Discover the Scenic Wonders of the Sierra Nevada
Embark on unforgettable road trips through the stunning Sierra Nevada. Explore iconic highways and winding backroads, taking in breathtaking mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain towns.
Key Scenic Routes in the Sierra Nevada:
June 13, 2023 – QUINCY, CA — Two landslides were confirmed today affecting Caribou Road and the North Fork of the Feather River on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District. The landslides are the result of recent storms and heavy rain saturating soils. The area has also been affected by multiple wildfires over … Read more
A Quick trip of Sonora Pass Provides Insight on Snow and Recreational Opportunities Summer 2023 Sonora Pass Ca. – June 12, 2023 – Maybe Summer is finally here in the Sierra Nevada. This past week in the Sierra most of the Sierra Scenic Routes over the pass opened (All Accept Tioga Pas 120) giving recreational … Read more
A day trip from Lassen Volcanic National Park from Lake Helen to Bumpass Hell Lassen Volcanic National Park is such a unique and special place in Northern California. The Volcanic landscapes created by the five different types of Volcanos in the park bring awe and wonder to visitors. On my visits to the park, I … Read more
The Sierra, 500 miles of a visual spender and recreational nirvana, is almost too large to comprehend for the weekend warrior or once-a-year traveler. As summer comes into focus in 2023, winter leaves a rather odd feeling in my gut regarding what is left to discover. I have been exploring the Sierra for over 12 … Read more
Crews Clear 20 Miles of Snowpack to Reach Recreation Area TUOLUMNE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 10 will officially open State Route 108 (SR-108) all the way to the Kennedy Meadows Recreation and Pack Station at 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, 2023, after clearing away approximately 20 miles of snowpack left … Read more
Highway 89 Scenic Pass Set to Open Outside Markleeville ALPINE COUNTY, May 11, 2023 – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to reopen State Route 89 between Route 4 and U.S. 395 (Monitor Pass) at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023. Crews have removed snow and ice, removed debris, cleared drains, and … Read more
As of 2024, the cashless fee system implemented at Lassen Volcanic National Park continues to streamline visitor experiences and support critical park projects. The transition to a fully digital payment system has proven successful in optimizing revenue management and enhancing visitor services. To adapt to the evolving technological landscape, Lassen Volcanic National Park has expanded … Read more
Markleville Ca, April28, 2023 – As the weather warms, fishing season starts and river rafters dream of great spring flows, many travelers will start to travel the Carson River Canyon near Markleeville. However The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to have a hard closure of SR-89 in place south of Laramie Street past the … Read more
HIGHWAY CLOSED AT LARAMIE STREET IN MARKLEEVILLE ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is performing a full closure of State Route 89 at Laramie Street in Markleeville for slide removal following the recent winter storms. There is currently no estimated time of opening SR-89. Seek alternate route. Future traffic advisories and social … Read more
A Business Plan for the South Yuba Campground near Nevada City Review EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California Resource Advisory Council will meet virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. The public is welcome to participate but must register in advance. The council will be briefed on a … Read more
ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has closed State Route 89/Monitor Pass between Route 4 in Alpine County and U.S. 395 in Mono County for the winter season.Monitor Pass has been closed since November 28 due to snow. At approximately 1:00 p.m. today (Thursday, December 8, 2022), Caltrans extended the closure through … Read more
ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) closed State Route 89 from the junction of Route 4 to U.S. 395 (Monitor Pass) at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, to protect public safety due to incomingwinter storms.Caltrans will evaluate and determine whether to reopen Monitor Pass or keep it closed for … Read more
Update – December 9, 2022 – Event Canceled because of impending Sierra Storm COLOMA, Calif.— California State Parks is pleased to announce the return of “Christmas in Coloma” at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Community members, families and out-of- town … Read more
Why HWY 4 Outside of Markleville Is Becoming One of My Favorite Snowshoe Locations Silver Creek along Highway 4 offers a scenic winter playground for snowshoeing near Markleeville. Below the climb toward Ebbetts Pass, the creek winds through snow-covered forest near historic Silver City, opening opportunities to explore toward Silver Creek Campground and Noble Canyon. … Read more
Kirkwood Ca, November 27, 2022 – The hike from Carson Pass to Winnemucca lake is one we have done often when there is dirt showing on the ground. But this holiday weekend, we decided to try this trip with snow on the ground for #outoutside Friday. What a different and beautiful trip. Carson Pass Trail … Read more
Winter travel on the Western Sierra is full of options. We like to consider the rich history and growing food culture of the western front an excellent base camp for winter recreation. You can find some of California’s most exciting and historic lodging options in the small communities of State Highway 49 ( California Gold … Read more
A Travel Designation Filled with Adventure and Story Telling – The Holbrooke and Grass Valley Delight Visitors Grass Valley CA. – Born in a time of California where young men of Cornish decent were rifled across the seas to work The Empire Mine. The Holbrooke Hotel would become a staple of Grass Valley and the … Read more
Sonora Pass Closed For the Winter Alpine County Ca. – November 15, 2022 – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 10 reopened State Route 89/Monitor Pass at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, after a temporary closure due to winter weather. Route 4/Ebbetts Pass remains closed from the east end of Lake Alpine … Read more
STOCKTON – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 10 is closing three of its mountain highways this week ahead of the arrival of the first major snowstorm of the season. The National Weather Service is forecasting several inches of snow for the Sierra Nevada starting today, November 1, through Thursday, November 3, 2022.At 10:00 … Read more
MINERAL, CA– Fall brings cooler temperatures and seasonal changes to Lassen Volcanic National Park services and facilities. Visitors should be prepared for changing conditions including below freezing nighttime temperatures, limited campsites and visitor services, and temporary effects of fire management activities. Learn more about visiting in fall at go.nps.gov/lavo/fall. Services in the Manzanita Lake Area continue … Read more
Prepare an exciting and fulfilling overlanding trip today by navigating our quick list on how to find the best trails to embark on every time.
Last Night for Camping September 10 Highway 88 – September 6, 2022 – Eldorado Irrigation district, which run the Silver Lake West campground on Highway 88 Near Kirkwood announced today that Silver Lake West Campground is closing for the season. The last night of camping will be on September 10, gates will close at noon … Read more
Fall Travel Guide to California Foothills Grape Festivals Placerville Ca, September 2022 – Looking for an exciting and fun-filled weekend away from the Eastern Sierra? Ready to discover why the Sierra Nevada Foothills have gone from Gold to Grapes? 42 Sierra Foothill Wineries to Explore Whether you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and want to stop … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, CA –Update as of 8/10/22 – State Route 190 is open to the western portion of Death Valley National Park. The road remains closed from the Trona/Wildrose Junction in Panamint Valley through Death Valley Junction. Additional areas are expected to open no earlier than August 19 as work to clear debris and repair … Read more
Caltrans Enacts Emergency Plan to Install Culvert and Reopen State Route 89 ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has enacted an emergency order to install temporary drainage facilities on State Route 89 near Markleeville (Alpine County) in an effort to reopen the highway as safely and expeditiously as possible.Route 89 currently remains … Read more
You don’t have to wait until Street Vibrations Fall Rally to explore Reno on two wheels. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Nevada with one of these breathtaking road trips. Whether it’s a quick trip around town, a half-day getaway or a ride into the desert, there are motorcycle routes for everyone. GEIGER GRADE The main … Read more
Scheduled on State Routes (SR) 4 and 89 in Alpine County ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will temporarily close portions of SR-4 and SR-89 to all traffic, except for emergency, law enforcement and support vehicles, for the 2022 Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride. State highways will be impacted … Read more
Mammoth Ca, May 27, 2022 – As you head into your three day weekend for Memorial Day, Inyo national Forest has issued updates for travel and recreation sites. At this time even with an approaching storm in the Sierra today. All scenic routes south on Lake Tahoe are open. Tioga Pass into Yosemite opened today, … Read more
Caltrans Will Open Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass on Thursday, May 12, 2022 ALPINE AND TUOLUMNE COUNTIES — Oh, that most wonderful time of year. The Sierra scenic routes are opening! The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will open State Route 4/Ebbetts Pass and Route 108/Sonora Pass at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022 … Read more
International Dark Sky Week April 22- 30 Death Valley National Park – April 22, 2022 – April 22-30 is International Dark Sky Week! This week we will be doing a series of posts to celebrate night skies and to bring awareness to the light pollution which threatens our enjoyment of dark places. To kick things … Read more
Substantial Damage To Highway 180 Near Boyden Cavern Kings Canyon National Park – April 21, 2022 – Cal trans and the Sequoia Parks Conservancy to day announced that the opening of the Cedar Grove area in Kings Canyon National park will not be opening on Friday, April 22 as scheduled, due to a significant rockslide … Read more
Alpine County Ca – April 15, 2022 – After two years of cancelation due to Covid and the Tamarack Fire of 2021. The Death Ride will once again go forth with Race Day preparations. The Death Ride is scheduled to run on July 16, 2022 and rides can register now at https://deathride.com/ 41 YEARS OF … Read more
Better Late than Never Lassen Prepping for Late Winter Storm Dump. Lassen Volcanic National Park – April 13, 2022 – Two weeks ago the roadways were well on their way to being snow free in Lassen Volcanic National Park. With limited snowfall the park services had already cleared over 1.5 miles of roadway past both … Read more
ALPINE COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will openMonitor Pass on State Route 89 at noon on Friday, April 1, 2022.Crews removed snow and ice, cleared debris, and made necessary repairs to safelyreopen the highway.Caltrans’ goal is to have all winter passes open to the public no later than the Fridayprior to Memorial … Read more
Lack of Snowfall in 2022 Allows for an Early Start to Snow Removal in Lassen Volcanic National Park roads. Lassen Volcanic National Park – March 21, 2022 – The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway traverses avalanche-prone slopes with up to 2,000 foot drops and can hold a snowpack up to 40 feet deep. Snow clearing … Read more
STATE ROUTE 4/EBBETTS PASS, ROUTE 89/MONITOR PASS AND ROUTE 108/SONORA PASS CLOSED IN ADVANCE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER Sierra Region – December 8, 2021 – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has temporarily closed State Route 4/Ebbetts Pass, Route 89/Montior Pass and Route 108/Sonora Pass due to inclement weather that is expected to arrive in the … Read more
Arsenic, lead, zinc, and antimony in a national park? DEATH VALLEY, CA – The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public feedback on a proposal to remove contaminated soils from Gold Hill Mill in Death Valley National Park. The mercury amalgamation mill was in use from the 1930s through the 1950s in Warm Springs Canyon in … Read more
STATE ROUTE 108/SONORA PASS & SR-4/EBBETTS PASS JOIN SR-89/MONITOR PASS STOCKTON – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) opened StateRoute 108/Sonora Pass at 1:00 p.m. and Route 4/Ebbetts Pass at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021, after a storm closure.Last week, District 10 opened Route 89/Monitor Pass.Crews removed snow, ice, fallen trees and debris … Read more
Mammoth Ca – October 14, 2021 – The Lakes Basin Rd. re-opened today. Visitors should expect snow and ice. The Reds Meadow Rd. and the Old Mammoth Rd. to Lakes Basin remain temporary closures. Please advise visitors that travel on high elevations on all open roads includes ice and snow. Please travel with chains, know … Read more
Sierra Nevada Scenic Passes Temporarily Closed for Winter Storm Activity. Sierra Nevada – Yosemite National Park News Updates – Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road will temporarily close on Thursday, October 7, at 5pm, due to an incoming storm. Tioga Pass will join other Scenic Routes through … Read more