Springville Area Recreation
The best travel guide for outdoor recreation in this area is:
"Exploring the Southern Sierra: West Side"
by J. C. Jenkins ----- Published by Wilderness Press
Bicycle Touring and Mountain Biking
Bicycle tourers are in for some good riding. Because this area is sparsely populated and not overly touristed, the roads and the air are clear. April - November are excellent riding. There are plenty of fire roads in Mountain Home State Forest, Jack's Flat Road and Upper Grouse Valley to please mountain bikers.
Book your touring group of 2 to 14 people at one of our vacation rentals. See Area Info for other local things to do.
Horseback Riding and Pack Trips
For a fun horse riding adventure check out these opportunities in Springville, Balch Park and the Ponderosa areas:
See waterfallswest.com for descriptions and directions to local Waterfalls.
Link to photos of local Swimming Holes and swimming/ fishing access map
Swimming and Fishing opportunities are at many spots on the Tule River, Upper Grouse Valley lakes and mountain lakes in Balch Park. Mt. Dennison House at Three Springs Ranch has it's own private fishing pond (season is usually November-June). The Waterfall Cabin has Bear Creek just behind with a series of waterfalls and granite pools for swimming.
Water sport opportunities are available at Lake Success between Porterville and Springville on Highway 190. Unfortunately, the Marina has recently closed so no boat rentals are available at this time.
Relax with a massage and spa experience in nature at Springville's unique Sycamore Grove Wellness Spa on the banks of the Tule River. Yoga and Tai chi classes available too!
559-539-3387
Launch from famed 'Slick Rock' on Bear Creek Road only a few miles from our vacation rental cabins and enjoy the ride!
Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing
Opportunities for hiking and skiing in the Sequoia National Monument, Mountain Home State Forest and Balch Park (County) jurisdictions abound. Groomed trails for crosscountry skiing can be found at Camp Nelson on Hwy 190. See little known Giant Sequoia groves, waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Alder Creek, Black Mountain, Burro Creek Grove, Dillonwwod, Maggie Mountain, McIntyre, Mountain Home, Parker Contact:
Ponderosa Lodge (559) 539-2618
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341
Mountain Home State Forest (559) 539-2321 (Summer) and (559) 539-2855 (Winter)
Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Ranger District (559) 539-2607
Sequoia National Forest Ranger District (559) 784-1500
Local Schools and Learning Centers:
| Aspery School of Blacksmithing | Blacksmithing | (559) 539-3351 |
| Birdyshaw's Massage School | Massage | (559) 539-2053 |
| Porterville College | (559) 791-2200 | |
| River Ridge Institute | Tours and programs demonstrating habitat conservation and working landscapes | (559) 539-0207 |
| SCICON | Outdoor school of Science and Conservation | (559) 539-2642 |
| Sierra Forge and Fire | Blacksmithing, Glassblowing and Ceramics | (559) 592-2080 |
| Le Bistro | Cooking Classes | (559) 783-8151 |
| Tule River Astronomers | Private Observatory open house events for telescopic tours of the night sky | starhome@springvillewireless.com |
Rockclimbers have many opportunites for thrills in the Southern Sierra. Our local hotspot is Dome Rock on the Great Western Divide Highway. Climbing is best May - October
Check out: Blockhead, Charlatan Needle, Demon Dome, Djin Needle, Dome Rock, Fire Wall, The gremlin, Hermit Spire, Magician, Merlin Dome, Necromancer Needle, The Needles, Nomad Spire, Powerhouse Wall, Sky Garden Wall, Sorcerer Needle, Sorcerer's Apprentice Needle, Trilogy/ McIntire Rock, Voodoo Dome, Warlock Needle, Witch Needle, Wizard Needle
Contact: climber.org
Snowmobile trailheads at: Quaking Aspen, Sugar Loaf, Greenhorn Summit, Cannell Meadow and Kennedy meadow (916) 324-4442
Contact: www.sugarloafers.com, www.ponderosaca.com
River Island Country Club is located just West of Springville on Highway 190. (559) 784-9425
Eagle Mountain Casino is located on the Tule River Indian Reservation between Porterville and Springville off Highway 190. Eagle Mountain Casino offers gaming and entertainment. www.eaglemtncasino.com
Live Reptile Show at your Cabin!
Based in Springville, E&M Reptile Family travels to you for a very unique, fun and highly educational one hour show for the kids (and adults) with their menagerie of live reptile and, amphibians including snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises.
Motorcycle touring is how we discovered the Springville area, and we have a great combination of beautiful and diverse scenery and 'ear-to-ear-grin' twisties. See the touring map for a scenic backroads round trip from LA and fun local touring roads.
