8 of the Quirkiest Towns in California's Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range covers a substantial part of eastern and northeastern California, as well as some of the land around Lake Tahoe in western Nevada. This mountain range is best known for being the home of Yosemite National Park and Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Along with that and the discovery of gold in Sutter’s Mill in 1848, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for being home to some of the most eccentric towns in California. From the basalt columns of Mammoth Lakes to interactive horticulture lessons in Placerville, here are some of the quirkiest towns California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range has to offer.

Mammoth Lakes

The town of Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful destination home to roughly seven thousand residents. Located near the Inyo National Forest, it boasts a variety of natural wonders that assist with its unique, distinctive status. Some that stand out are Rainbow Falls, the Obsidian Dome, and Devils Postpile, all within a 30-minute drive. Devils Postpile consists of over four hundred basalt columns formed from rapidly cooling lava, and Rainbow Falls is a multi-hued waterfall over a hundred feet in height. Similarly, the Obsidian Dome is a magnificent mountain made entirely of black volcanic glass, offering another unique sight in California’s wilderness. To top it off, Mammoth Lakes is a wellspring for skiers with the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and tons of wonderful cottages to enjoy during winter.

Lone Pine

To the southeast of Mammoth Lakes, on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada ridgeline, the town of Lone Pine is home to a variety of different attributes that cater to a quirky yet nostalgic quality. The Mobius Arch, the most popular rock foundation in the Alabama Hills, presents a picturesque view of Mount Whitney. Meanwhile, the Saline Valley Warm Springs, an oasis on the northwest edge of Death Valley National Park, provides a needed respite from the desert heat with a series of glistening thermal springs. Closer to town, the Museum of Western Film History showcases some famous Western actors and actresses, as well as filming sites of some of the more famous Western movies, like “Gunga Din” and “How the West Was Won,” and television shows.

Mariposa

Located southwest of Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, the quaint town of Mariposa has several natural and historical values that exude a quirky charm. For example, history enthusiasts can listen to tales of old at sites like the Mariposa County Courthouse & Old Stone Jail. From guided tours of rustic rooms to interesting stories of criminals, they are full of fun.

Yet, this town of around 1,500 people has a more unique aspect to share with travelers. Due to witnessing a large amount of Monarch butterflies during its early winters, the early settlers named the town Mariposa, the Spanish word for butterfly. Even today, the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival boasts stunning wildlife, food, and drinks. Along with gaining such a colorful moniker so early in life, Mariposa is within an hour of several fabulous waterfalls, including Horsetail Falls and Wildcat Falls.

Truckee

Truckee, situated several miles north of Mariposa in Nevada County, is a laid-back town home to around seventeen thousand people. Yet, this does not affect the variety of unique, enjoyable activities and amenities available in town and the surrounding area. Donner Memorial State Park, honoring the Donner Party of the winter of 1846-1847, offers camping, boating, fishing, and hiking in the warmer seasons, as well as snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skiing during winter. Some of the best ski resorts are in close proximity to town, including Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can check out Baldwin Beach, only forty miles south of Truckee, on the western side of Lake Tahoe.

Colfax

Often overlooked for larger cities, the town of Colfax, in Placer County, is a diamond in the rough. Colfax is a treasure trove for the outdoor enthusiast, home to several attributes and attractions, like Rollins Lake, Codfish Creek Falls Discovery Trail, and G&J Outdoors. Activities like hiking, fishing, and even hunting are available for an adrenaline rush. Yet, this town of around two thousand people also has a unique, quirky historical presence. In the spring of 1852, before the town was even a town, the Reelfoot Williams Gang robbed a Nevada City stagecoach. This was the first stagecoach ever robbed in California, with the rovers stealing $7,000 in gold bullion. Of course, at this time, Colfax was only a mining hub that went by the name Illinoistown.

Grass Valley

The quaint town of Grass Valley, east of Lake Wildwood, is a quirky destination in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To this end, every activity in town is accompanied by the majestic backdrop of grand peaks. For cultural travelers, Grass Valley is home to the Empire Mine State Historic Park and the North Star Mining Museum. The Empire Mine is one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines in California, while the mining museum, and others like it, showcase the aspects of mining for gold during the 1850s. Also established in the 1800s, the Old St. Patrick’s Cemetery sits astride Church Street and Chapel Street, across from St. Patrick’s Parish in the town of Grass Valley.

Markleeville

Markleeville is a quaint town located about fifty miles south to southeast of Lake Tahoe, along State Route 89 in Alpine County. Upon arrival, Markleeville seems like a simple town home to two hundred residents, but there is more than meets the eye here. For example, the Grover Hot Springs State Park and Hangman’s Bridge stand out with unique opportunities. Grover Hot Springs State Park offers activities and amenities such as hiking, swimming, and viewing some of the most scenic vistas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Those interested in an immersive experience can also camp for an evening or the weekend, either in an RV, a cabin, or a tent. On the other hand, Hangman’s Bridge stands as a reminder of the past when, in the year 1874, a murderer was thrown over the bridge and hanged by a group of vigilantes. End the day with a drink at the Cutthroat Markleeville, known for its delicious drinks and eccentric vibes.

Placerville

Placerville, a lively town in El Dorado County, is the perfect haven for all kinds of travelers. This town of ten thousand residents possesses attributes catering to both individuals and groups looking for a quirky retreat. For an experience with nature, opt for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. This charming expanse offers interactive horticulture, with sixteen different gardens to be experienced by the public. Similarly, the Gold Bug Park, with an included museum, allows for interactivity with a real-life goldmine. There is also the Eldorado National Forest to consider, where wildlife and nature create a pristine vibe rarely found elsewhere. Furthermore, Eldorado also offers camping at over a dozen campgrounds, so one can opt for a truly outdoor experience while still being near civilization.

Conclusion

These eight towns in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains are full of quirky opportunities that are perfect for a trip to The Golden State. Whether visiting the Obsidian Dome in Mammoth Lakes or the Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, there is always something to explore in the mountains of California. Moreover, each town showcases a unique side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so one will always have a fresh experience to enjoy.