8 Most Underrated Towns In California's Sierra Nevada
Spanning a length of some 400 miles and reaching an elevation of 14,500 feet, the great Sierra Nevada Mountains of the Western United States truly define what it means to be awesome. Largely situated within the State of California, the wonderful human settlements around these majestic peaks are great places of wonder in their own right. From stunning vistas to fascinating history, the beautiful California mountain towns are truly one of the most special destinations to experience some of the “Golden State’s” exquisite natural allure.
Truckee
Tracing its history back to the 1860s, the small town of Truckee is conveniently located just some 20 minutes from the popular Lake Tahoe. Known for its warm summers and snowy winters, Truckee offers its residents and visitors alike some truly splendid panoramas with a great side of charming 19th century history. Spend time at the downtown historic district, enjoy some authentic Western style cuisine, admire the unique vistas, or go hiking, swimming, cycling, and even skiing in the winter, Truckee is never short on adventures. And with its genuine slice of small town American life, one can be sure to find plenty of charming hospitality and quaint surroundings.
Markleeville
Though it has a population of just under 200 residents, Markleeville serves as the seat of Alpine County. Still this very small town should most certainly not be overlooked by passersby looking for wonderful encounters with the outdoors. A popular destination for biking, hiking, and fishing, tourists will also find a variety of charming rental cabins always ready to provide a most special sojourn. In addition to the wonderful alpine surroundings, guests can also enjoy some nearby hot springs and a nice assortment of quaint shops and locally owned restaurants. Meanwhile at the Grover Hot Springs State Park camping has never been more fun with spectacular views, awesome wildlife, and plenty of tranquil relaxation.
Angels Camp
Home to a population of just under 4,000 residents and situated at an elevation of nearly 1,400 feet, the town of Angels Camp was first settled in the 1840s. Established as a mining camp, this picturesque mountain town is indeed a splendid place to discover where pleasant weather, stunning vistas, and charming history all come together. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the historic downtown (indeed the town in its entirety was designated a California Historic Landmark), browse through the quaint boutique shops, and of course take in all the rich aromas of the great locally run restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. In addition at the nearby New Melones Lake, wonderful opportunities for fishing, hiking, cycling, and picnicking can all be taken in all with the wonderful frame that are the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Bishop
The largest town in Inyo County, Bishop is home to just under 4,000 residents and is indeed a most picturesque and charming mountain locale. Well known as a filming site for several Western movies, this town at an elevation of some 4,150 feet experiences very hot summers and warm winters most people take advantage of the outdoors when here. Visit such natural wonders like the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and the Keogh Hot Springs or take a break from the heat and enjoy an afternoon at the Laws Railroad Museum. And of course with mountain peaks galore there is never a shortage of photo and video opportunities in Bishop, while enjoying the eclectic range of shops and restaurants is always a charming experience.
Mineral King
Mineral King is also the name of a glacial valley within the Sequoia National Park, and the mining town of the same name is too a most splendid place of natural beauty. Situated at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet this most stunning place of mountain and valley views is indeed the perfect destination to get away from the stresses of modern life. With its pristine and raw flora and fauna, dramatic canyon rocks, and challenging hiking trails, when in the Valley and town a most authentic experience with the outdoors is always on hand. And of course enjoying a tasty meal or shopping for that special souvenir in any of the local businesses only adds to the charm and beauty that only a rustic setting can provide.
Kyburz
Situated in El Dorado County, the truly unique mountain town of Kyburz is home to a population of just under 200 permanent residents. Still it remains a place of splendid natural beauty and a great stopover for those on their way to bigger destinations. Just under an hour’s drive from the shores of Lake Tahoe, Kyburz also offers easy access to cities like Sacramento and Placerville. And with its charming cabins for rental, cute local restaurants and boutique shops spending a night or two here while on the road is sure to leave one with most special memories. In addition the nearby Eldorado National Forest and the Wright Lakes make for a great camping excursion in a natural setting that is surely amongst the most beautiful sights in America.
Auburn
The town of Auburn was formally incorporated in the 1880s and became well known as a hub of the famed California Gold Rush. Just some 33 miles from Sacramento, Auburn in its entirety has been listed as a California Historic Landmark while boasting hot summers and wet winters. Indeed today this town of just under 14,000 inhabitants maintains its special historic intrigue with an assortment of local museums and shops, while its natural beauty is always ready to please. Stop by the Placer Wine Trail for a taste of some of the “Golden State’s” best wines, while a day spent at Hidden Falls Regional Park offers spectacular valley views and welcoming sun.
Lone Pine
The town of Lone Pine is situated at an elevation of 3,727 feet and is majestically surrounded by not just the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but by the Inyo Mountains, the Alabama Hills, and the mighty Mount Whitney. With its population of just over 2,000 residents, Lone Pine is indeed a typical snapshot of small town America, but with its truly breathtaking mountain framing its features are only accentuated. Enjoy a delicious meal at a locally run restaurant, browse for that special item at a charming boutique store, or simply take in the abundance of natural beauty all around, when in Lone Pine a most exquisite visit is sure to follow.
And for the history lover, a stop to the nearby Manzanar National Historic Site provides fascinating perspective and contemplation. Here more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were interred during the Second World War, during a time of great division and uncertainty.
The California towns situated within or near the wondrous Sierra Nevada Mountain range all share spectacular vistas and fascinating local history, while simultaneously being unique in their own special ways. From the beautiful Lone Pine to the historic Angels Camp, these mountain towns may be small in size but are very much big in character and fun. For any traveller who finds themselves near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, these California towns are definite gems most worthy of a firsthand visit of discovery.
