Winding Through ’s High Sierra: 11 Experiences Between Yosemite And Tahoe

This article was created in partnership with Visit USA Parks. All photos by Emily Sierra Photography.

Deciding on experiences in some of California’s most sought after country was a real challenge! Amber and I set parameters though, and stuck with them. We needed a mix of scenery, adventure, adrenaline, and relaxation for our California road trip--and we found it, all of it! From sunup to sundown, we explored California’s High Sierra, stretching from to Lake Tahoe. Here’s what we were able to experience and loved! 1. MORO ROCK The smells of pines and damp soil drifted in our car windows in Sequoia National Park leading to the parking area for the Moro Rock. The trek to the top of the rock was steep, but fortunately pretty short. From the summit we enjoyed 360-degree views of the surrounding granite peaks and valleys.

GET IN TOUCH: > [email protected] > www. californiahighsierra.com 2. BASS LAKE 3. We pulled up to Bass Lake and were immediately en- I’m sure that everyone has their own opinion on the best tranced by the golden light filtered through the surround- view in Yosemite National Park. Not surprisingly, there ing pines. We rented a couple of stand up paddle boards isn’t a bad one! Taking in the valley views from Glacier (SUP) and glided onto the lake under the setting sun. The Point was high on our list, and we decided for a sunrise water was such a welcoming temperature, and the perfect session to avoid the crowds. Boy, we made the right respite at the end of a hot day. move! We found a lovely spot to watch the sun come up, and imagined what it would be like to cross country ski out to this spot in the wintertime.

4. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN on multiple sparkling lakes. From the gondola station at The gondola up Mammoth Mountain escorted us to the top, we walked on a hiking trail to explore the summit. insane views of the eastern Sierra. We looked out over I will admit, I was envious watching mountain bikers rip the valleys below, back toward jagged peaks, and down down the mountain park trails!

GET IN TOUCH: > [email protected] > www. californiahighsierra.com 5. LAKE SABRINA TO BLUE LAKE 7. WAPAMA FALLS & HETCH Scenic Sabrina (pronounced sah-bry-nuh) is nestled HETCHY RESERVOIR majestically against jagged, 13,000-foot peaks. Alongside The northern side of Yosemite National Park is uncrowded the lake, the marina serves up a variety of homemade and highly underrated. The water held in pies, so naturally we had a slice before the hike. Doesn’t Reservoir supplies San Francisco (167 miles away) with everyone do that? Strutting up the trail, we kept our heads glacial drinking water. We crossed the dam and imme- on swivels, looking down at the lake and valley, watching diately entered a historic train tunnel. By the time we the trees change as we gained elevation. A few miles later, emerged, we were walking along the northwest shore of we arrived at Blue Lake where the entire landscape was the reservoir, looking across the way at massive granite reflected in the high alpine lake. Next time, I will remem- domes. Furthermore, the hike to Wapama Falls was easy ber my fly rod! and rewarding, and I was impressed with how much water was still cascading given our September visit.

6. MONO LAKE From above, Mono Lake is completely unassuming. The 8. UTICA & UNION RESERVOIR real attractions on the lake are the tufa structures “grow- Obviously a local’s spot, this pair of scenic reservoirs is ing” on the lakeshore. From the south tufa area, there is a great spot for camping, picnicking, and unmotorized a small trail system leading to the lake’s edge and around watercraft. We opted for a relaxing afternoon and packed these unique salt structures. Once again, we rolled up to an array of snacks from Big Trees Market & Deli. We the area at sunrise, and no surprise: we were basically explored the rocky outcroppings around the lake and alone! The water shimmered shades of pink and orange, enjoyed the quiet and serene scene, sans crowds. reflecting the mountains soaking up the sunlight. Mono Lake was easily one of the most unique places we ex- plored in the area!

GET IN TOUCH: > [email protected] > www. californiahighsierra.com 9. ZEPHYR COVE dled down the coastline and drifted over massive boul- We were welcomed aboard the MS Dixie II with a glass ders that glowed under the clear water. Mediterranean Sea of champagne and encouraged to explore the upper deck. or alpine lake? Lake Tahoe is one of the most impressive The boat motored up and we cruised along Lake Tahoe and gorgeous bodies of water that I’ve ever seen! into the sunset. After a multi-course meal downstairs, we enjoyed the live band playing everyone’s favorite songs 11. DONNER PASS on the second deck. We had a great introduction to Em- We decided to end our California road trip with one final erald Bay and gazed at Vikingsholm Castle from a short adrenaline rush. With the help of the Truckee Chamber of distance. Commerce, we met our climbing guide near Donner Pass. He showed us the ropes of rock climbing (pun intended!). 10. KINGS BEACH We surprised ourselves with this new sport, and actually Tahoe’s blue waters are undoubtedly enchanting, and the ended up climbing multiple pitches. The views down best way to explore is with a clear kayak. I actually felt like the valley over Donner Lake and Truckee made all of the I was sitting right on the water inside my kayak! We pad- efforts worthwhile.

GET IN TOUCH: > [email protected] > www. californiahighsierra.com