Arnold, California

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Arnold is a small census-designated place in Calaveras County, California, located on State Route 4 in the Stanislaus National Forest near Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The area covers about 9.1 square miles (mostly land) at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The population was 3,288 at the 2020 census.

Arnold was named after Bob and Bernice Arnold, who opened the Ebbetts Pass Inn in 1927. Before that, two large ranches dominated the area and logging was the main industry. The inn served travelers along the Ebbetts Pass route and visitors to the nearby park. Camp Wolfeboro, a Boy Scout camp established in 1928, is nearby. The first post office opened in 1934, with Bernice serving as postmistress at one time.

The community has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers. It sits on a forested ridge and is considered at high risk for wildfires. The 2015 Butte Fire destroyed many homes in nearby areas, and by 2019 Arnold was still classified as a very high fire hazard area. Fire-safety work, including brush thinning and new fire breaks, has continued since then. About 45% of homes are vacation properties, which sometimes affects brush clearing.

For recreation, Arnold is close to Calaveras Big Trees State Park and White Pines Park. The Arnold Rim Trail, a 17.5-mile multi-use path, runs from Arnold to Avery. The community is supported by the Greater Arnold Business Association chamber of commerce.