Summary
- The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California is home to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe, Mount Whitney, and three national parks.
- There are several charming mountain towns in the Sierra Nevadas that offer opportunities for adventure and exploration, such as Angels Camp and Mariposa.
- Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery and outdoor activities in towns like June Lake, Truckee, and Mammoth Lakes, as well as explore nearby forests and wilderness areas.
Perched on the eastern edge of California, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is home to many natural wonders, including Lake Tahoe, Mount Whitney, and three national parks — Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.
And, nestled among the steep river canyons, lush forests, and rugged wilderness are some of the most beautiful mountain towns in California's Sierra Nevadas to visit for those looking to embark on an epic adventure in the Golden State's untamed wilds.
10 Angels Camp
Founded in 1849 as a mining camp, Angels Camp is among the most beautiful mountains in the Sierra Nevadas of California; it offers visitors the chance to experience the Old West from its historic downtown area, which is peppered with old-fashioned boutiques, general stores, and restaurants, to its incredible museums.
Not to mention, a stay in this charming town affords travelers unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains.
- Notable sights and attractions: Angels Camp Museum, Gold Rush Originals, Angels Theatre, and New Melones Lake (nearby)
9 Mariposa
Another historic Gold Rush town, Mariposa is teeming with museums, hiking trails, and a charming downtown area that features a variety of charming inns and delectable restaurants for a stay that feels like a home away from home.
- Notable sights and attractions: Mariposa Park, Mariposa Museum & History Center, California State Mining & Mineral Museum, Stockton Ridge, and Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch
Mariposa is located about 32 miles southwest of Yosemite National Park.
8 June Lake
One of the most scenic spots in the Sierra Nevadas, June Lake's eponymous lake is one of the largest in the region, spanning about 320 acres. For those keen on exploring the rugged mountain landscape, June Lake is the perfect stomping ground for trekking off the beaten path.
It's surrounded by several mountain peaks, including June Mountain, Carson Peak, San Joaquin Mountain, White Wing Mountain, and Obsidian Dome, among others.
- Notable sights and attractions: Silver Lake, June Lake, Carson Peak, June Mountain, Downs Mount, Wilson Butte, Inyo National Forest, and Obsidian Dome
7 Groveland
A perfect Gold Rush town to stay in for a visit to Yosemite National Park, Groveland is among the many historic towns in the Sierra Nevadas; it has historic hotels, myriad hiking trails, and a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada range.
- Notable sights and attractions: Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course, Carlon Falls Trail, and Pine Mountain Lake (nearby)
6 Sonora
Located east of New Melones Lake, the sleepy town of Sonora is probably most recognized by its vibrant red church, the Saint James' Episcopal Church.
Explore the Stanislaus National Forest or enjoy an afternoon stroll exploring the town's historic downtown area.
- Notable sights and attractions: Tuolumne County Museum, Saint James' Episcopal Church, Sierra Repertory Theatre, and Stanislaus National Forest
5 Nevada City
From its wondrous trails, including Hirschman Pond Trailhead, to its lovely theaters, Nevada City in California is perfect for getting in a little rest and relaxation amid the postcard-worthy Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Notable sights and attractions: Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, Pioneer Park, Sugarloaf Mountain Open Space, and Nevada City Winery
Nearby wilderness areas include Hoyt's Crossing, Rock Creek Nature Study Area, and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
4 Truckee
The epitome of beauty, Truckee has everything an adventurer needs for a vacation to remember, from its expansive golf courses and historic downtown center to its shimmering lake and breathtaking mountain views.
- Notable sights and attractions: Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park, Old Greenwood Golf Course, Alder Hill, Coyote Moon Golf Course, and Lake Tahoe
Truckee is also located less than 17 miles away from Lake Tahoe, which hugs the border of California and Nevada.
3 Tahoe City
For a Lake Tahoe adventure, a stay in Tahoe City is a must. Nestled right on the northwestern shore, the city is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Tahoe, affording visitors the chance to lounge on the beach or, for the thrill-seekers, splash in the water, which is often very cold.
- Notable sights and attractions: Lake Tahoe, Paige Meadows, Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks, Tahoe City Golf Course, Commons Beach, Tahoe National Forest (nearby)
2 South Lake Tahoe
Known for its nightlife, South Lake Tahoe has a little something for everyone: bars, nightclubs, historic sites, hiking trails, and access to several mountain peaks like Monument Peak, East Peak, and Jobs Sister.
- Notable sights and attractions: Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Beach, Pope Beach, Tallac Historic Site, Fallen Leaf Lake (nearby), and Emerald Bay State Park (nearby)
1 Mammoth Lakes
Located at the base of Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes is one of autumn's best getaways in California.
Surrounded by several mountain peaks, such as Laurel Mountain, Bloody Mountain, and Mammoth Crest, it offers visitors some of the most beautiful hikes in the US.
- Notable sights and attractions: Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Crest, Lake Mary, Twin Falls Overlook, and Crystal Lake Trailhead
Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest are both located nearby.