Copperopolis California - Hidden Gem In The Sierra Foothills

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 13 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #502 in Travel, #18,009 overall

Welcome To Copperopolis California!

You can imagine the funny looks (or giggles) I get when I tell people where I live. I pause after I say it just to give people time to ask, "Copper-what?"

I like to reply, "Yes, it's where Snuffalufagus is from!" (Remember him? Big Bird's imaginary friend?)

Copperopolis, California is located about 45 minutes East of Stockton, Ca and about 90 minutes from Yosemite National Park. It's an old gold rush era town but isn't known for it's gold....it's known of course, for it's Copper mines.

Copperopolis, California was founded in 1860 by William K. Reed, Dr. Allen Blatchly, and Thomas McCarty, at the site of the second big discovery of copper ore in the region (the first was nearby Telegraph City).

The town grew rapidly, as the need for copper during the Civil War to make bullets was great. Several brick structures remain in Copperopolis. The largest was once the Federal Armory and served as headquarters for the 3rd California Infantry soldiers and the Copperopolis Union Guard, a military company organized of volunteer miners during the Civil War.

After the war ended, the expense of mining and shipping copper proved to be too high and the population dwindled as the mines closed. However, a Boston company purchased the mines in the 1880s and mining operations resumed. The town went through boom periods during the two World Wars, when demand for copper went up again. By the time the mines closed in 1946, according to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, they had produced 72,598,883 pounds of copper worth over $12 million. No copper mining has been done since, but the town has built it's reputation further as the gateway to nature's wonderland!
Come See!

Meander through the Sierra Foothills 

Thank You Deborah!


Spring in Calaveras County

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Northern California Barns

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Why Should You Visit Copperopolis? 

The rivers and streams that once lured prospectors still flow with pure snow melt from the Sierra and provide recreational opportunities to their visitors today.

The historic and picturesque gold rush towns offer antique shops, museums, wine tasting, art galleries and shopping in a small town setting. The many local events, live theatre, concerts and festivals held throughout the year attract visitors who want to experience life away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Check out the community calendar at the Calaveras County Website.

The adventures are endless. Whether you want a leisurely day, explore or be adventuresome, the choices are many.

It's also home to many world-class activities and sights including Saddle Creek Golf Resort, OARS River Rafting, Bear Valley Mountain Resort, Big Trees State Park, Columbia State Park, Moaning Caverns Adventures, and numerous California Vineyards and Breweries.

Learn More About This Inspiring Area 

From Poetry and Art To Maps and Guides.

You should always do a little research on your own before venturing off into the woods, or the lake! Take your time deciding which road to take, and take another road on your next trip!

Where To Stay When Visiting Copperopolis? 

No matter if you're the roughing-it type or not, Copperopolis has something for everyone!

From wine tasting at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphy's, to Cavern Trepsing through Moaning Caverns, you need a central location to stay where you can unwind and refresh for the next adventure.

There's several places to choose from.

This one is for the outdoorsie types! Lake Tulloch Campground provides camping on the shore with all the necessary amenities to enjoy the great outdoors! There are tent sites, RV sites and even cabins ready for your family! Visit the website for more info!LakeTullochCampground.com

Don't forget your camera for all those Kodak moments!

There are other places to stay for all types of adventurers.

To get real reviews and all the information about the area's places to stay, restaurants, hotels, etc. visit Yelp.com for first hand experiences from travelers and locals alike!

Not The Outdoorsie Type? Stay In Your Own Cabin At Saddle Creek Resort! 

Enjoy World Class Golf Course At Saddle Creek Resort

Designed by Carter Morrish, Saddle Creek is ranked in the top 10 golf courses of California and rated four and a half stars by Golf Digest. This world-class golf facility now boasts one of the areas finest practice facilities, including a short game area and an expanded targets framed by a target fairway and natural grasses that simulate the look and feel of the course.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the course and book your Tee Time today!

Bill Troyanoski of Saddle Creek receives honor from Golf Inc.
COPPEROPOLIS, Calif. -- Saddle Creek Resort - the 900-acre Castle & Cooke community located two hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area in the scenic Sierra Nevada Foothills - announces that General Manager Bill Troyanoski has been named one of the 20 "Most Admired Course Operators in the Nation" by Golf Inc. Magazine. Read More at World Golf News...

The resort features lodging in beautifully furnished cabins by the golf course or the lake. Visit their website for rates and reservations. They offer the best deals right from their own website.

Where To Eat? 

There's several good ones around here....check em out!

Panini's Italian Grill just opened Christmas 08 and with raving reviews! Located in the heart of the Town Square (131 Town Square Rd) it's easy to find. Just give em a call if you'd like to make a reservation, (highly suggested F-Su) or to just check the hours. (209) 785-8811

Saddle Creek Resort's Copper Grill is located at the Saddle Creek Resort on Little John Road. Click here to see their hours or call for info (209) 785-7400

Primo's Pizzaa lovely little diner-style italian eatery they have much more than pizza (my fav is the grilled chicken ciabata-mmmm!) Located at 60 Copper Cove Dr. in Copperopolis. Need more info? Click here to see reviews and more info, or call them at (209) 785-4300.

Cruisers Ice Cream Parlor located in the heart of Town Square (631 McCarty St. Cruiser's has more than ice cream, but I just love the ice cream more! Check out their website at www.CruisersIceCream.com and join their birthday club!

La Hacienda Restaurant located next to IGA supermarket at 3505 Spangler Ln Ste 104, their Mexican eatery is the best! I have enjoyed this restaurant many, many times with satisfaction every time. Go on in, or call them for take out! (209) 785-8226

Have a restaurant I haven't reviewed yet? Click here to send me an email and invite me!

Come Visit The New Copper Town Square!

Spill The Beans! Tell Us What You Think! 

JohannTheDog wrote...

Wow, looks like a beautiful place! I'd love to go on a long hike there! Woofs, Johann

ReplyPosted March 04, 2009

Evelyn_Saenz wrote...

Thank you for sharing your information about the frogs near Copperopolis. It's so nice to hear that they are doing well in your area.

ReplyPosted February 21, 2009

Lensmaster

Pam wrote

What a great tribute to Copperopolis! I am the massage therapist at Plaza Skin Care by the IGA grocery store. Come by and make an appointment!

Reply Posted February 02, 2009

NHConstruction wrote...

Nice lens! If you ever need a custom home built here, just let me know! NH Construction Homes

ReplyPosted January 30, 2009

Graceonline wrote...

What a wonderful place to live--and to visit. Hope we get there one day. You are very fortunate.

ReplyPosted January 23, 2009

KadabaCo wrote...

Don't forget to visit their website and join the birthday club! www.CruisersIceCream.com

ReplyPosted November 12, 2008

Lensmaster

Cruisers Ice Cream Parlor wrote

Very nice website! When you come to town, don't forget to stop by Cruisers Ice Cream Parlor in the Copperopolis Town Square. From cones to banana splits, we have the ice cream treat you are looking for. We offer several no-sugar-added flavors, sherbet and dairy-free sorbets. We also serve 1/4 pound 100% Beef and Polish Hot Dogs, soups and chili...mmm mmm!

Hope to see you soon!!

Reply Posted November 10, 2008

papawu wrote...

OMG! I'm from California and have never even heard of the place! Huh, I guess you do learn something new every day.

ReplyPosted October 19, 2008

garywgoldstein wrote...

Pretty nice to visit. It's just my type, the great adventure and the peaceful place. 5*!

ReplyPosted August 16, 2008

Lensmaster

ElkieRog@aol.com wrote

I have been nearby, but never ventured that far north on minor highways. Now that I am retired, I will add a couple of days to my normal weekend trip to Yosemite and check out this fascinating town.

Well done! You have sold me

Stephen Roger Lewis

Reply Posted August 14, 2008

kiwisoutback wrote...

Sounds cool! We'll try and visit next time on our California road trips...we're overdue to visit Yosemite again, so this won't be far! Lensrolled to our California Road Trip lens, too!

ReplyPosted August 06, 2008

Squidster wrote...

Awesome lens on a place I'd never heard of - 'til now. Sounds like a town I must visit next time I'm in the area. Keep up the good work!

ReplyPosted July 12, 2008

lifelongfitness wrote...

nice lens. Looks like a very cool place 5*

ReplyPosted July 10, 2008

Webcodes wrote...

Sounds like a fun place 5*

ReplyPosted July 10, 2008

Lensmaster

Wendy wrote

Thanks for keeping us posted. You are missed:)

Reply Posted July 06, 2008

Lensmaster

mike wrote

nice

Reply Posted July 05, 2008

Lensmaster

shellie wrote

Thanks for the peek into your other "west coast life". It looks beautiful. Very nice website.

Reply Posted July 05, 2008

Lensmaster

Mavis Salus wrote

This seems like an ideal place to live. Hope you are happy here. If you are still there in December maybe we can visit on the way to Australia. How far from LA?

Reply Posted July 05, 2008

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