Basics
- Location:
- The Sierra Nevada National Forest
- Surface:
- Paved and maintained gravel
- Length:
- 82.7 miles (133 km)
- Time:
- Allow about 5 hours to travel this byway.
- Season:
- Closures can occur at any time, check with the Sierra National Forest offices or the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau before planning a trip
Description
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 meet.
Get a glimpse of human and natural history along the way with a stop at Fresno Flats Historical Park. Built around two restored and furnished homes, one-room schools, two 19th-century jails and several other farm buildings, this site can be explored on a self-guided or guided tour.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Arch Rock (CA)
Arch Rock demonstrates the work of the elements of the earth. Wind and water erosion against rock has formed one of just a few natural arches in the Sierra Nevada.
Fresno Dome (CA)
Fresno Dome vista is unassuming on first glance, but step up to the end of the short path and be prepared to catch your breath. This magnificent dome rivals anything you might expect to see in Yosemite National Park.
Globe Rock (CA)
Sitting on its base, Globe Rock looks as if it could fall at any moment. However, decades of weather, earthquakes and humans have not moved this rock. One historic photo suggests that Teddy Roosevelt may have visited this site. The beauty of colors and surrounding rock makes this truly a special, scenic place. Indian grinding holes are nearby, indicating that native Americans stayed nearby and may have also revered Globe Rock as a special place.
Jackass Meadow (CA)
Perches for predatory birds have been erected in this large meadow for bird watching from a boardwalk deck area.
Jackass Rock (CA)
Jackass Rock is a rugged piece of granite that is used by rock climbers from around the world as a warm-up for the great walls of Yosemite Valley.
Jesse Ross Cabin (CA)
The Jesse Ross Cabin exemplifies the Sierra's history of logging, ranching and gold exploration.
Mile High Vista (CA)
Interpretive plaques, viewing platforms, picnic tables and restrooms are available at this stop. The panoramic view takes in the Sierra Nevadacrest, geologic features as Fuller Butes, Balloon Dome, Mammoth Poolreservoir, Mammoth Mountain, the saw-toothed Minarets Range andEagle Beaks peak.
Redinger Overlook (CA)
Redinger Overlook gives visitors the opportunity to view the rugged San Joaquin River Gorge, carved by the San Joaquin River. A complex series of dams, penstocks, tunnels, flumes and powerhouses provides electricity to customers of Southern California. Billed as "the hardest working water in California," the river continues into the fertile San Juaquin Valley where crops that feed the world are grown.
Sierra Mono Indian Museum (CA)
The area traversed by the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway was originally inhabited by the Mono Indian tribe. A visit to the museum gives visitors a sense of the pre-history of this region and sets the stage for the Byway experience.
Directions
From the beginning of byway, head north on State Road 274.
Sierra National Forest (CA)
This Forest is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. Terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra.
