6 Undiscovered Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada

Meet the world’s oldest living creature, spend a night stargazing in the mountains, hike one of America’s southernmost glaciers, drink in gold rush saloons — the towns in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range offer unforgettable vacation moments. And a lot of tourists miss them. Yosemite National Park is the big attraction in this area, drawing around 4 million visitors a year, but there’s much more to northern California than Yosemite. These undiscovered small towns will give you a new appreciation for the golden state with historic communities steeped in the legends of the Wild West, incredible vistas over alpine valleys and lakes, and outdoor experiences for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Lee Vining

The tiny town of Lee Vining, home to just over 500 residents, is a beautiful alpine hamlet that most tourists miss. Located on the east side of the Sierras, on the shores of Mono Lake, this is a charming community with incredible scenery and a relaxed, fun vibe. Most visitors head to nearby Yosemite National Park but you can escape the crowds and explore unspoilt wilderness along the Gardisky Lake Trail, a two hour hike with gorgeous vistas over Yosemite and Mono Lake. You can also take the Lakes Canyon Trail, a shorter path that winds through the Lundy Canyon past beaver ponds, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head back into town to grab a snack at Latte Da Coffee Cafe which serves freshly prepared dishes, made from organic ingredients. Finish up your day by browsing Native American crafts, art, clothing, and other unique souvenirs at the Bronze Bear Outpost.

Shaver Lake

Deep in the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno, is the tucked-away community of Shaver Lake. The lake itself is a breathtaking spot, an oasis of sparkling blue water ringed by tall pines. Stop by the Shaver Lake Marina to rent a fishing boat, kayak, canoe, or a stand-up paddleboard and spend the day out on the water.

If you’d rather take it easy, enjoy a scenic drive around the lake, stopping by the Dinkey Historical Bridge on Dinkey Creek Road. The first bowstring arch truss bridge in California, this iconic bridge in the Sierra National Forest, completed in 1938, is the perfect place for a vacation snapshot. For more history, head to the Museum of the Sierra, an open-air educational center with 6 outdoor exhibits, over 2,000 artifacts, and a beautiful nature trail. Cultural displays track the history of the area through the centuries, from its Native American inhabitants, the early pioneers, and up to present day.

Groveland

A lot of tourists speed past Groveland on their way to Yosemite but don’t overlook this quaint gold rush town, an exciting destination in its own right. Walking down Main Street is like walking into the past, particularly if you stop by the Iron Door Saloon. Opened in 1852, this is California’s longest continually operating saloon and still has the original bar. For a more modern brew, check out the Around the Horn Brewing Company, a craft microbrewery on the outskirts of town that has a wide selection of revolving taps.

Discover more about Groveland’s wild past at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum in scenic Mary Laveroni Park, and don’t forget to say hi to the huge black bear at the entrance (don’t worry, he’s just a sculpture). Aside from Yosemite, Groveland is within easy reach of several natural playgrounds. Head to the Stanislaus National Forest for breathtaking woodland trails, hike the Wapama Falls Trail at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, or take a whitewater rafting trip on the Tuolumne River.

Big Pine

In the eastern foothills of the Sierras is Big Pine, a small community where you can truly get away from it all and enjoy the undisturbed tranquility of nature. Here you’ll come face to face with the oldest living thing on earth — Methuselah, an ancient pine tree thought to be over 4,000 years old. Meet Methuselah in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest just outside town which has a visitor’s center and several self-guided walking trails.

Big Pine has another geological claim to fame, it’s also home to the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada, the Palisades Glacier. The hike to the glacier is more suitable for experienced hikers as it can be challenging but you’ll be rewarded with heartstopping views of jagged Sierra peaks and sparkling alpine lakes. The scenery at night in Big Pine is just as dazzling. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory north of town is operated by Caltech and used to study and research the solar system. Caltech regularly hosts open house events during which the public can tour the facilities. Don’t worry if there isn’t one scheduled when you visit, you can still spend the night admiring the stars at the Grandview Campground in Inyo National Forest.

Oakhurst

In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Oakhurst is a former logging town turned quaint alpine resort. Conveniently close to the southern gate of Yosemite National Park, it’s a great basecamp for exploring the park, avoiding the crowds at the more popular northern entrance. Travel to Yosemite in style onboard a vintage train on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad excursion. Oakhurst is also a great starting point from which to explore the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, a beautiful 90-mile loop through the Sierra National Forest, offering incredible sightseeing with jaw dropping views of granite peaks, wild meadows, and unique rock formations. Oakhurst is also right in the heart of California’s gold rush region. Visit the Angry Bear Mining Co for a fascinating look at prospecting in the 1800s boom, try your hand at panning for gold or pick up your very own gold panning kit to see if you’ll strike it lucky in the hills.

Angels Camp

Angels Camp is a historic alpine gold rush town with a quaint downtown and a lively entertainment scene. The setting for Mark Twain’s story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras, the town has embraced its quirky heritage with an annual Jumping Frog Contest, held in May. Visit the Frog Hop of Fame downtown to revisit past winners and be sure to make a stop at the nearby Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House to browse the largest collection of wagons and carriages in the US.

Downtown Angels Camp is like something out of a TV Western but the town has plenty of natural attractions too. New Melones Lake is a huge reservoir popular with hikers, bikers, boaters, and fishermen. Visit the waterfront Glory Hole Recreation Area to enjoy beautiful views over the lake, a full service marina, trails, and a visitor’s center.

Magical Moments in the Hidden Towns of the High Sierra

The longest continuous and unified mountain range in the United States, the Sierra Nevada is like nowhere else on earth. These soaring peaks, glacial lakes, deep valleys, and rocky canyons will make you feel like you’ve discovered a whole other world. The last thing you want when you’re escaping the daily grind and enjoying the timeless beauty of this centuries-old mountain range is crowds. Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in these tucked-away small towns, just waiting to be discovered and added to your vacation bucket list.