An Outdoorsy City In California's Sierra Nevada Mountains Boasts Old-School Gold Rush Charm

California's Sierra Nevada mountain range is a spectacular rise of rock and craggy peaks that draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Home to some of the country's most iconic sites including Yosemite, Mt. Whitney, and this national park where you can experience some of the largest trees in the world, the Sierra Nevada is the embodiment of North America's natural splendor in its most majestic and raw form.

The region also has a fascinating history, notably dating back to 1848, when shiny flakes were discovered at Sutter's Mill, prompting the California Gold Rush. A slew of towns sprung up in the gullies and river valleys of the region, including Angels Camp. 

An hour east of the city of Stockton, Angels Camp sits nestled on the Sierra's western slope, and still retains plenty of its historic, Old West ambiance. While the town itself is a terrific place to explore, it's also surrounded by some of California's most idyllic outdoor environs, making it a terrific base-camp for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, along with a whole host of other outdoor pursuits.

Founded in 1848, Angels Camp (also known as "the City of Angels") was named after brothers Henry and George Angel, two soldiers turned prospectors. The influx of people hoping to strike it rich in the Gold Rush caused the town to quickly grow — both in population and prosperity — as the mining operations in the area proved to be quite productive. 

Angels Camp happily celebrates its Gold Rush heritage. The town's historic main street is lined with old-style wooden and brick buildings complete with old-timey eaves and a few second-story balconies, a legacy of its rough-and-tumble frontier roots. Visitors can learn more about the colorful local history at the Angel's Camp Museum & Carriage House, a 30,000 square-foot facility that offers a window into life during the time of the Gold Rush, and also houses one of the largest collections of carriages and wagons in the US.

For true local flavor, head to Angels Camp for the Calaveras County Fair & Frog Jumping Jubilee. Partially inspired by Mark Twain's connection to the town (the story that launched his career — "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" — was written about Angels Camp), this four-day extravaganza takes place each May and features a rodeo, live music, carnival rides, down-home fare, a demolition derby, and yes — frog-jumping competitions that take place each day of the festival.

Angels Camp is just a stone's throw from terrific outdoor attractions, including New Melones Lake. Formed by the damming of a deep canyon of the Stanislaus River, this 12,500-acre reservoir is the third-largest in California and presents ample opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, watersports, and fishing — with healthy populations of trout, kokanee, bass, bluegill, and more waiting to strike a lure. 

The Glory Hole Recreation Area offers lake access, with a full marina, as well as two pet-friendly campgrounds — Big Oak and Ironhorse. Situated amidst grassland, chaparral, and oak trees on rolling hills above the lake, both sites feature sweeping views, as well as spots for RVs and tents. Operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, these campgrounds are bare-bones when it comes to amenities, but all come with picnic tables and fire pits (though you are advised to bring your own shade structure during summer). The area is also habitat for a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, deer, raccoons, bald eagles, osprey, and the odd mountain lion or bear (so lock up your food).

Glory Hole Recreation Area also boasts a number of hiking and biking trails. These range from easy to challenging and are the perfect way to work up a sweat before plunging into the cool waters of the lake framing the heights of California's mightiest mountains. For another terrific Sierra Nevada town, check out this dazzling city that's a gateway to several of California's most iconic outdoor attractions.