Spectacular Skiing, Sparkling Lakes, Awesome National Parks And Picturesque Gold Rush Towns – California’s High Sierra has it all!
If you’re an international visitor, chances are you’ll first set foot in California at an airport in Los Angeles or San Francisco. But for the pioneers who settled in the Golden State, their gateway was the High Sierra. Stretching 400 miles (640 km) north from the Central Valley, this inland mountain range was a snow-capped portal to the riches of the 19th-century gold fields.
The High Sierra is a gateway still, and today it leads you to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Just a half day’s drive from the coast, this region of stunning granite peaks, lush forests, shimmering alpine lakes and pristine acres of wilderness is a world away from the urban sprawl.
WALK AMONG THE GIANTS
Calaveras Big Trees State Park encompasses some of the world’s largest trees
The Southern Sierra boasts the loftiest peaks in the range. The spiky ridges of Mount Whitney rise to 14,505 feet (4,421 metres), making it the highest point in the contiguous United States. The region is also home to the biggest trees on the planet, and the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada are the only place where they grow naturally.
In the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, you can stand beside the General Sherman Tree. Soaring 275 feet (84 metres) high, with a girth of more than 102 feet (31 metres), it is the largest tree in the world. Second in command is the General Grant Tree, which stands amidst an impressive sequoia grove in the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park. This vast, natural chasm is more than a mile-and-a-half deep and you can reach it by driving on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Farther north, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is another great place to ‘walk among the giants’.
In the Western Sierra area, Yosemite National Park, with its stunning rock formations and glacial valleys, is one of America’s most-popular national parks. See if you can spot the rock climbers, mere specs on the famous granite faces of Half Dome, Cathedral Peak and El Capitan. The park’s towering cliffs are riven with waterfalls. The spectacular Yosemite Falls, at 2,424 feet (739 metres), are the highest in the continent.
Scenic roads through the park lead to stupendous viewpoints, such as Valley View, Tunnel View and Glacier Point. Other highlights include the tranquil Tuolumne Meadows; the Mariposa Grove of 500 giant sequoias; Murphys, a charming Gold Country town that is a great spot for wine-tasting; and two state historic parks – Columbia and Railtown 1897.
DISCOVER WILDERNESS JEWELS
Enjoying the view at Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay
The dramatic landscapes don’t stop at the park borders. The High Sierra contains large tracts of pristine wilderness, with alpine lakes, meadows and forests that harbour a wealth of wildlife. Two unique geological sights lie in the Eastern Sierra. Near Mammoth Lakes, the Devils Postpile National Monument is a rare formation of columnar basalt standing 60 feet (18 metres) high. Farther north, Mono Lake is an ancient, saline lake with eerie tufa formations jutting out of its shallow surface.
And there’s more than scenic wonders to explore. The ghost town of Bodie is preserved in one of several state parks dedicated to California’s pioneer history. You can wander around this former gold-mining camp, where weathered buildings have been left in a state of arrested decay, right down to the everyday goods on the shelves inside the buildings.
Beautiful Lake Tahoe anchors the Northern High Sierra. The largest alpine lake in North America, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks that shimmer in its sapphire-blue waters. Scenic overlooks above Emerald Bay and other points offer unforgettable vistas. Or ride the Heavenly Scenic Gondola, open year-round, for breathtaking panoramic views.
MANY WAYS TO PLAY
Skiing down the slopes overlooking Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by 19 ski resorts, including Squaw Valley USA, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and Royal Gorge, the largest Nordic resort in North America. There are more outstanding slopes at Mammoth and June mountains in the Eastern Sierra. In addition to winter sports such as sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, these resorts offer spring, summer and autumn activities that range from gondola rides and mountain biking to kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and water skiing.
Along with such long-distance wilderness routes as the famous Pacific Coast, John Muir and Tahoe Rim trails, there are dozens of shorter, easier trails. After a hike, pamper your aching muscles in the region’s natural hot springs, surrounded by gorgeous views.
For rustic mountain atmosphere, visit Truckee, to the north of Lake Tahoe. The buildings of its historic downtown are filled with galleries, boutiques and good restaurants. Tahoe City combines its historical museums and landmarks with lively annual events.
In this beautiful backcountry, roughing it is a matter of choice. You can also get cosy in small, picturesque towns, indulge yourself in luxury lodges with spas and fine dining, and enjoy art, music and nightlife. Whether you want high adventure or low-key relaxation, you’ll find it year-round amidst the beauty of the High Sierra.
