Want to know where I spend a lot of my time hiking and backpacking? The California Sierra Nevadas!
I read an excellent article this morning in the newspaper called the Gilroy Dispatch about the “Hidden Treasure” of the Eastern Sierra Nevadas.
From Southern California, it is a picturesque drive up north on highway 395 to the backside of the Sierra Nevadas, passing through the quaint towns of Lone Pine and Bishop. There are many excellent spots, including my favorites of the Mt. Whitney Portal, Big Pine Lakes, and Bishop Lakes. Mammoth Lakes are also nice, especially for downhill and cross country skiing in the winter.
Enjoy the article, and share your thoughts in the Comments below on your favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas!
Happy Trails!
@ Hillary: Manzanar is definitely a tragic part of U.S. history, but I agree with you that it is well worth the visit.
@ Steph: Yep, Reds Meadows is great! Did you stop and get pie at Mulehouse Cafe? (that’s my favorite!!)
I really like the Whitney Portal too. I went camping there last year and it was so beautiful!
Also for the history buffs there is Manzanar Historic Site nearby (a Japanese Internment camp from WW2) that is an interesting place to visit if you have an extra hour or 2 along Hwy 395.
I love the Devil’s Postpile area near Mammoth. Lots of trails connect there, free hot showers at Red’s Meadow campground, and the shuttle bus system is very convenient.