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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 Route 395--Mono County

20 minutes
20 miles (32 km)

This State Scenic Highway cuts through the beautiful high-country of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. From the byway one can see some of California's highest mountain peaks, such as Red Slate Mountain at 13,163 feet. The highway follows the Owens River to Crowley Lake and beyond. The whole byway...

More Info Route 50--El Dorado County

2 hours
58 miles (93 km)

This scenic route runs from the suburban foothills of the Sierra Nevada through the American River Canyon, over the granite peaks of Echo Summit and descends into the Tahoe Basin with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.

More Info Route 89--Monitor Pass & Luther Pass Highways & Lake Tahoe Road

2 hours
56 miles (90 km)

This State Scenic Highway journeys through the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, crossing through high passes and open mountain valleys on its way to Lake Tahoe.

More Info Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Paved and maintained gravel
Allow about 5 hours to travel this byway.
82.7 miles (133 km)

The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway winds through the Sierra Nevada National Forest and Mountains.The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway starts just two miles north of the town of North Fork on Forest Road 81. Follow Forest Road 81 until turning onto Forest Road 7. The byway ends where Forest Road 7 and HWY 41 mee...

More Info Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road

Paved
1.5 hours to drive or three hours to visit places along the way.
64 miles (103 km)

Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road is an epic drive through the nation's first federally protected land, Yosemite National Park. The classic natural beauty of this area sweeps up massive granite domes and crystal-clear waterfalls in its scope. Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road bisects Yosemite National park...

More Info Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway

Paved
5-6 hours
175 miles (281 km)

Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway is a route that commemorates the ill-fated Donner party and the many ‘49ers who came to California in search of gold, land, and the American Dream.Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway loops around starting from Nevada City. Travel in order on State Highways 20, 49, 89 and on Interstate ...

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