8 Quirkiest California's Sierra Nevada Towns You Didn't Know Existed

The Sierra Nevada is truly one of California’s most fascinating regions. It boasts the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, some of the world’s largest trees, the second deepest lake in the country, and one of its tallest waterfalls. But beyond these natural wonders, the region is also home to a collection of small towns with surprisingly unusual attractions. In Bishop, for example, locals and visitors alike gather each year for a festival dedicated entirely to mules, while Murphys celebrates its wine country roots with a lively grape-stomping fair. Whether you are interested in the region’s most incredible natural landmarks or its quirkiest cultural events, these eight small towns in the Sierra Nevada will leave you amazed.

Lone Pine

The rugged mountains and western spirit of Lone Pine is so distinctive that it has been featured in several Hollywood films. Travelers can learn about Lone Pine’s role in these movies at the Museum of Western Film History, which discusses early films up to blockbusters like “Iron Man.” Just a seven-minute walk from the museum, travelers can grab lunch afterwards at the beloved Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery, which serves classic American dishes like omelets, egg scrambles, pancakes, sandwiches, and burgers. To experience some of Lone Pine’s rugged beauty for yourself, head over to the Whitney Portal, the starting point for travelers who want to hike the 14,500-foot summit of Mount Whitney. Anglers, meanwhile, can spend the afternoon at Diaz Lake, a popular fishing spot for brown trout and bluegill.

Murphys

Murphys has some seriously unique festivals throughout the year, keeping residents active in the community year-round. Each March, for example, the town hosts its annual Irish Day, in which people from around the region celebrate their Celtic heritage with marching bands, horses, classic cars, live entertainment, and more. In October, visitors can try their luck at grape-stomping at the annual Calaveras Grape Stomp & Gold Rush Street Faire, with the best grape stompers winning prizes! Those looking for a drink can swing by Murphys Pourhouse, a local brewery that offers an impressive rotating menu of 16 craft beers. To extend your stay, spend the night at The Victoria Inn, an eclectic, European-style inn that was built in 1992.

Nevada City

Nevada City has an active music scene, featuring several music venues around town. The Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill is a great place to enjoy live music, set in a historic building and offering late-night dining and a calendar of world-class music. Those looking for a farm-to-table meal accompanied by music will love Friar Tuck’s Restaurant, an all-natural restaurant that has music several nights a week. Each year, Nevada City also famously hosts its own Mardi Gras Celebration, which features a festive parade and party with masks, costumes, vendors, food, and drinks. Travelers looking for a unique place to stay lodge at Flume’s End Bed and Breakfast, which is housed in a four-story Victorian home from 1861.

Colfax

The small town of Colfax marks the shift from Central California’s golden grasslands to the towering peaks of Tahoe. As a result, it is a hiker’s paradise, with a diversity of hiking trails to explore. In the spring, travelers can hike the historic Stevens Trail, which descends three and a half miles to the North Fork American River, showcasing fields of wildflowers along the way. Those looking to swim can opt to hike the Codfish Creek Trail, which features a scenic swimming hole. There are also several old gold rush towns nearby to explore. Empire Mine State Park is just a 15-minute drive from town, which is the site of one of the oldest gold mines in the state. Right in the heart of town, travelers can explore the restored Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, dating back to 1908, which is now home to the Colfax Heritage Museum.

Bishop

Ever heard of an annual event that celebrates mules? You will find just this in Bishop, California. Each Memorial Day, the town commemorates the beginning of mule packing season with mule shows, country music, country dances, barbecue, and more. The Millpond Music Festival is another annual town favorite, taking place in September and featuring an eclectic lineup of contemporary and traditional tunes. In addition to its events, travelers can explore Bishop’s natural surroundings. Tungsten Peak is a great hike for outdoor lovers, ascending about 1,000 feet in a mile and featuring alpine views, rocky outcrops, and sagebrush. Afterward, hungry travelers can grab a bite at the Indiego Tasting House, a women-owned American restaurant with burgers, burritos, sandwiches, and salads.

Mariposa

Settled in 1849, Mariposa is one of California’s southernmost gold rush communities. Many of the buildings in the downtown area were built in the mid-19th century and are still in use today. Make sure to visit the Mariposa County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1854 and is one of the oldest superior courthouses west of the Mississippi. To experience a piece of the town’s pioneer history, travelers can spend a morning at the Mariposa Museum and History Center, which the Smithsonian Institute named as one of the country’s best small-town museums. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum is another key museum to visit, containing over 13,000 minerals, gems, and mining artifacts. After a day of history, visitors can unwind at The Grovehouse, a farm-to-table restaurant and brewery that frequently hosts live music events.

Mammoth Lakes

With several lakes nearby, the water-based recreation of Mammoth Lakes is one of the best in the Sierra Nevada. In less than half an hour from downtown, travelers can reach Horseshoe Lake, a popular place for paddleboarding and picnicking. Travelers who enjoy camping can head to the Lake Mary Campground, which lies along Lake Mary, the largest of the Mammoth Lakes region. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, can head to Mono Lake, which is home to roughly 300 species of birds. After a day visiting one of the lakes, head over to Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl for a fun evening of bowling, golf, and dining.

Bridgeport

Each summer, visitors from around the region flock to Bridgeport for its annual Fourth of July Celebration. This festival has been taking place in Bridgeport for generations and will be celebrating its 163rd year this July. Activities during the event include rodeos, parades, live music, food vendors, a greased pole contest, fireworks, and more. Another way to experience the town’s heritage is by visiting Bodie State Historic Park, which is the site of an authentic gold mining ghost town. Travelers can further immerse themselves in Bridgeport’s history by staying at the Bridgeport Inn, a historic, Victorian-style inn that dates back to 1877. For something completely different, consider an afternoon of ice skating at Wonderland of Ice, an indoor skating rink that offers skating lessons to the public.

Final Thoughts

The Sierra Nevada is not only geographically unique, but also offers plenty of museums, festivals, and breweries that add to its distinct character. Towns like Mariposa, with centuries of gold mining history, bring their history to life through attractions like the California State Mining and Mineral Museum. Others, like Bridgeport, offer the chance to explore one of California’s most fascinating ghost towns. Wherever these towns might take you, be ready for something a little unusual.