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• California • Sierra Nevada • Scenic Drives

Sierra Nevada, California - Scenic Drives

Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,...

In Depth

Many roads wind up and through the Sierra Nevada, a number of them very scenic (though not all have been officially so designated). Weave around Lake Tahoe, follow the Feather River or surge up and over high wind-swept passes as you explore some of the region's loveliest byways. Lakes are often close to the road (good for a range of water-based activities) no matter what part of the mountains you explore, and national forests are everywhere throughout (think hiking, mountain biking, camping and more), from the Sierra National Forest to the Stanislaus National Forest with frothing rivers, ski slopes and national parks for filler.

Be sure to check weather conditions before starting out, and keep your gas tank full - storms can move in quickly even late spring, and gas stations are surprisingly far apart through certain stretches.

Byways to consider in the Sierra Nevada are listed below.

Sierra Nevada Scenic Drives

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26 scenic drive Results

More Info Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168)

Paved and maintained gravel
2 hours
34 miles (54 km)

The Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway winds past ancient Bristlecone Pine as it ranges from 11,000 feet above sea level across an alpine desert.The Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway begins on the outskirts of Bishop and follows HWY 168 southwest from Camp Sabrina to Brockman Lane at Paiute Shoshone In...

More Info Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (Route 2)

Los Angeles - Pasadena Area
Paved
3 hours
55 miles (88 km)

The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway is often considered the most scenic drive in southern California. Rising from 1,500 to 7,900 feet, the scenery changes as quickly as the altitude, from urban Los Angeles to the scenic San Gabriel Mountains.The Angeles Crest Scenic Byway runs 55 miles across California ...

More Info Barrel Springs Back Country Byway

3 hours to drive the entire byway, longer if you plan on stopping along the way.
93 miles (149 km)

Barrel Springs Back Country Byway travels through a rich landscape, filled with charismatic wildlife and vast open spaces. Old buildings, worn smooth by desert winds, testify of early settlers' attempts to tame one of the wilder portions of the West. Still comparatively uncivilized, this route remai...

More Info Bizz Johnson Trail

Sierra Nevadas - Sierra Nevada North

Following the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station. For the first dozen miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times on bri...

More Info Buckhorn Back Country Byway

2 hours to drive the byway, more if you make stops along the way.
31 miles (49 km)

Tune up your 4-wheel drive vehicle, pack some extra water and a spare tire, and embark on an adventure through the topmost corners of California and Nevada. Buckhorn Back Country Byway takes you through some famous sites in the area. Visit herds of wild horses and burros, spot rare waterfowl, and ad...

More Info Carson Pass Highway (Route 88)

Paved
About 1.5 hours
58 miles (93 km)

The Carson Pass Scenic Highway is a dramatic escape into the high reaches and climes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains that runs from peaks and valleys to lakes and forest. The Carson Pass Scenic Highway starts at Dew Drop on Highway 88, 55 miles north from Sacramento. Follow Highway 88 east to Woodfor...

More Info Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway

One hour to drive or 2 days to visit the Byway.
37.85 miles (60 km)

A delightful change from the hubbub and congestion of the D.C. and Baltimore areas, the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway offers an escape to exquisite mountains, waterfalls and hiking trails. The road wanders past two national parks, historic towns that have been lovingly restored, and famous battlegr...

More Info Chimney Peak Back Country Byway

Allow 1-2 hours to drive the byway, depending on weather.
39 miles (62 km)

Chimney Peak Back Country Byway is a rugged route that traverses some of California's best desert landscapes. Passing along over 50,000 acres of designated wilderness, this road-less-traveled offers a close glimpse of untrammeled territory as the Sierra Nevada range gives way to the Mojave Desert e...

More Info Clear Creek Canyon

Maintained Dirt or Gravel
2 to 3 hours
65 miles round-trip

15 miles north of Buena Vista, County Road 390 heads west into the mountains for a beautiful morning or evening drive. The maintained dirt road follows the creek up through thick pine forest.

More Info Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway

Paved
2 hours to drive or 5 hours to explore the Byway
61 miles (98 km)

Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway may have scenery to its credit but it also provides access to a range of outdoor activities. Sparkling Sierra lakes, giant sequoia redwoods, and panoramic alpine vistas greet the adventurous traveler at every turn and summit.Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway begins along HWY 4 in A...

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