The High Sierra

THE NATURAL SIDE OF CALIFORNIA

It’s no wonder California’s High Sierra is so well known to world travelers. There’s something here for everyone in all four seasons, whether it’s outdoor adventure, sightseeing, or just enjoying the natural beauty of this high altitude paradise. This is an adventurer’s playground. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is an expanse of majestic peaks offering seemingly limitless summer and fall activities and world-class winter snow sports. In addition to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, there’s also Bodie, Grover Hot Springs, Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Devils Postpile National Monument. As a premier year-round destination, the High Sierra is home to historic sites, arts and culture, and a wide range of entertainment. Wonderful cuisine can be savored at countless unique restaurants, and in the morning, the grandeur of California’s High Sierra unfolds before your eyes. It’s not a bad way to start the day.

hume lake kings canyon national park

Check out the Interactive Map and Explore the Sierra Nevada

high sierra california

@cahighsierra

Did you know Sequoia National Park just had a birthday? Yes it did! We don`t like to call things old... but #SequoiaNP was "born" on September 25, 1890. That`s pretty old. Nothing compared to the giants 🌳 that live in the park, of course. #SNP was the second national park in the US but the first to protect a living organism. We love our giants! 💚

Regram @visitcalifornia ; 📸 by @kengtengg
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The trees aren`t the only ones getting in on all the #fall hoopla. Everything is taking on its #fallcolors!

📌 Donner Lake, CA

Regram 📸 @scottshotsphoto
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Fall has it all. 🍂 Cooler temperatures. Vibrant colors. Quieter trails. Lots of backpacking, hiking, and camping to be had in the High Sierra. Where will you #wander this autumn season?

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #emigrantwilderness #stanislaus #backpacking #hiking #camping @traveltuolumnecounty
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Cue the #fallcolors 🍂 🍁 🎶 And here go the #aspens...

Regram @mammothmountain
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Not every road trip has to take the direct route. HWY 120 and US 395 are well known and scenic byways of their own. But sometimes it’s fun to go the scenic way with a little off-road detour and even a bike ride thrown in. Benton Crossing Road is one of those creative alternatives when in Mono County. Be prepared for dirt but also lots of scenery, cool signs, and like we said… maybe even a bike ride while you’re out there.

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #benton #dirtroads #gravelbikes #bentoncrossingroad @monocountytourism
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Who`s ready for the full #Fall experience? We can`t wait! 😆

📸 @sunnyh_photography ; Regram @visitbishop
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As Fall begins to show its colors, it`s the perfect season to visit our giants 🌳. The summer crowds have slowed down and the weather is just what a nature hike calls for. Take your pick... Sequoia or Kings Canyon. Either way, you won`t pick wrong.

Regram @visitvisalia
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Hiking is a great year round activity, but pair it with an old railroad 🛤️ 🚂 … and your hiking adventure just went up a fun notch! In Tuolumne County, outside Twain Harte, you’ll find the West Side Trail. While it’s a relatively flat trail, that doesn’t mean boring. The scenery, history placards, and of course the tracks, will make your hike one to remember. Walk along and just take it all in. But if you feel a little extra pep, you might test your balance and see how far you can walk on the rails or jump across the ties. Be careful and watch your step! But have fun on this creative trail as the scenery changes around you all along the way. And keep an eye out for wild turkeys. 🦃 They’ve been known to hang out in the area too.

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #tuolumnecounty #westsidetrail #railroads #traintracks #abandonedtracks
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Sweet dreams Donner Lake. 😴 Tomorrow is another big day. Fall weather. Autumn colors. And lots of exploring to do!

Regram @scottshotsphoto
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Sometimes a quiet moment with only the sounds of Mother Nature surrounding you is just what you need to recharge. Water is a powerful force yet so relaxing at the same time. Do you have your favorite secret spot in the High Sierra? Shhhh… don’t tell us. We just want to know you have one. 😉

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #mercerriver #mariposa #rushingriver #rivers
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It`s like the water just goes on forever, off into the horizon. Well, maybe not. But this Twin Lakes Vista sure does know how to show off for a photo.

Regram @tmcd_photography
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It might swing a bit, but that’s just fitting for its name! Have you been over the Yosemite Wawona Swinging Bridge? Not only is it an exciting jaunt over the water, the views are stellar and the roar of the water is even better. Stop in the middle and look around for a full 360 view. If you just want to hurry to the other side and then take in the sights, no problem! It will be just as amazing from over there.

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #swingingbridge #bridge #wawona #yosemite
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You want colors this fall? 🍂 Pop over to Calaveras County and enjoy their big trees AND a national scenic byway to get there. Your next fall #roadtrip just got brighter. 🤩

Regram @gocalaveras
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The trail’s named Sawtooth but you can smile and wave to any trail goer you meet… no sawtooths or snaggleteeth required. Any teeth 🦷 or no teeth doesn’t matter really. It’s just nice to say Hello along the way. You never know who you’ll meet. Just remember, we’re all out there to enjoy the scenery so say Hello next time to a fellow wanderer and enjoy a moment of it together.

📌Sawtooth Trail, Tahoe National Forest (outside Truckee CA)
🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #truckee #sawtoothtrail #tahoenationalforest #hiking #trailetiquette
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Summer might be unofficially over, but Bass Lake sure does look summery. 😎 Who`s up for a boat ride?⠀

Regram @flyingdawnmarie ; @yosemitemadera
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If you love old-timey wagons, this is the place for you. If you don’t know that you love old-timey wagons, this is still the place for you. Where else can you see so much wooden-wheeled history all in one barn? Oh, and did we mention it’s inside Yosemite so there’s like a million other awesome things to see while you’re there. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center will WOW 🤩 you with its wagon and stagecoach assortment… which also happens to be right next to the famous covered Wawona Bridge.

🎥 @localfreshies
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#recreateresponsibly #cahighsierra #wildcalifornia #california4fun #mountaintravel #vacation #mountains #travellovers #vacationtime #mountaintraveller #mountainlovers #mountainstories #mountainlife #travelgram #traveltothemountains #mountainsarecalling #visitthemountains #gotothemountains #inthemountains #travelalways #californiatravel #visitcalifornia #californialove #californiaadventure #lifeisbetterinthemountains #wawona #yosemite #wagons #stagecoach
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Wine & Craft Beer Country

The foothills on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada have deep roots in the wine industry, offering a quaint, relaxing version of California wine country with family-owned wineries and historic towns from the gold rush era. Meanwhile, the craft beer scene is exploding with new craft breweries setting up shop in towns across the region. 

southern sierra

Lake Tahoe

World class skiing, 300 sunny days per year and endless activities to pursue, your vacation awaits you in California's beautiful Lake Tahoe, your all-season travel destination.

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southern sierra

Western Sierra

Lush Forests teeming with wildlife, glaciated granite domes, spectacular waterfalls, towering groves of Giant Sequoias, aquamarine pools, lakes, and two of California's three renowned National Parks.

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southern sierra

Eastern Sierra

California's High Sierra region's eastern kingdom is filled with some of the area's most rugged and magnificent terrain.

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southern sierra

Southern Sierra

Nestled between Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California’s Southern Sierra contains some of the most pristine wilderness suitable for camping, hiking, fishing and a myriad of other recreational opportunities.

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Trip Ideas

Keep Discovering

Camping & Hiking

Need more reasons to visit the Sierra Nevada High Country?

Get a glimpse of the stunning scenery to see and activities to do in the Sierra Nevada.

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