8 Unspoiled Small Towns in California's Sierra Nevada
Although California is one of the most populous states in America, its sheer size and vast amount of beautiful landscapes mean that many small, unspoiled towns can still exist within its borders. The Sierra Nevadas, with its rugged mountainous terrain, is one of the most noteworthy regions of California that still feel truly wild.
Today, we will explore 8 of the small towns within the Sierra Nevada Mountains that will undoubtedly allow you to escape big city life. From gorgeous national and state parks to cozy dowtown streets, let's dive in!
Downieville
Downieville is one of many Gold Rush towns on this list. Having been founded as a base of operations for gold-hungry miners in the late 1800s, this small town along the Yuba River is surrounded by dense pine forests, and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Downieville features a collection of historic architecture that reflects its 19th-century roots. Key sites include the Downieville Museum, housed in a former Chinese immigrant-owned store from the gold-mining days, which holds a collection of artifacts detailing the life of the area's residents during its earliest days.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of trails for mountain biking, including the famous Downieville Downhill, and ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and river swimming in pristine mountain water flowing nearby.
For those looking to stay the night, both the town and the area feature a number of hotels and lodges. Sierra Shangri-La, an inn just east of town, is a highly rated and incredibly scenic getaway that you should seriously consider.
Lone Pine
Nestled in the arid foot of the eastern Sierra Nevadas, Lone Pine is a gateway to both rugged mountain landscapes and cinematic history. With a population of only around 1,300, this small town has long served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood Westerns and adventure films, thanks in large part to the striking Alabama Hills nearby.
Movie buffs and landscape photographers alike should definitely explore Movie Road, where countless scenes have been shot, and visit the Museum of Western Film History, which showcases exhibits based on the town’s longstanding film heritage.
Beyond its historical appeal, Lone Pine is near popular fishing and sightseeing spots along the Owens River, Ownes Lake, and Diaz Lake, and a place for apparelled stargazing, given the extremely low amounts of light pollution in this fairly remote area of California.
Lone Pine also serves as an ideal starting point for hikers summiting Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
Nevada City
Nevada City, another well-preserved gem on the western side of Sierra Nevada, just north of Sacramento, combines historic charm with a vibrant arts scene. Founded in 1849 during the main wave of the Gold Rush, this town has retained its vintage architecture, with Victorian homes and brick storefronts filling its downtown core.
Nevada City’s extensive cultural heritage is evident in landmarks like the Nevada Theatre, the oldest theater building in California, which still hosts performances and films to this day. Visitors can also explore the town’s past at the Firehouse Museum, which displays local artifacts and photographs from previous eras.
Surrounded by lush forested hills and close to the South Yuba River, Nevada City also appeals to nature lovers with nearby trails, swimming holes, and parks, including the popular South Yuba River State Park.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is truly a small town with a big amount of charm. With a population of just around 400 residents, this community is known for its expansive valleys, geothermal hot springs, and other wonderful landscapes. Established in 1864, Bridgeport’s unique historic district features preserved structures like the Mono County Courthouse, the oldest continuously operating courthouse in California, and the Bridgeport Inn, which has welcomed travelers since 1877!
Adventurers are drawn to the nearby Bodie State Historic Park, a ghost town that was once the center of the area's since collapsed mining industry. For a more nature-centered outing, Bridgeport Reservoir and Twin Lakes both offer locales for fishing, boating, and camping, while the rugged peaks of the Sierra are full of trails for hiking and off-roading.
Bridgeport’s famous Travertine Hot Springs, with panoramic views of the mountains, offers a relaxing retreat in a naturally formed and heated mineral pool. It is a must-visit for anyone in the area at any time of the year.
Murphys
Murphys, a quaint Sierra Nevada town was once a bustling center during the California Gold Rush. Since those long-gone days, Murphys has made an effort to preserve its historic character. This is apparent in many of the buildings along Main Street, where you can find independently owned shops, cafes, and tasting rooms housed within centuries-old structures.
Other historical landmarks include the Old Timers Museum, which mainly focuses on Murphys’ gold-mining past, and the Murphys Historic Hotel, a stagecoach stop that hosted notable figures like Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant.
Nearby natural attractions include Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where ancient giant sequoias tower over peaceful hiking trails. Other outdoor activities are plentiful, from caving adventures at Mercer Caverns to fishing in nearby streams.
Known as the "Queen of the Sierra," Murphys is celebrated for its local wineries, as grape growing is ideal in the region's rich soils. No trip here is complete without a stop at at least one vineyard or tasting room, with Ironstone Vineyards being a very popular option just south of town.
Lee Vining
Situated on the shores of Mono Lake, Lee Vining is a small town in a serene escape into the Eastern Sierra. Best known for Mono Lake’s otherworldly tufa formations—calcium-carbonate spires that rise dramatically from the water—Lee Vining draws visitors interested in geology, birdwatching, and landscape photography.
The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center provides further insight into the lake’s ecosystem, including its significance as a critical stop for migratory birds. For those seeking more lofty alpine views, Lee Vining is a main gateway to Tioga Pass, the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, which opens up to breathtaking high-altitude hiking trails and is simply one of the most iconic protected natural areas in the entire country
The town itself retains a quiet, rustic character with family-owned restaurants and small, locally-owned shops. Hotels like Murphey's Motel and Lake View Lodge are two of the best (and only) options for visitors looking for a place to rest their heads.
Sierraville
Sierraville, a tiny agricultural town in the Sierra Valley offers a peaceful escape with its wide-open landscapes and nearby collection of mineral-rich hot springs.
Sierraville Hot Springs, located just outside town, is set within a pristine setting with natural pools and bathhouses surrounded by meadows, forests, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance—a favorite for those seeking a peaceful soak in a healing environment.
The surrounding Sierra Valley, one of the largest alpine valleys in North America, attracts sightseers and photographers with its vast open spaces and abundance of wildlife, from migratory birds to deer. Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and biking are popular in the warmer months, while winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The town itself remains charmingly untouched, with few amenities. A small amount of shops, outfitters, and eateries can be found here, as well as a gas station to fill up the car on your road trip.
Foresthill
Foresthill, a small town perched above the American River Canyon, is a quiet place to embrace the natural wonders of California. The Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, is perhaps the best place to get a 360-degree view of the surrounding canyon and river, and makes for a great way to commence your visit here.
Nature lovers also flock here for the Foresthill Divide, where a network of trails will take you through scenic pine forests and along ridge lines, including the popular Western States Trail. The nearby American River is not only idyllic for boating and fishing, but gold-panning is still a popular activity while surrounding campgrounds give you the option to spend the night in this pristine natural area under the stars.
See Another Side of California in These Small Towns
From its renowned Pacific Coast to its southern deserts, California is perhaps the most diverse state in the country in terms of natural beauty. The unique Sierra Nevada region stands out no less, and is notable for its lack of human development, a good thing for those seeking unspoiled solace away from the bigger cities nearby.
Whether you are driving down its eastern or western slopes, or right down the middle. All 8 of these wonderful towns will help make your trip a memorable one.
