Upper Natural Bridge Trail & New Malones Lake- Calaveras County, California

One of the more remarkable, simple trails I have had the chance to be on. It's a fairly easy hike, only about 2 miles round trip and descending about 300 feet into the canyon. Just remember that when descending there is always an ascent. ;) Be aware that there is only one bathroom and it is located right across from the top of the trailhead. There is no real parking area so just park off to the side of the road. It is FREE!

Not too many people on this trail. We were pretty much by ourselves with only one fellow hiker going down as we were coming up. 

Trailhead address is : Parrots Ferry Road & Airola Road, Vallecito, CA 95222

Trailhead coordinates: 38.052011,-120.471381

At the top of the trail! Going down!

Some of the rocky terrain on the descent.

This spot was cool. The rocks to my right had a cat slide from the top to the bottom. I followed the bottom of the slide and found bobcat tracks that crossed over the trail and went on down the hill towards the river.

 Dean and I doing what we do! I love his cheshire grin!

An old lava river!

Here is the mouth of the cave, on top is the natural bridge. When on top it doesn't seem like much so make sure you make it to the bottom where the river is!

Some pictures of the limestone cave aka Upper natural Bridge! I wish the pictures came out better but it was an overcast day. :(

 Going in? Maybe...Ummm, no thanks, I feel perfect, right here.

The river area feeding the cave system. 

On the way out of the Natural Bridge area, we came across New Malones Lake. Beautiful lake. It looks a little low due to the drought but still a nice place to eat lunch. I also found a deer jawbone in this area to give to my daughter. She was thrilled to receive it! 

Hotel Leger and Mokelumne Hill

Hotel Leger, one of the longest, continuously running hotels in the state of California, is a remarkable place to kick up your feet. This beautiful hotel was built in 1851 by George Leger, then named the Hotel de France. Located in Mokelumne Hill, CA, this historical landmark was built during the Gold Rush era.
http://www.hotelleger.com/
There are many things to appreciate about this remarkable hotel.
1) Every room is unique and elegantly decorated to fit the time it was built.
2) The owners and staff are extremely helpful and bend over backwards to meet your every need.
3)The restaurant, The Whitewater Grill has food to fit every palette. I do suggest anything with salmon. :)
4)The Whitewater Saloon...need I say more. The bartender is friendly and always has a story to tell.
5) The locals that stop in here are friendly and informative on the area.
6) The hotel has a more European feel when walking the grounds.
7) Possible ghosts? I did some hunting but they must have been frightened by the existing spirits temporarily residing in my body. We did visit The Whitewater Saloon that evening where I was taken care of extremely well.
8) No TV's in the rooms.
9) Quiet, quiet, quiet.

Be aware that it can get loud Friday and Saturday nights, due to the fact that the saloon is right below the rooms.

The Lobby Area

Up the stairs to our room

Our room! I sure wish I knew how they fold these towels to look like swans!

They brought us our very own ghost hunting kit! Very cool perk!

Our lovely private bath. Do check to see which rooms have private baths. Some rooms do not.

You will be doing a lot of this to get to sit out on the balcony (pictured below) Apparently in the western days, they preferred windows as opposed to doors. :)

Moke Hill Nuts! Right across the street! They have ice cream, too! Yum!

The Whitewater Saloon and our bartender. I feel awful, I didn't get his name. 

A couple of the exterior signs!

What used to be the old jail. 

Some exterior grounds photos! Bella!

FYI...Summer of 2014 looks to be a good one for this place. The owner said they are bringing in some blues bands on the weekends from the Sacramento Blues Society. Call for details. (209) 286-1401