Our Tips for a Day Trip to Tuttletown
An adventure to Northern California is always a treat for travelers who love the great outdoors. When you’re traveling to Murphys, you’ll find you’re surrounded by gorgeous views with opportunities to book day trips to surrounding locales where nature is at its very best too! If you’re excited to expand on your itinerary, making time for a day trip to Tuttletown the next time you’re here is a must.
Before you head out to explore Tuttletown, be sure to download a copy of our free Vacation Guide. Inside, you’ll find a long list of Calaveras County highlights to enjoy ranging from landmarks and attractions to places to dine and shop in style.
You Won’t Have to Go Far to Find the Fun
For many travelers heading to Murphys, the beauty of a day trip to Tuttletown lies in the fact that it’s simply so easy to reach! Tuttletown is located a mere 18 miles from Murphys, which is a trip you can make by vehicle in about 30 minutes when traffic is mild. Tuttletown is a designated California Historical Landmark community where you can spend your day exploring hiking trails, diving into history, or curbing cravings when they come calling as well.
Explore the Tuttletown Recreation Area During Your Visit
A top activity among day trippers visiting Tuttletown is enjoying an afternoon at the scenic Tuttletown Recreation Area. You’ll find this exciting and family-friendly destination at 6850 Studhorse Flat Road with parameters bordering the New Melones Lake and Reservoir. While taking time to unwind waterside is always refreshing, the Tuttletown Recreation Area also hosts some great trails to check out. The Heron Point, Redtail, and Fox Ravine Loop Trail covers around 7.5 miles of terrain and takes most trekkers nearly three hours to complete. It’s well-marked, meticulously maintained, and takes you through lush scenery and around the water for great views. Just a bit shorter is the Heron Point, Redtail, Fox Ravin, and Cougar Point Loop in the recreation area which spans 7.3 miles and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, enjoying time on the water is a well-deserved reward. The surface of the lake here spans 12,500 acres and is a popular place for visitors to enjoy everything from sailing and swimming to canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and more.
Stop by the Visitors Center
It’s worth your while to include a stop at the New Melones Lake and Visitor Center to your itinerary when you make time for a day trip to Tuttletown. You’ll find the visitor center located on Highway 49 between Angels Camp and Sonora. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm and is a great resource for picking up area maps, browsing exhibits about the area’s geological past and Gold Rush days, or taking a moment to ask an on-site volunteer or ranger questions about your journey.
Enjoy a Delicious Local Dish
When you need to refuel, Mike’s Sonora Pizza at 14721 Mono Way is a great place to stop for a slice enjoyed with the entire family during your day trip to Tuttletown. In addition to a wide variety of custom-topped pizza options, the menu here has everything from burgers and salads to sandwiches, breadsticks, and appetizers to enjoy! They also have a dog-friendly patio for those who are traveling with their favorite canine companion in tow.
Book Your Stay at Courtwood Inn
The next time you find yourself in Murphys enjoying time away, make sure luxury and style are an integral part of the experience by booking your place at the Courtwood Inn. From our world-class amenities to the many inviting features and furnishings you’ll find right at your fingertips, we make it easy to feel right at home upon arrival. Reach out to learn more!