Things to do California High Sierra
The high Sierra region of California contains three of the nations most treasured National Parks. This area of the Golden State best known for it’s majestic peaks, world-class ski resorts and giant sequoias. Summer months are best for sight-seeing, hiking and fishing. Winter you can enjoy skiing and snow boarding. There are many off the beaten paths places to visit including ghost towns, hidden lakes, and small historic towns. Whatever time of year you travel to the High Sierra you will always find the perfect day trip.
The high sierra area of the Golden State best known for it’s majestic peaks, world-class ski resorts and giant sequoias. Summer months are perfect sight-seeing, hiking, fishing and camping. Winter visitors enjoy skiing and snow boarding. Explore the California high sierra and discover ghost towns, hidden lakes, and historic site and spectacular scenery.
Mono Lake
Mono Lake now covers an area of about 70 square miles east of the towering slope of the Sierra Nevada. The Visitor Center has exhibits and a friendly staff to help you. Tioga Lodge has two hour boat tours of the lake.
Mono lake is fed by freshwater streams running from the High Sierra mountains of California. There is no outlet for the lake and it’s water is 2-3 times saltier than the ocean. The only life living in the lake are the 4-6 trillion brine shrimp. During the summer swarms of black alkali flies carpet the shoreline. Millions of birds traveling the Pacific Flyway stop at the lake to feed on the endless supply brine shrimp and alkali flies. The Mono Lake visitors center is located just off Highway 395. The center has a variety of exhibits about the natural and human history of the Mono Basin. Ask the staff about tours and bird walks. Next time you travel 395 be sure to take the time to visit this California natural wonder.
Mono Lake is located along Highway 395, 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, near the town of Lee Vining, California. Two hour Mono Lake boat tours can be booked at the Tioga Lodge. Private tours are available but must be booked in advance.
The Tahoe Maritime Museum
The Museum is home to the largest collection of outboard motors on the west coast. On display a vast collection of photographs and objects that span Lake Tahoe’s maritime history
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year.
Waterfalls, Rock formations ,Yosemite Valley and some of the most spectacular scenery you will find anywhere in the world. Yosemite Valley, about 3,000 feet deep and just over a mile wide, is known for its landmark rock formations the most recognized is Half Dome. Yosemite Valley serves as a gateway to wilderness travelers, with the 211-mile John Muir Trail (which ends at Mount Whitney) originating from Happy Isles. There are over 800 miles of wilderness trails in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is the one place in California that you must visit at least once in your life there is no other place quite like it.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest (1645 feet), largest and highest 6229 feet, and bluest lakes in the United States. Boating, fishing, hiking, and winter skiing.
Being the largest alpine lake in North America means one thing for Lake Tahoe: it’s massive! Not only that, but it’s a total gem to visit, perched between snow-capped mountains and surrounded by magnificent pine forests. However, in my experience, determining the best things to do in Lake Tahoe during your visit can be difficult.
Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
Laws Southern Pacific railway station dating from 1883, as well as a post-office more than 100 years old and other artifacts from that period have been restored.
On eleven acres, nearly 50 authentic structures are filled with artifacts and original objects depicting the lifestyles of the period’s homemakers, craftsmen, and townspeople. The majority of these antiquities are actual tools used by the people who lived and worked here, such as newspaper publishers, gold miners, ranchers, blacksmiths, dentists, physicians, and pharmacists.
Bishop California
Experience the adventure of the Eastern Sierra in and around Bishop California. Crisp, clean, big and beautiful skies plus majestic granite mountains. Mule days festival every Memorial Day Weekend.
Bishop is the largest town in the Owens Valley, nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
You can go sightseeing, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, off-road driving, backpacking, birding, and fishing from Bishop, among other outdoor activities. The area is also awesome for photography.
Donner Lake
Donner Memorial State Park is located at the lake. the lake also offers public boat docks along the North shore and swimming, sailing and water skiing in the summer months.
Donner Memorial State Park is located in the Sierra Nevada, just west of the charming and historic town of Truckee. The park, which is surrounded by magnificent alpine scenery and directly adjacent to a beautiful three-mile-long lake, provides visitors with a variety of historic and recreational opportunities. Camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, and water sports are all popular winter and summer activities at the park. The Emigrant Trail Museum and Pioneer Monument showcase the overland immigration of the 1840s, the Donner Tragedy, the natural history of the Truckee Basin, and local Native American communities.
Mammoth Lakes
Located in the center Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. Mammoth boasts one of the largest ski resorts in the world. More than 100 lakes and streams for world-class trout fishing.
Mammoth Lakes is an excellent base camp for exploring everything that makes California’s mountains unique. Spend time with family and friends by hiking to Rainbow Falls or exploring Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Yosemite National Park is only a short drive away and is ideal for a day trip. Other incredible places to visit include Mono Lake, the Hot Creek Geological Site, and Bodie, California’s official “ghost town,” where the Old West still exists.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Land of the giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from the foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves.
Giant trees, deep canyons, and mountain peaks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking sights in the world, not just in California. These adjoining parks, which range in elevation from 13,100 feet to 14,494 feet, are home to the world’s largest tree and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
You will find Earth’s oldest living inhabitant “Methuselah” at 4,767 years. spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada along with the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest are attractions for tourists.
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the world’s oldest trees. California’s majestic bristlecone pines prosper in one of North America’s most inhospitable, yet uniquely beautiful environments, trying to stand like ancient sentinels adorning the sides of the lofty White Mountains.
The forest’s one-of-a-kind landscape, complete with breathtaking views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Crest to the west, is easily accessible from Mammoth Lakes and makes for an exciting adventure for visitors of all ages.
Mount Whitney
The tallest mountain in the “lower 48” states. A trail leads to the summit of Mount Whitney, registration is required to climb the mountain, and daily restrictions have now been placed on the number of climbers allowed.
Mount Whitney, at 14,501 feet, is both the tallest mountain in California and the tallest peak in the Lower 48. Hiking the Mount Whitney Trail is a beautiful experience in and of itself, and it’s very feasible for Southern California residents. The trailhead is only a few hours away, and you don’t need any technical knowledge to tackle the main trail during the summer months. Those who are willing to devote significant planning, research, and effort to this mountain will be greatly rewarded – whether or not they summit.