A question we keep hearing is, “What’s open in California’s High Sierra?” Since the “range of light” is over 400+ miles long, it’s a very broad question. So, instead of us giving the vague answer “sort of”, we’ve enlisted our partners’ help. Here’s the latest homepages for each tourism bureau that’s part of our region.
Tahoe South
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, using the brand name Tahoe South, is responsible for the communities in California and Nevada on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. This includes South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Emerald Bay, and the Markleeville & Kirkwood areas.
For the latest on what’s open, tips on how to recreate responsibly, and more, check out their destination update page: How To Safely Enjoy Tahoe South.
North Lake Tahoe
The North Lake Tahoe Convention & Visitors Bureau stretches from Incline Village in NV to Meeks Bay in CA and includes towns such as Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Olympic Valley and Northstar.
For those curious on the current status of openings & answers to local FAQ’s about COVID-19, head to their North Lake Tahoe COVID-19 Update page. Another great resource is their Know Before You Go Winter Travel Guide & Summer Guide.
Visit Truckee-Tahoe
Just a short jaunt from the shores of Big Blue is the beautiful, historic town of Truckee. Truckee is the perfect peaceful retreat in the mountains. It features world-class outdoor adventures, a vibrant food scene, and historical downtown with boutiques galore.
Located in Nevada County, it’s currently NOT on the state monitor list. With that being said, they’re asking for your help to make sure it stays that way. For the most up-to-date travel/tourism info, head to their COVID-19 Update page. And for those planning on visiting during the winter be sure to check out their article: How to recreate responsibly this winter in Truckee-Tahoe.
Visit Mammoth
Majestic in scale and awesome in its natural beauty, the year-round adventure land of Mammoth Lakes is one of those rare places that you have to see to still not totally believe. Mammoth Lakes gives you access to the legendary slopes of Mammoth Mountain and a vast assortment of meadows, peaks, and crystal clear alpine lakes.
Be sure to read their page on how to responsibly travel in and around the area including tips, etiquette, as well as guidelines.
Mono County
The Eastern Sierra is a land of contrasts. The natural beauty includes such things as the oldest lake in the Western Hemisphere, Yosemite’s highest peaks, and the cozy town of Bridgeport. If you want to get away from the crowds, it’s a great place to do it if you love nature.
If you’re planning a trip to head to the Eastern Sierra, the Mono County COVID-19 Response page is a good place to start.
Bishop Visitor Center
A friendly town that’s nestled in between two majestic mountain ranges. It gives visitors the perfect basecamp to access unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, enjoy stunning world-renowned scenery, and immerse yourself in a lively rural culture.
They’re encouraging responsibility from residents and guests alike. For “know before you go” information, head to their Special Message Regarding COVID-19.
Visit Visalia
Lying in the heart of the Central Valley. Visit Visalia is the gateway for those wanting to head to Sequoia and/or Kings Canyon National Parks. Home to one of the nation’s more productive agricultural regions, expect to find amazing food alongside the beauty of nature.
They’ve created a central page providing the latest local AND state information regarding their area. To see it, go to Updates On the Coronavirus and travel to Visalia.
Visit Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County provides access to the northern entrance of Yosemite National Park. You can experience the iconic park, discover Gold Rush history, or even get lost (figuratively) in the High Sierra peaks. The county includes picturesque towns like Twain Harte, Sonora, and Jamestown.
Latest information about traveling to/from Tuolumne County can be found on their Travel Alerts page.
Calaveras County
This is a four-season travel destination in California’s Gold Country, giving you easy access to Yosemite and the High Sierra. The region includes historic towns like Murphys, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and Arnold just to name a few.
For the most up-to-date information regarding the area, they recommend heading to the Calaveras County page.
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau (YMCTB) is the official marketing office for the Mariposa County region. Providing access to Yosemite’s western entrance, the county features the historic town of Mariposa and a myriad of fun activities like hiking, fishing and water play, both in and out of Yosemite.
To learn what you need to get into the park, check out their frequently updated COVID-19 page.
Visit Yosemite|Madera County
The Southern Visit Yosemite Visitors Bureau is responsible for Madera County which access the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The county includes towns such as Oakhurst, Chowchilla, and the amazing vacation destination of Bass Lake.
While the park has re-opened, be aware that the USFS has introduced a reservation system to reduce the volume of visitors. Luckily, if you can’t get a reservation there’s a few ways you still can access it. For that information, check out Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s article How To Get In & Experience The Park This Summer. Also, for the most up-to-date news in the region, check out their COVID-19 Updates & Alerts.
Even though it might be a bit challenging to travel right now, with a little planning by checking these pages and courtesy towards your fellow travelers & residents, you can still enjoy the High Sierra in all its glory.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
Stay Up to Date
Join our mailing list for updates on hidden gems, events, and more from California's High Sierra.
French Website