enjoyable.
5/5 Excellent Jeff R. May 4, 2018 Great experience! We had a great stay! Nice location, nice condo, property manager excellent to deal with. Thanks!
5/5 Excellent Laura C. Jul 23, 2016 Perfect place! Wonderful place! You have all that you need and you can have a good experience in the beautiful Bear Valley. Really nice place! Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2016 0 Report review 5/5 Excellent Jessica R. Feb 18, 2016 Great Getaway Great Condo. Clean and comfortable. The condo is located just across from the lodge so its super convenient to grab food or coffee. It also is located right next to the shuttle to catch a ride up the mountain.
5/5 Excellent Gianna F. Feb 3, 2016 Great value- perfect location! Thanks for the great stay at Bear Valley. The condo was perfect for our needs- will definitely stay again when we have the chance!
Why they chose this property
Just across the street from the lodge, shops and the shuttle that takes skiers and snowboarders and sledders to the ski resort.
5/5 Excellent Tania C. Jan 26, 2021 Location can’t be beat! Condo was exactly as described. The location could not be any better. I have this 5 star as it was suitable, exactly as described, and met our family’s needs perfectly. The condo could use updating overall, but that is the case with most of the condos here in BV. We would definitely stay here again.
4/5 Good George R. Sep 5, 2018 Very cozy condo close to everything! The condo was appointed with all the necessary items to make our state very comfortable!
4/5 Good Suzanne N. May 7, 2018 Clean, Functional Good location. Easy to find. Owner was responsive, and returned deposit quickly. Clean. Functional: heat, wifi, stove, satellite tv, and everything worked well. Plenty of bed covers and lots of little accessories. Double beds were comfortable. Renters are responsible for cleaning the condo, and the owner provides a detailed list of items to be cleaned. All cleaning supplies are provided. We enjoyed the stay.
5/5 Excellent Verified traveler Jan 19, 2017 Another great Christmas vacation in the Bear Valley village This is our second time staying at DeAnne's place. We enjoyed our stay very much. The new bed is a welcome touch. The room is perfect for a family of 4. Very warm and toasty. The location is great, walking distances to ski shuttle, Bear Valley Lodge and cross country ski. There was a little incident with the lock, but everyone, from the condo management to the host, were very helpful, and problem got resolved right away. Will stay again next year.
What makes this property unique
I want visitors to have a great time. I have been very careful to equip the condo with everything you might want to make your precious vacation days as comfortable and convenient as possible. That way you can spend more time having fun!
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests