The Sierra Nevada offers the perfect blend of rugged natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a rich local history. You’ll find everything here, from towering peaks to ancient sequoias and shimmering lakes. Road-tripping lets you explore this magical area at your own pace. You can connect with both small mountain towns and pristine wilderness areas. Every twist of the road reveals something new. Here, we list a few of our favorite routes.
Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Route
This particular route starts in Lone Pine and takes you along the Eastern-most flank of the Sierra Nevada. Some of its highlights include the Alabama Hills and Mammoth Lakes. The hills feature some truly otherworldly-looking rock formations, while the lake is ideal for alpine adventures. Here you’ll also come across Mono Lake and its surreal tufa towers, as well as the historically spooky ‘ghost’ town of Bodie.
Tioga Road or Highway 120 through Yosemite
Take this breathtaking journey through the heart of the famous Yosemite National Park. On this route you’ll discover incredible views of alpine meadows, translucent lakes, and granite domes. Stop at Olmsted Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tenaya Lake for some truly spectacular sights.
Kings Canyon and Sequoia Loop
This route starts in Kings Canyon National Park, which you enter via Highway 180. Drive around the canyon and Cedar Grove area, then head over to Sequoia National Park. Marvel at the towering General Sherman Tree and the ‘Giant Forest.’ The aforementioned tree is said to be around 2,100 years old and 275 feet tall. It’s the undisputed largest living tree in the entire world.
Lake Tahoe to Reno Scenic Drive
Start this trip at the shores of Lake Tahoe, then follow Highway 50. Drive a loop around the lake via Highway 89. Take in breathtaking views of the crystal-clear, sparkling waters of the lake. If you like, park your car and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. Here you can explore some of the charming mountain towns, such as Truckee, before ending your journey in Reno.
Gold Country Route or Highway 49
Follow this historic highway and enjoy a journey through the western Sierra foothills. This route will offer charming stops in Gold Rush towns like Nevada City, Columbia, and Grass Valley. It’s the perfect mix of stunning landscapes, local history, and immersive culture. The Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is a definite hit if you’re road tripping with family. Here, you can learn all about life in California’s gold country, including historical steam engines, blacksmithing, and specialty tools used back in the day. Don’t forget to read up on US car seat laws if you’re traveling with kids, particularly if you’re from abroad. The different states have varying rules in this regard.
Natural beauty and more to explore
As you can see, there is so much of this region to explore, making it perfect for a road trip. The diverse ecosystems, from desert-like foothills to high alpine meadows and lakes, all ensure that there’s always something new and breathtaking to discover. Whether you’re planning to hike, stargaze, or just drive while savoring the serenity of the region’s natural landscapes, the Sierra Nevada will provide you with an unforgettable journey.
