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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 Feather River Scenic Byway

Paved
Three hours
130 miles (209 km)

The Feather River Scenic Byway follows the beautiful Feather River as it passes through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and gives life to the serene woodland ecosystems through which it passes. Follow the waters along Feather River Canyon, a gorge carved by the river through the layers of granite travel...

More Info Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (Route 33)

Paved
1 hour
36.5 miles (58 km)

The Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway offers a rich change of pace from Pacific Coast scenery. Just a few hours from L.A., this route cuts through the arid interior of the Cuyama and San Joaquin Valleys, winding from the valley floor to summits over 5,000 feet, a good way to get a glimpse of coastal Califo...

More Info Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

Paved
At least one hour
50 miles (80 km)

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway winds through Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kings Canyon National Park. Though giant trees are the gnarly old stars in these parts the area's natural caves, cascades and hiking trails also deserve honorary mention.The Kings Canyon Scenic ...

More Info Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive

One hour to drive or a few hours to enjoy the Byway.
28 miles (45 km)

Referred to as "the most beautiful drive in America," the Lake Tahoe - East Shore Drive meanders through the sort of picturesque scenery that proves its reputation well-founded. Pristine Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the snow-capped Sierras, is one of the state's top tourist destinations for the access...

More Info Lassen Scenic Byway

Paved
5 hours
185 miles (297 km)

The Lassen Scenic Byway traverses a range of ecosystems similar to what visitors might see in Yellowstone National Park whether it's thermal vents or vast alpine meadows full of flowers that takes one's fancy. The Lassen Scenic Byway begins by taking HWY 44 southeast to the junction with HWY 36. Fo...

More Info Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway

Paved
Allow at least 30 minutes.
12 miles (19 km)

Lee Vining Scenic Byway drifts between two of nature's most primal creative forces. Formed by glaciers and volcanoes, this route takes in America's newest mountain range, volcanic craters, alkaline and freshwater lakes, and forest scenery sure to be as memorable as it is exciting and otherworldly.Le...

More Info Main Park Road - Lassen Volcanic NP

1 hour
29 miles

The Main Park Road provides spectacular views of the Cascade and High Sierra Mountains.

More Info Mount Rose Highway

30-45 minutes
19.45 miles (31 km)

The Mt. Rose Highway (SR-431) rises in dramatic fashion from the sage-covered foothills of the Truckee Meadows, topping the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 8,911 feet. The Mt. Rose Highway is the highest all-season pass in the Sierras. Near its summit the highway cuts through beautif...

More Info Pacific Coast Highway - California's Route 1

At least two days for a quick trip, but many days or even weeks could be spent exploring the length of this byway.

Stretching from sunny "So Cal" to the shady forests of the north, this coastal highway winds along one of the prettiest stretches of shore to be found anywhere in the U.S. Though the road is more than 600 miles long and in summer, sometimes congested, it doesn't take a world traveler to see why this...

More Info Route 395--Inyo County

Paved
10 minutes
9 miles (14 km)

Route 395—Inyo County Scenic Byway runs through the wild heartland of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The drive travels by some of the most amazing public lands that North America has to offer, places like Yosemite, Death Valley, and Sequoia National Parks. This region is nothing but gorgeous ...

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