Located seemingly the ‘middle of nowhere” this alpine community of approximately 200 people dates from the 1860s including a post office that opened in 1863. Located within the very sparsely populated Alpine County (only approximately 1200 people total live within the county), Markleyville is the largest community. There are no incorporated communities within Alpine County. Compared to South Lake Tahoe which is a major tourist destination both in the winter and summer – refreshingly when one cuts south on Highway 89 the traffic disappears and one finds a Sierra Nevada that feels like it used to – away from the crowds and population centers.
Despite its diminutive stature, there are several restaurants including the Alps Haus Cafe, Stonefly and the Wolf Creek Restaurant and Bar. Places to stay in town include the J Marklee Toll Station and the Creekside Lodge. And the Markleyville Campground is located just outside of town along the banks of Milberry Creek.
First time visitors to town should consider stopping at the Alpine Chamber of Commerce for more information about the region including any weather related road closures. The info center also maintains an open to the public porta-potty. A highlight of a visit to town is the Alpine County Museum located on a nearby hill. This site contains a number of structures including a blacksmith shop and a tiny jail cell which visitors can walk in and quickly experience claustrophobia. Also displays a number of old pieces of mining equipment. Open Memorial Day Weekend thru the end of October from Thursday through Sunday.
And of course the outdoors is a big part of why people come to Markleeville and vicinity. Within a scenic drive in the summer months are both Ebbetts Pass (about 40 minutes, 8,730 feet) and Monitor Pass (20 minutes at 8,314 feet). Both passes are closed due to snow usually from November through early June. For more information visit: www.alpinecounty.com and the Alpine County Museum website: www.alpinecountymuseum.org
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