Alpine County is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the eastern part of California. It is the least populous county in the state, with 1,204 residents in 2020, and is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, which includes peaks, forests, and lakes. The county is bordered by the states of Nevada to the east and other California counties, including El Dorado and Amador, to the west.

Mad Dog Cafe is located at the site of the Historic Woodfords Station, a gateway to the goldfields of California and an entrance to the Emigrant Trail leading to the Sacramento Valley. This iconic trading post was founded in the mid 1800s creating the first settlement in what is now Alpine County.

Grover Hot Springs State Park is a state park of California, containing natural hot springs on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. Park amenities include a swimming pool complex fed by the hot springs, as well as a campground, picnic area, and hiking trails. The 553-acre (224 ha) park was established in 1959.