7 Prettiest Towns In California's Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is one of the major mountain ranges in western North America, running on the eastern edge of California for more than 250 miles. The mountain range goes from 80 miles wide in the north end at Lake Tahoe and narrows to 50 miles wide in the south. The Sierra Nevada mountains have long attracted visitors for their stunning vistas and abundance of outdoor activities.
From Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney, the mountains are home to many natural wonders. Some of the prettiest views of the area come from the small Californian towns in the Sierra Nevada. Towns such as Mariposa have the charm of the Gold Rush age mixed with the surrounding beautiful mountain vistas. June Lake and Mammoth Lake are towns that offer stunning views of lake and mountain, perfect for lakegoers. Whether you want to enjoy a historic downtown district, such as the one in Sonora, filled with idyllic churches and stalwart brick houses, or the beauty of the famed Tahoe Lake at Tahoe City, these Californian towns capture the prettiest scenes from the Sierra Nevada.
Mariposa
A town that shows off the charm from the gold Rush age is Mariposa. Originally settled in 1849, Mariposa is full of historic buildings downtown and scenic hikes with mountain views. Many of the buildings in the historic downtown area of Mariposa date back to the late 1850s. Some of the most notable buildings to see include the Mariposa Museum & History Center and the California State Mining & Mineral Museum. Near Mariposa, there is a beautiful nature preserve, the Stockton Creek Preserve. The Sierra Foothill Conservancy manages the pristine conservation area which has more than 5 miles of trails to explore. In spring the preserve fills with stunning wildflowers attracting hundreds of colorful butterflies, which gives the town it's name. The brilliant display of butterflies in spring and charming downtown make Mariposa undeniably one of the most pretty towns in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Sonora
Another town with a rich history that gives it character is Sonora. The small town is east of New Melones Lake in the heart of the Gold Country. It is famous for graceful church steeples and historic buildings with stalwart brick lining the downtown. The Saint James' Episcopal Church is one of the most brilliant buildings to see in Sonora. The church is a vibrant red iconic to the town. To get the most out of exploring the town, try the Downtown Sonora Walking Tour. The tour takes visitors through 21 landmarks one a one-mile route along Washington Street. Some of the stops include the stately Courthouse Square, the 1885 Sonora Opera Hall and the Sonora Chinatown Memorial. Sonora is also near the Stanislaus National Forest, the perfect area for an afternoon hike any time of the year.
June Lake
If you enjoy stunning water vistas of lakes next to mountains, June Lake is the town for you. This rustic mountain town is home to four sparkling lakes at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. They are June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Several mountain peaks also surround the town, including June Mountain, Carson Peak, San Joaquin Mountain, White Wing Mountain, and Obsidian Dome. The town is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From trails to explore to breathtaking mountain views and lakes to swim in, there is something for everyone to enjoy at June Lake.
One of the best ways to enjoy the vast beauty of the area is with a scenic drive. The June Lake loop is a16-mile detour off Highway 395, the main road that traverses the Eastern Sierra showcases the beauty of June Lake. From vistas of surrounding mountains and meadows to views of Rush Creek and June Lake, the loop is the perfect spot to capture the natural beauty of the town.
Mammoth Lake
Another pretty Sierra Nevada Mountain town with a scenic lake is Mammoth Lake. Not only is the town, as the name suggests, on magnificent Mammoth Lake, but it is also surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the west. These include Laurel Mountain, Bloody Mountain and Mammoth Crest. Mammoth Lake is a popular destination for outdoor lovers. In the winter, skiing, and snowboarding is a popular sport on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain. In the summer, there are plenty of hiking opportunities. Those who love to hike should visit Little Lakes Valley. This is a glacier-carved canyon full of lakes and wildflowers. For a change of scenery, check out Mammoth Lake's hot springs. Created from the explosion of a massive volcano 760,000 years ago, there is a network of underground hot water springs in the area. There is no better way to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain vistas then at the hot springs.
Tahoe City
One of the prettiest places in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Tahoe City. It brings the beauty of the lake and the mountains together. Tahoe City is on the northwestern shore of Lake Tahoe, offering visitors the chance to enjoy water sports including swimming and boating in the summer. In the winter, Tahoe City transforms into a winter wonderland. The town is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation lovers from snowshoeing to skiing.
Beyond the natural beauty of Tahoe City, the downtown is unique and has historic homes in a classic log cabin style. This adds a rustic feel to the area and the log homes are scenic against the mountain vistas.
Truckee
Another small town bordering Lake Tahoe is Truckee. A 20-minute drive from Lake Tahoe's north shore, Truckee has historically been an important economic driver of the region. The town was originally a major logging area and a site for major railroad construction in the 1860s. This history has imprinted an Old West-style vibe on the downtown. Today artists transformed it into an artistic hub showcasing the town's history and galleries. Some of the most popular historic buildings to visit include the Old Jail Museum and the Museum of Truckee History. There are also many galleries showcasing the talent of local artists. Some of the most popular include Gallery 5830, Mountain Arts Collective and Riverside Studios.
Nevada City
Last but not least on the list here is Nevada City. Known for its trails and historic downtown district, Nevada City is a must visit for anyone looking to enjoy the Sierra Nevada mountains. Nevada City is a gateway to Tahoe National Forest, which is a haven for outdoor recreation. There is everything from fishing, hiking, boating, mountain biking and climbing to snowboarding. One of the most spectacular views in Nevada City is of the Wild and Scenic South Tuba River. The river tumbles over metamorphic bedrock and through granite boulders, making for a beautiful display. The river has an important role in gold Rush history, just like Nevada City. The buildings downtown show off Nevada City's history in iconic brick. One of the most popular buildings to see is the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, showcasing the town's history with the railway.
Honoring the Area's History
While these are some of the prettiest towns to visit in the Sierra Nevada, the area's history hasn't always been as pretty as the scenery. People have inhabited Sierra Nevada Mountain range for thousands of years. There were at least five indigenous groups who first occupied the area. These included the Yokut, Sierra Miwok , Maidu, Owens Valley Paitute and the Washoe. The first Europeans to come to the area were the Spanish explorers in the 1700s. The relationship between the Spanish colonizers and indigenous tribes was in opposition to one another. The arrival of the Spanish resulted in the devastation and eradication of many Indigenous people. This forever changed the landscape.
While people originally came to the Sierra Nevada range for the pristine beauty, by the mid-19th century, prospectors were coming to the region, looking for gold. The finding of gold in the region ushered in the gold rush. This attracted working miners, retail, businesses, transportation and a number of other industries to the region, causing an economic boom.
Today, the Sierra Nevada mountains are famous for their beauty. The range attracts flocks of outdoor recreation enthusiasts every year.When enjoying the views of wildflowers and butterflies from Mariposa and the lush Tahoe National Forest in Nevada City, the area’s history is important to keep in mind. Each place in the Sierra Neva Range was previously touched by a human life. All this history makes appreciating the beauty in these Sierra Nevada towns even more important. So, pack your bag and head to the prettiest Californian Sierra Nevada towns for your next vacation. The stunning vistas won't disappoint you.
