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Vikingsholm - Lake Tahoe was constructed in the late 1920's of a castle-like Scandinavian design. It was the private summer residence of one of Lake Tahoe's most prominent guests. It features stone walls, intricately carved wood framing, a sod roof and period furnishings. Tours of the interior are held during summer months. The Tea House portion of Vikingsholm is situated atop a small island in the middle of Emerald Bay and can only be accessed by boat. Access to Vikingsholm is possible via a steep one mile hike from a parking lot off Highway 89, or by boat with a dock available in Emerald Bay.
Vikingsholm Mansion & Visitor Center
Highway 89 @ Emerald Bay
Tahoma, California 96142
(530) 541-3030
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Tallac Historic Site - Lake Tahoe features several wooden structures built in the late 1800's to the early 1900's that once comprised an elite, lakeside resort community. Socialites of San Francisco's high society used the property as a summer retreat. Today the property is maintained and managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a glimpse into the luxury living of a bygone era's aristocracy. Also offered is a museum, tours and concert & theatre events through the summer.
Tallac Historic Site
Heritage Way
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
(530) 541-5227
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Hellman-Ehrman Mansion - Lake Tahoe is a 1903 log mansion situated in Sugar Pine Point State Park. Also known as 'Pine Lodge' it was once considered one of the finest lodges in the Sierras and featured the most modern utilities of the day including electric lights, indoor plumbing and steam generators. Today the home stands as one of Tahoe's finest examples of opulent living along the lake. Tours are held July through Labor Day in September.
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
7595 Highway 89
Tahoma, California 96142
(530) 525-3345
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Thunderbird Lodge - Lake Tahoe is a 1936 historic home resembling a castle. This National Historic Site features several structures with castle-like architecture. These include the lodge, lighthouse, cardhouse, boathouse and many servant and guest quarters. The boathouse contains the Thunderbird Yacht, which is one of the most exquite examples of wooden pleasure boats found in the world. Tours are by reservation only. Vintage Boat Tours offers an arrive-by-water option.
Thunderbird Lodge
5000 Highway 28
Incline Village, NV 89451
(800) 468-2463
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Eagle Falls - Lake Tahoe are located off Highway 89 directly across the road from Emerald Bay. This short and easy hike from parking lot leads to Upper and Lower Eagle Falls as they descend from Eagle Lake to Emerald Bay. Considering taking the Eagle Falls Trail to several secluded alpine lakes. Easily combine your visit to Eagle Falls with a tour of Vikingsholm.
Eagle Falls
Emerald Bay
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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Cascade Falls - Lake Tahoe are located off Highway 89 south of Emerald Bay. Trailhead starts from parking lot in the back of Bayview Campground, which is located across Highway 89 from Inspiration Point. A short hike leads to the 200-foot tall Cascade Falls. Considering taking the Bay View Trail to several secluded alpine lakes and terrific views of Emerald Bay. Easily combine your visit to Cascade Falls with a tour of Vikingsholm.
Cascade Falls
Emerald Bay
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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Glen Alpine Falls - Lake Tahoe are located at the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake. A series of impressive waterfalls drop 60 feet through a tight granite canyon. Situated directly off the road so the hike is minimal. Park near the Fire Station, head south on Glen Alpine Road and the falls will be on the right between Fallen Leaf Lake and Lily Lake. Considering taking the Glen Alpine Trail to several secluded alpine lakes.
Glen Alpine Falls
Fallen Leaf Lake
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
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Bodie Ghost Town - Bridgeport is located off Highway 395 between Lee Vining and Bridgeport. What a cool place this is, and definitely California's best ghost town. Tucked in the High Sierra foothills, this town of 20 grew to a thriving city when gold was discovered in 1877. Within a few short years the gold ran out and the town was completely abandoned. The goldmine employed thousands and stories of rampant gun fights followed. Buildings from the original town and mine still exist in a state of decay. Original furniture and stocked shelves were left as they were found. A cemetry remains up on a hill outside of town and tells a tale of the harsh winters miners experienced. If your travels take you anywhere near Bodie, this is a must see.
TIP: It's about a 12 mile drive from the 395 on Highway 270 to Bodie. The last 3 miles of which are dirt and gravel. Although the park is open year round, winter and early spring are not recommended due to snow and mud hazards.
Bodie State Historic Park
Bridgeport, California 93517
(760) 647-6445
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Mono Lake - Lee Vining is located north of Lee Vining off Highway 395. This large but shallow lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono tufas are mineral deposits that protrude above the lake's surface. The water is 2.5 times saltier than the ocean, which results in additional bouyancy when swimming. You don't want to get it in your eyes or cuts. Alkali flies sometimes cover the shoreline of the lake but stay near the surface and are not really a nuisance. Activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and cross-country skiing. Consider an upclose view of the tufas with Mono Lake Boat Tours.
Mono Lake Visitor Center
Lee Vining, California 93541
(760) 647-6331
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Rainbow Falls - Mammoth Lakes is located 10 miles past Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's Main Lodge on Highway 203. A mandatory shuttle bus is required and is available at the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge area. The first stop is Reds Meadows, which is popular with backpackers. The second stop is for Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls. Devil's Postpile is a short hike from the drop off point but Rainbow Falls is worth putting in the few miles extra on the same trail. This is an enormous waterfall depending on yearly rainfall and swimming is allowed at the base. That's us in the picture on the bottom right to give you a perspective on size. Of course, the size depends on the rainfall that year and the season, with Spring yielding the most volume.
Mammoth Mountain Resort
1 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546
(800) 626-6684
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Obsidian Dome & Inyo Craters - Mammoth Lakes are located northeast of Mammoth Lakes along the Mammoth Scenic Loop. Three large craters lend proof to Mammoth's volcanic past. They were formed by a steam explosion approximately 700 years ago and today are over 600 feet wide and 200 feet deep with small lakes at the bottom. Nearby is Obsidian Dome, a huge mountain of obsidian which is the black volcanic glass that Native American's once favored in making arrowheads.
Obsidian Dome / Inyo Craters
Mammoth Scenic Loop
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546
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Devil's Postpile National Monument - Mammoth Lakes is located near in the vacinity of Mammoth Mountain off Highway 395. The monument features one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. A wall of black, hexagonal columns rise 60-feet high from the hiking trail. Access to this area can only be attained by shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Chalet. Once dropped off at the visitor center, you have many hiking options to choose from. Devil's Postpile is a short hike but we recommend continuing a few more miles to Rainbow Falls. You will not be dissappointed. Fly fisherman hone their skills in the San Juaquin River located in the meadow directly behind the visitor center. Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls are sites you must see if you visit this region of the Sierra Nevadas.
NOTE: Devil's Postpile is similar to, but smaller than, the Giant's Causeway of Ireland.
Mammoth Ski Chalet
1 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546
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Hot Creek Hot Springs - Mammoth Lakes are located only 3-miles south on Interstate 395 from the Highway 203/Mammoth turnoff. From Interstate 395, turn north at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road and follow the signs. The last 1.5-miles is unpaved but well maintained. Parking is available near public restrooms and picnic areas. Geothermal vents form small, super-heated mineral pools that emit steam on cold days. Under stream vents heat Hot Creek to jacuzzi temperatures and creek-side vents emit scalding hot gas. Although visitors can often be found swimming in the creek, it is highly discouraged due to the instability of the vents. Many people have been burned in Hot Creek. During the winter, the last 1.5-miles is not cleared of snow and makes for a short cross-country ski trail. Steam from the region can be enormous during the winter months.
TIP: Keough's Hot Springs is a swimming retreat just south of Bishop that captures the hot mineral-rich water in large swimming pools. Visitors are invited to swim in the waters.
Whitmore Pools are public pools located 15-minutes southeast of Mammoth on Interstate 395 that also capture natural hotspring waters.
Hot Creek Hot Springs
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546
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Hot Creek Fish Hatchery - Mammoth Lakes is located off Interstate 395, 3-miles south of the Mammoth turnoff. From Interstate 395, turn north at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road and follow the signs. Long, narrow pools are teaming with trout that are raised by the Department of Fish & Game for anglers throughout the region. The naturally warm waters of Hot Creek provide an ideal spawning environment. Trout from this hatchery are stocked in streams and lakes throughout the Sierras. Sizes range from a half-pound to five-pounds-plus. Pools are open for easy viewing and visitors are welcome at no charge.
Hot Creek Fish Hatchery
Hot Creek Hatchery Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
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Mt. Whitney - Lone Pine is located east of Lone Pine off Highway 395. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,395 feet. Permits are required for hiking and obtainable at the Mt. Whitney Ranger Station in Lone Pine. Hiking is prohibit during Winter months. Even when hiking in Summer winter gear is necessary near the top. You can drive to Whitney Portal at 8,000 feet and camp without a permit. The rest is a serious 11 mile hike to the summit with several base camps along the way for acclimation. Take into consideration that even though it's 100-degrees in Lone Pine, the top of Whitney can be near freezing. You MUST take altitude precautions when hiking this mountain. This climb has become popular and crowded over the years, so consider that lower base camps can fill up early and you may have to continue on to 11,000 feet your first day.
TIP: Be sure to look through the viewing scopes in front of the ranger station in Lone Pine. One of them can actually see Whitney on the cloudiest of days.
Mt. Whitney Ranger Station
640 S. Main Street
Lone Pine, California 93545
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Alabama Hills - Lone Pine are located along Whitney Portal Road off Highway 395 in Lone Pine. This is a beautiful rock upwelling landscape that has been worn by centuries of severe weather conditions. Many old western movies, tv commercials and videos were filmed here. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Elk herds can often be seen in this area.
Lone Pine Visitor Center
126 S. Main Street
Lone Pine, California 93545
(877) 253-8981
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Indian Trading Post - Lone Pine is located off Interstate 395 in Lone Pine. Stop off at the Indian Trading Post to see autographs of the many famous actors that have starred in movies that were filmed here. Celebrities have carved and autographed their names around the front door frame and interior walls. The trading post is shared with the Totem Cafe which serves deli-style meals, refreshments and microbrews. An outdoor patio offers views of Mt.Whitney.
Indian Trading Post
137 S. Main Street
Lone Pine, California 93545
(760) 876-4641
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Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - Yosemite National Park is located off Highway 41 at the southernmost entrance gate. This is Yosemite's largest Giant Sequoia park and also the most accessible. The grove is split into an upper and lower portion. Choose to explore on foot or by tram. Total distance is 5 to 6 miles round trip but there are nearly a dozen dirt trails that wind through the grove making it easy to spend an entire day there. Multiple interesting trees include the Grizzley Giant, Fallen Monarch, California Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree and many more. There are Visitor Centers at the parking lot and the top of the grove where there are restrooms and souvenirs. Parking can be tight in the summer months - consider parking at the Wawona store and catching the Mariposa Grove shuttle.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Yosemite National Park
Highway 41
Yosemite National Park, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
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Yosemite Falls - Yosemite National Park is located off Highway 140 in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America rising 2425 feet above the valley floor. A short, wheelchair accessible, trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. Another, strenuous 7.5-mile trail heads up the granite face to the top of the falls. Trailhead parking lot is located off Northside Drive across the road from the Yosemite Lodge, Shuttle stop #7.
TIP: The Mountain Room Restaurant at Yosemite Lodge offers view seating of Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park
Highway 140 - Northside Drive
Yosemite National Park, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
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Nevada & Vernal Falls - Yosemite National Park are located at the end of Yosemite Valley past Curry Village. Known as 'The Mist Trail', this is a 12-mile round trip moderately strenuous hike to the top of Nevada Falls. Paved and steep trail leads to Vernal Falls footbridge. Continue on through a steep and narrow staircase to the top of Vernal Falls. Continue past Vernal Falls to an even steeper climb up Nevada Falls. Bring raingear because the trail can be very precipitous. Watch for the John Muir Trail cutoff at the restrooms for an easier and less moist route. This is one of Yosemite's most beautiful and popular hikes. Add another 20 miles round trip along the same trail to the top of Half Dome. Trailhead and parking are at Happy Isles, shuttle stop #16.
Nevada & Vernal Falls
Yosemite National Park
Highway 140 - Southside Drive
Yosemite National Park, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
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Wawona Tunnel - Yosemite is located off Highway 41 just west of Yosemite Valley. The eastern entrance to the tunnel has a large parking area and offers one of the best expansive views of Yosemite Valley. Many of Yosemite's most notable sites can be captured in a single image including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks and Half Dome.
TIP: A short but steep trail can be found across the road from the Wawona Tunnel parking area that leads to Inspiration Point, an even better view of Yosemite Valley.
Bridalveil Falls
Yosemite National Park
Highway 41
Yosemite National Park, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
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Bridalveil Falls - Yosemite is located off Highway 41 just east of the Wawona Tunnel. Short, paved trail is wheelchair accessible and leads directly up to the base of Bridalveil Falls. Can be very wet after good winters.
Bridalveil Falls
Yosemite National Park
Highway 41
Yosemite National Park, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
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General Grant Grove - Kings Canyon National Park is located off Highway 180 in the northernmost portion of Kings Canyon National Park. This Sequoia park contains two of the top 12 largest known Sequoia Redwood trees including the General Grant. Consider exploring on horseback from the Grant Grove Stables. Visitor Center on site.
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3341
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Giant Forest - Sequoia National Park is located off Highway 198 (Generals Highway) approximately 5 miles south of Lodgepole Village. Situated in Sequoia National Park, this large Sequoia park includes several highlights including the Auto Log, Tunnel Log and General Sherman Tree, the largest known tree in the world by volume. Three of the top five largest trees in the world are found in the Giant Forest. Visitor Center and museum on site.
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3341
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Mist Falls - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park is located off Highway 180 in the northernmost portion of Kings Canyon National Park. An 8-mile round trip trail leads to one of the largest waterfalls in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. Trailhead begins at Roads End east of Cedar Grove Village and follows the South Fork Kings River past several rapids and cascades.
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3341
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Roaring River Falls - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park is located off Highway 180 in the northernmost portion of Kings Canyon National Park. A very short paved trail leads to an impressive waterfall descending through a granite chute. Trailhead begins approximately 1.5 miles east of Cedar Grove Village off Highway 180
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3341
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Tokopah Falls - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park is located off Highway 180 in the northernmost portion of Kings Canyon National Park. An easy 3-mile trail leads to a 1,200-foot waterfall. Trailhead located at Lodgepole Campground off Highway 198 (Generals Highway), just a short distance east of Lodgepole Village.
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(559) 565-3341
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