Cities and Towns in Alpine County, California
Founded in 1864, Alpine County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Alpine County was formed from Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, Mono and Tuolumne. The city of Markleeville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 3, Alpine County has a population of 1,235 and area of 739 square miles (1,914 km²).
List of all cities in Alpine County, CA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amador Station, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Black Station, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Buckhorn, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Crystal Springs, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Emigrant Trail, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Fredricksburg, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Hams Station, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Hope Valley, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Iron Mountain, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Kirkwood, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Markleeville, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Mesa Vista, CA | 96120 | 530 |
| Peddler Hill, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Pioneer, CA | 95646 | 209 |
| Woodfords, CA | 96120 | 530 |
Major Cities and Towns in Alpine County, California
Markleeville
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 8.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 210 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 96120
- Latitude: 38.6933° N
- Longitude: 119.7796° W
Location and History
Markleeville is the county seat and one of the few populated places in Alpine County, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada near the California-Nevada border. The town was founded in 1861 by Jacob Marklee, a rancher who settled in the area and built a cabin near the confluence of Markleeville Creek and the Carson River. Markleeville quickly became a hub for miners and settlers during the Silver Boom in nearby Nevada. The town’s history is deeply connected to the mining era, with the discovery of silver in the area attracting prospectors and leading to the town’s early growth. Today, Markleeville retains its small-town charm, serving as a gateway to outdoor recreational activities in the surrounding mountains and forests. The town’s remote location and historical significance make it a unique destination in California.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Markleeville is served by the Alpine County Unified School District, with the Alpine County Secondary Community Day School being the primary educational institution in the area. Major landmarks in Markleeville include the historic Alpine County Courthouse, built in 1928, which still serves as the center of county government. The town is also home to Grover Hot Springs State Park, a popular destination for its natural hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Sierra Nevada. The nearby Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway offers stunning drives through the mountains, making Markleeville a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Alpine County.
Bear Valley
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 120 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95223
- Latitude: 38.4825° N
- Longitude: 120.0455° W
Location and History
Bear Valley is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Alpine County, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area was originally settled in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush, but it remained relatively undeveloped until the mid-20th century. In the 1960s, Bear Valley was developed as a ski resort by a group of investors who saw the potential for winter sports in the area. The Bear Valley Ski Area quickly became a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Today, Bear Valley is known for its year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing in the winter and hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in the summer. The community’s focus on outdoor activities and its location in the scenic Sierra Nevada make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bear Valley does not have its own school district; students typically attend schools in nearby communities such as Markleeville. The town’s most notable landmark is the Bear Valley Ski Area, which offers a range of winter sports and activities. In addition to the ski resort, the area is home to numerous trails and outdoor spaces, including the nearby Stanislaus National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Bear Valley Music Festival, held each summer, is another major attraction, drawing visitors to the area for performances by world-class musicians in a beautiful alpine setting. Bear Valley’s combination of outdoor adventure and cultural events makes it a unique community in Alpine County.
Kirkwood
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 158 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95646
- Latitude: 38.6847° N
- Longitude: 120.0658° W
Location and History
Kirkwood is a small mountain community located in the northern part of Alpine County, near the border with El Dorado and Amador counties. The area was originally a summer grazing spot for cattle before being developed into a ski resort in the 1970s. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is known for its challenging terrain and deep snow, attracting skiers and snowboarders from across the region. The community is named after Zack Kirkwood, an early settler who built a toll road and an inn in the area during the 1860s. Over the years, Kirkwood has grown into a popular destination for winter sports, as well as summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Its remote location and high elevation contribute to its reputation as a premier ski destination in California.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kirkwood does not have its own school district; students typically attend schools in nearby towns or in other parts of Alpine County. The main landmark in Kirkwood is the Kirkwood Mountain Resort, which features over 2,300 acres of skiable terrain and some of the most challenging slopes in the Sierra Nevada. In addition to winter sports, the resort offers summer activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and disc golf. The community is surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. Kirkwood’s focus on outdoor recreation and its stunning mountain setting make it a key destination in Alpine County.
Woodfords
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: Not formally incorporated
- Population: Approximately 150 (estimated as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 96120
- Latitude: 38.7755° N
- Longitude: 119.8246° W
Location and History
Woodfords is an unincorporated community located in the Carson River Valley in eastern Alpine County, near the Nevada border. The area was originally settled in the mid-19th century as a trading post for pioneers traveling westward along the Emigrant Trail. The community grew around the Woodfords Station, a stop for stagecoaches and travelers on their way to California’s goldfields. Over the years, Woodfords has remained a small, rural community with deep historical roots. Its location along the Carson River and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains make it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Alpine County. Despite its small size, Woodfords has played an important role in the history of the region, serving as a hub for transportation and trade in the 19th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Woodfords is served by the Alpine County Unified School District, with students typically attending schools in Markleeville or other nearby towns. The community’s most notable landmark is the historic Woodfords Station, which has been preserved as a reminder of the area’s pioneer past. The nearby Carson River offers opportunities for fishing, rafting, and hiking along its scenic banks. The Hope Valley, located just west of Woodfords, is known for its stunning fall colors and is a popular spot for photography and outdoor recreation. Woodfords’ combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a unique and important part of Alpine County.
Map of Cities in Alpine County, CA
