12 Small Towns In California's Sierra Nevada were ranked among US favorites
The Sierra Nevada towns are a must-see for tourists vacationing on the West Coast. Primarily located in California, the famous Sierra Nevada mountain range spans around 400 miles and rises to an elevation of up to 14.500 feet, harboring diverse natural landscapes like Lake Tahoe, the biggest mountain lake in the north U.S. and German Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume.
The human settlements that have cropped up around the majestic Sierra Nevada have created cute alpine towns waiting to be discovered. From stunning panoramas of the surrounding area to fascinating history, they are the ultimate outdoor getaway, promising visitors scenic hikes, camping opportunities, and other thrilling outdoor activities in Sierra Nevada’s rugged terrain.
Serving as the primary scene of the California gold rush between 1848 and 1855, which drew hordes of prospectors to the western frontier, the Sierra Nevada mountain range continues to set the gold standard as one of the best alpine sceneries in the country. Unsurprisingly, these cute small towns in California’s Sierra Nevada were ranked among US favorites.
Truckee
One of the most underrated towns in California’s Sierra Nevada, Truckee is a gorgeous destination steeped in history and offering year-round outdoor adventures. It has a historic downtown neighborhood dating back to the 1860s, where travelers can inspect Old West-inspired structures on either side of Donner Pass Road. Surrounded by a lush wilderness, Truckee has endless hiking opportunities, and adventurers will fancy the picturesque Truckee River Legacy Trail or Paradise Lake Trail in the surrounding Tahoe National Forest.
Alternatively, take a refreshing dip in the secluded Donner Lake and later visit the Donner Memorial State Park to picnic or camp. At West End Beach Park, tourists can rent boats for more fun on the water. During winter, snowboarding and skiing add to the town’s year-round appeal, accessible at nearby spots like Boreal Mountain and Sugar Bowl Resort to the west and Tahoe Donner Ski Resort to the north.
Markleeville
With a modest population of just around 200, Markleeville welcomes visitors with open arms, making it one of the best small towns in California’s Sierra Nevada to chill out. It lends a barrage of laid-back outdoor adventures with attractions such as the Grover Hot Springs State Park. Here, guests can hike through the open pine forest and later refresh with a soak in a hot pool or hot spring.
Meanwhile, hikers can follow the Carson River Hot Springs Trail to the highest point at Barber Peak and be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada. Elsewhere, venture into the Mokelumne Wilderness, where dramatic lava rock formations await to be discovered along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Angels Camp
The first settlers in Angels Camp came in the late 1840s when the town was founded as a mining camp. Its storied history has it listed as a California Historic Landmark, and visitors can glimpse its past at the Angels Camp Museum. Angels Camp is surrounded by several green spaces that welcome anyone looking to be one with nature. Utica Park is a lush natural setting ideal for relaxing, with campsites for those seeking to sleep under the stars.
Adventurers looking to discover the great outdoors can commune with nature at Moaning Cavern and California Caverns, where more camping opportunities exist. Meanwhile, those yearning for the creature comforts of urban living can stop by Greenhorn Creek Resort for a round of golf.
Bishop
Thanks to its picturesque landscapes and gorgeous alpine locale, Bishop has been cast in Western movies like How the West Was Won (1962) and Troop Beverly Hills (1989). The largest town in Inyo County enjoys delightful weather around the year and welcomes travelers to explore its natural wonders, including the Keogh Hot Springs and Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Hikers will be at home exploring the Little Lakes Valley Trail, which offers views of gorgeous alpine lakes along the way or the Bishop Pass Trail and Buttermilk Country Loop. Meanwhile, history buffs can uncover the past of one of the most underrated towns in Southern California at the Laws Railroad Museum while cultural enthusiasts immerse themselves in Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake’s location at the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park makes it a perfect base for nature lovers and outdoor explorers. The beautiful Sierra National Forest provides the ideal backdrop for various escapades, especially during fall colors, from hiking to sightseeing and camping. Adventurers can explore the many trails in this alpine town, including the Way of the Mono, Willow Creek, and the one leading to Goat Mountain, where epic scenes await at its iconic lookout building.
Campers can head to the Yosemite RV park or find a camping spot around Bass Lake for the complete outdoor experience. For some fun on the water, Bass Lake Water Sports Boat Rentals offers thrilling water-based activities to keep everyone in the family entertained.
Bridgeport
Prepare for the ultimate outdoor getaway in one of the cutest small towns in California’s Sierra Nevada. Bridgeport draws visitors with exciting, adventurous escapades like hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing. Set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains range, tourists can scale the jagged peaks of Sawtooth Ridge to take in awesome surrounding views. Several beautiful hikes exist in this charming town, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which is perfect for stretching the legs.
At the Travertine Hot Springs, travelers can relax with a soothing dip in the toasty, therapeutic waters or visit Mammoth Lakes to the north of the town for more fun in the water. For history enthusiasts, head to Bodie State Historic Park, which maintains its original look from the 1800s, to scope out the relics from the deserted gold-mining center.
Auburn
Auburn’s claim to fame happened in the 1880s when it became a hub of the famous California Gold Rush. Steeped in history, the small town is a designated California Historical Landmark, and its storied past can be uncovered at the Gold Rush Museum. Other historical attractions include the Bernhard Museum Complex, which hosts some of the area’s oldest structures, and the Old Auburn Historic District.
The town’s natural beauty will please first-timers; some consider it one of the best small towns to retire in California. It boasts lush outdoor spaces like Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station, ideal for hikers and trekkers. Meanwhile, pet lovers can spend quality time with their furry friends at the Ashley Off Leash Dog Park. Don’t forget to sample the vibrant local brewery scene at venues such as the Moonraker Brewing Co. and Crooked Lane Brewing Company.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is an underrated town in the Eastern Sierras, where tourists can skip the crowds and revel in the picturesque natural landscapes surrounding it. An excellent destination for outdoor exploration, the town presents a pleasant challenge to adventurers looking to scale the peaks of the Alabama Hills, Inyo Mountains, or Mount Langley. Lone pine also delights hikers with scenic trails like Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead and Mount Whitney Trail.
Meanwhile, several historical gems chronicle the town’s past and that of the surrounding area through intricate exhibits, which visitors can explore at the Southern Inyo Museum and Museum of Western Film. Another famous landmark is the Manzanar National Historic Site, where over 100,000 Japanese Americans from World War 2 were buried.
Grass Valley
This quaint small town with an interesting name in California’s Nevada County is surrounded by every bit of picturesque natural landscape. But what’s more impressive is its rich history as a Gold Rush epicenter. Home to the North Star Mines and Empire Mine, Grass Valley hosted the most prolific mines at the time. And today, guests can glimpse into this storied history at the Empire Mine State Historic Park and discover more of the town’s past at the Grass Valley Museum.
Art lovers will also fall in love with the town’s vibrant art and culture scene and have fun watching a show at venues like The Center for The Arts and Del Oro Theater or inspecting exhibits at the Art Works Gallery and Neighborhood Center for the Arts. But for those who prefer to explore the outdoors, the Wolf Creek Trail is a scenic route that hikers should try.
Mammoth Lakes
Initially inhabited by the Mono people, Mammoth Lakes is an idyllic alpine town with exquisite natural scenery. Newcomers will be left in awe by the imposing Mammoth Mountains forming the town’s backdrop on their way to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Here, they’ll learn about the different recreational opportunities in wait, including hitting the slopes at the June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain ski areas.
The town continues to charm visitors with beautiful, secluded hiking spots like the Hot Creek Geologic Site, Crystal Lake Trailhead, and Earthquake Fault. For sightseers, hit the road to the top of Minaret Vista to enjoy stunning panoramas of the surroundings or visit the Devil's Postpile National Monument to marvel at the unusual basalt rock formations.
Mariposa
Sitting a stone’s throw away from the iconic Yosemite National Park, Mariposa has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era and holds a handful of historical landmarks offering a glimpse into the past. History buffs can learn about this at the California State Mining & Mineral Museum and the Mariposa Museum & History Center. Also, take a tour of the 1854 county courthouse to check out one of the oldest continuously operating courthouses in the country.
Vacationing families can take advantage of several exciting opportunities for kid-friendly activities in the city, including playing at the Gold Mine Escape Room and hunting for souvenirs at the Chocolate Soup and The Mariposa Marketplace. During winter, thousands of Monarch butterflies descend upon the town, turning it into a spectacular scene.
Nevada City
Nevada City is another gorgeous town from the gold rush era, which beckons tourists with its simple mountain life and year-round attractions. There’s plenty to see and do in this historic town listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and Fire Museum proving to be an enticing first stop for history enthusiasts.
As hikers head out to the lovely South Yuba River State Park, theater lovers can catch an enthralling live performance at the Off Broad Street and Nevada Theater to get a feel of the local arts scene. It hosts a couple of beautiful trails, although inexperienced tourists might want to try out the more manageable 2-mile Buttermilk Bend Trail.
Bottom Line
The Golden State is home to big cities with bright lights and tall skyscrapers that many vacationers rush to. However, it’s in the forgotten towns that offer the ultimate outdoor getaway without unnecessary competition. These small towns in California’s Sierra Nevada thrust travelers into the middle of nature, satisfying them with fantastic outdoor escapades inaccessible in the big cities.
