11 Most Scenic California Sierra Nevada Towns

The breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is one of the most captivating regions of the United States. With a north-to-south length of 400 miles, this mountain range runs between Central Valley, California, and the Great Basin in Nevada. Most of its landmass is in California; the portion known as the Carson Range crosses the California-Nevada state border to sit primarily in Nevada. Renowned for such features as Lake Tahoe, which is the largest alpine body of water in the United States, General Sherman, which is the largest tree in the world, and Mount Whitney, which, at 14,505 feet above sea level, is the tallest mountain amongst the 48 contiguous states. This range has a diverse ecology, which is broken down into five zones. The one thing consistent throughout its entirety, and in particular amongst California’s Sierra Nevada, are the gorgeous and scenic towns scattered throughout.

Mammoth Lakes

Like many towns in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Mammoth Lakes, California, owes its existence to the California Gold Rush. In 1877, four prospectors made a fortunate discovery of a large gold vein near where the town now sits, and the rest, as they say, is history. With stunning natural surroundings, Mammoth Lakes is one of the most beautiful towns in the entire Sierra Nevada, not just on the California side of the range. Located in the High Sierra at an elevation of 7,880 feet above sea level, Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by glacial lakes like Twin Lakes and Horseshoe Lake, and it's only a half-hour drive to Devils Postpile National Monument, where many scenic hikes and lookout points await.

Angels Camp

Sitting in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Angels Camp gained worldwide fame through Mark Twain and Bret Harte, who both mention this town in their literary works. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a wonderful community to settle in while exploring the surrounding region, which includes sites such as Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Tuttletown Recreation Area, and Black Creek Park. Yosemite National Park is a bit farther from Angels Camp, but definitely worth the drive. The downtown area of Angels Camp has a unique and scenic Old West look and is a great place to walk around and enjoy a warm evening. If you visit during the first weeks of September, be sure to attend the Calaveras County Fair to experience the small-town charm that Angels Camp is known for.

Tahoe City

Located along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City is a community in Placer County, California, situated in the northern part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It offers several excellent accommodations with scenic lake views, such as Basecamp Tahoe City and the stylish Inn at Boatworks. Visitors can spend a day exploring the area, enjoying diverse architectural styles and numerous local parks. In downtown Tahoe City, the Cobblestone Center provides a charming shopping experience with a Bavarian-inspired design. Additionally, just outside town, you can visit two parks: William B. Layton Park and Burton Creek State Park.

Three Rivers

Founded in 1886 by utopian socialists, Three Rivers Village was originally called Kaweah Colony. Over the years, it has undergone several changes, with the current version established in the 1960s and known as the "Gateway to Sequoia National Park." Located near multiple parks, the most notable is Sequoia National Park, where visitors can see General Sherman, the largest documented tree in the world, and Homer Ranch Preserve-Sequoia Riverlands Trust (note that this preserve is accessible only during spring and summer). These parks offer striking views of the surrounding landscape, featuring diverse terrains to explore.

Woodlake

In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and home to the Woodlake Botanical Gardens, one of California’s many beautiful botanical gardens, you will find Woodlake, California. It is most scenic during late spring and early-to-mid summer months, when the flowering species, in and outside the botanical gardens, are in full bloom. No matter when you visit, there is something beautiful to see. Sitting on a parcel of land 13 acres large, the Woodlake Botanical Gardens showcases fruit trees, vegetable patches, and ornamental shrubs; it has a rose garden, row crops, and a large range of gorgeous flower beds. If, after visiting the Woodlake Botanical Gardens, you still have not had enough horticulture, then Mystery Oak Gardens Nursery, in Exeter, California, is located 30 minutes by car southeast of Woodlake.

Grass Valley

Founded under the name Boston Ravine, then for a period known as Centerville, and finally becoming Grass Valley, this California Gold Rush town offers a great way to learn about the mining era in California’s Sierra Nevada through hands-on experiences. Highlights include the opportunity to pan for gold independently in any public river space. If you prefer a more structured learning experience, you'll have a fantastic day at Reinke Gold Mining Adventures and Services. About twenty minutes by car northwest of Grass Valley, partly along the scenic Rough and Ready Highway, is South Yuba River State Park, where you can swim in the otherworldly Yuba River Swimming Hole during the summer months.

Bishop

Used as a popular filming destination for Old West-styled films due to its proximity to Los Angeles, Bishop, California, sits in the northern portion of Owens Valley. The popularity of Bishop as a filming local, with films such as True Grit and Ride the High Country shot in town and around town, comes from the scenic nature of downtown Bishop, as well as the natural beauty around this community. The historical downtown district, used in many films, is a great place to spend a leisurely day with many great activities at your fingertips. Spend the morning visiting Keough's Hot Springs or exploring Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center, where you can learn about the Indigenous people of Owens Valley.

Pine Grove

With lush greenery all around, Pine Grove, California, is an excellent spot to get off the grid and explore the Sierra Nevada. Partly within Pine Grove's borders, you'll find Mt. Zion State Park (not to be confused with Mt. Zion National Park). Although not very large, this park features a beautiful scenic drive through it. Spending an afternoon driving along Mt. Zion Road and Lookout Road is a perfect way to get to know the area. Just five minutes by car northeast of Pine Grove is Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, a fascinating site where you can explore a Miwok village recreation.

Pollock Pines

Just over an hour southwest of Lake Tahoe lies Pollock Pines, an ideal spot for camping in scenic El Dorado County, California. The outskirts of Pollock Pines are dotted with campgrounds, including some of the best: Harris Family Farm and Forest, Pollock Pines Recreation Park, Pinecone Area Campground, and, a bit farther outside of town, Hazel Meadow Campground and Cabins. Keep in mind, at an elevation of 3,980 feet above sea level, you'll want to bring warm clothing for nighttime. Fifteen minutes west of town, the small city of Placerville makes a great day trip with charming historic buildings like J. Pearson Soda Works, along with a variety of interesting activities and scenic vineyards, including Lewis Grace Winery and Tasting Room and Starfield Vineyards and Winery, located along the highway back into Pollock Pines.

Nevada City

While its name may imply a Nevada location, Nevada City is in the state of California. Known as the "Best Preserved Gold Rush Town in California," a visit to Nevada City will be enjoyed by all. The historic downtown district, especially at sunset, is a gorgeous tableau, with historic buildings framed in lush forests and mountains in the distance. To get the full dose of gold rush era Nevada City, look to stay at Broad Street Inn or Northern Queen Inn, both in historical buildings. Around Nevada City, there are great sites to explore, including the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Doris Foley Historical Library, and Fire House #1 Museum.

Truckee

The perfect location to visit all year round, Truckee, California, lets you experience a variety of popular natural sites in California’s Sierra Nevada. Lake Tahoe is a 25-minute car ride southeast of town, Truckee River Regional Park is within walking distance from downtown Truckee, and Schallenberger Ridge is half an hour west of town. While in the area, you will want to take a drive along the scenic Donner Pass Road, which follows along the northern shore of Donner Lake. Along this road, there are fantastic accommodations that will allow you to enjoy the gorgeous view out across Donner Lake, in particular Loch Leven Lodge and Donner Lake Inn Bed and Breakfast. If you are looking for a luxury experience less than 20 minutes south of town, you can stay at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Lake Tahoe.

California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is filled with astounding scenic landscapes that vary from glacial lakes, dense forests, and grasslands as well as red rock deserts filled with too many sandstone features to count. With such a vast range of geological and natural beauty, one will have a new experience no matter which town in California’s Sierra Nevada one stays in. No matter the season you explore this region, its charm and beauty will surely impress you.