Forest patio area with green chairs and wooden deck at Kit Carson Lodge.

Unforgettable Events in Nature

At Kit Carson Lodge, we believe in providing you with an unforgettable experience. That's why we've created traditions at Kit Carson Lodge, such as the nightly campfire. We know that the beauty of the Silver Lake area attracts artists and inspires the artistic side of our visitors; develop your skills in one of our artist workshops where you'll learn from the best. These are just a few of the things you can experience here at our Silver Lake Resort. Look down the list and find something that appeals to you. We just know you'll make a unique memory here in the scenic Sierra. or a truly special gathering, consider hosting group events in Kit Carson, where stunning surroundings and great company come together.

Campfire

Each night a campfire is built in front of the lodge. Come by the front desk and check out the campfire basket with marshmallows and matches.

The first person to arrive lights the pre-set fire and the last person douses it with the nearby hose. It’s a great way to meet other guests and share stories and a s’more or two.

For upcoming events, please contact the Events Help Desk at (415) 754-0223.

A campfire event at Kit Carson Lodge & Restaurant shows two people sitting near a fire at night.

Wine Tasting

We have invited wineries from El Dorado, Amador and other counties to host a wine tasting on Tuesday nights from 5 to 7 PM in the lodge.

Take advantage of this free sampling of wines and hors d'oeuvres from this wonderful area of vineyards. Speak to the vintner to learn about the wines.

Love one of our wines? We have special pricing for the event!

Please contact the Lodge at (209) 258-8500.

A collection of wine bottles is arranged on a wooden countertop, some with labels visible, along with two framed tasting notes and a wooden coaster, set against a wood-paneled background. - Kit Carson Lodge & Restaurant

Boat Rentals

Motor Boats, Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards may be rented by the hour at the lodge front desk between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Pack a lunch then paddle or motor over to Treasure Island to enjoy the stillness and natural beauty of the largest island in the lake. Or perhaps enjoy nature’s landscape by boating around the seven miles of scenic lake shore.

Additionally, Silver Lake is stocked routinely to provide our guests an opportunity to catch Rainbow and native German Brown Trout.

No pets are allowed on our Pontoon boat and paddle boats. Motor boats, Kayaks, and Canoes are ok for pets.

Several canoes and kayaks are beached on the sandy shore of a lake surrounded by trees.

Hiking

The Carson Pass area is one of the premier wildflower zones of California and one of the best hiking areas for short spectacular hikes. There are trails available for all ability levels in the area. See the front desk for an inexpensive hiking map with all of the local trails with the elevations and distances.

Many of the trails lead to pristine Alpine lakes only accessible by foot and are often strewn with a multitude of wildflowers during the summer season.

Because our base elevations and trail heads are so high in the Carson Pass area, hikes quickly take you up to high lakes in alpine terrain that might require an overnight backpack trip elsewhere.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes to take a dip in the lake and don't forget your camera!

A group of hikers with backpacks are trekking up a rocky trail through a forest.

Visit a Living Pioneer Town

Just south of our Inn is one of our favorite attractions; a pioneer town reconstructed to represent what life was like in the 1800s for people living in California, and includes several pioneer homes, schoolhouses, a
blacksmith shop, wagon display, and even part of an original lumber flume.

Fresno Flats is a journey back in time as volunteers in historically accurate clothing guide visitors through the various buildings in the town, explaining what life was like in the 1860’s for the intrepid settlers that decided to make California their home. A simpler type of life that is both charming and intriguing to experience and explore for yourself.