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HIGH SIERRA & RECREATION PARKS
California Golden Eagle
The high Sierra mountains offer access all year, many California parks are national treasures. Yosemite National Park was established October 1, 1890, and covers an area of 761,266 acres or 1,189 square miles. 209-372-8430 Main Number
El Capitan rises 3,593 feet from the valley and 7,569 feet above sea level, scaled by expert rock
climbers from all part of the world, El Capitan Yosemite is the largest
exposed granite monolith in the world.
Half-Dome, Glacier Point view
Glacier Point Road leads along the high edge of Yosemite valley below. Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, McGurk Meadow are places to view Yosemite Valley's waterfalls and watershed that fills with snow melt from upper elevations. Glacier Point highlights include Inspiration Point at the road's end, Badger Ski Area at the beginning. Trails for hiking abound with easy jaunts along the upper edge just perfect for photographers and trekkers alike.
John Olmstead, park activist
Ancient Bristle Cone Pine Forest
28,000 acres in the White Mountains, The Ancient Bristle Cone Pines Forest contains the oldest living things on the planet, gnarled pine trees over 4,000 years old. The National Park may be accessed from Hwy 395. A southwest view provides a spectacular panorama of the Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney. Located near Mono County in Inyo County, south of Bishop from Hwy 168 west, at the Death Valley Rd. turnoff.
Ancient Brisle Cone Tree, White Mtns
Bodie State Historic Park
South of Bridgeport, CA in the Carson Valley, this park is the remaining buildings of an abandoned mining town famous in its heyday. Bodie is much like it was during yesteryear’s silver and gold boom, when stiking it rich was the biggest attraction to travel west. Now a State Historic Park, Bodie portrays the feeling of the real west, as it was then.
Bodie sawmill
Kings Canyon National Park
Driving through both National Parks is the ultimate experience for what remains a real jewel of the High Sierra. Granite domes,
vistas, caverns surround the Kings Conyon and River, while swirling its way through picturesque scenery. Accessed from Fresno and
Clovis area, west on Hwy 168 to Shaver Lake. Or, Hwy 198 north of Three Rivers.
Sequoia Nat'l Park, California & Oregon trees
Mt. Whitney
The tallest mountain in the Sierra Nevada Range and the 48 states. The Whitney Portal is 13 miles west of Lone Pine, trail head for hikers. 619/876-6200.
Mono Lake
Perhaps the oldest lake in the Sierra Range, a serene sense and surreal overview of an ecosystem that once in peril, now on its return. Located in California's spectacular Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake is an oasis in the dry Great Basin and a vital habitat for millions of migratory and nesting birds. For twenty years the Mono Lake Committee has been working to protect Mono Lake from destruction, to heal the damage done in the Mono Basin, and to educate the public about the natural environment and wise water use. Yosemite Park access opens in May each year at Tioga Pass and Hwy 395, near Mono Lake.
Hike or Bike?
The Eastern edge of the Sierra provides year ‘round access from Hwy 395. Snow skiing is
the wintertime destination, but other activities abound. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and pack trips are just a few. Mono Lake Committee has published nearby possibilities.
HIKING TRAILS
Lee Vining Creek Trail - Easy in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 6780". 1.6 miles each way. Take a respite from the road and heat by discovering Lee Vining Creek. The trail begins 50 yards south of the Best Western Motel units on the east side of Highway 395. Follow the trail past the vegetable garden and down into the shady streamside area. Experience the difference between a healthy riparian forest and a riparian area devastated by 45 years of water diversions. A leisurely walk on the creek trail takes 1-2 hours, or less if you walk only a portion of the trail. The trail ends at the Forest Service Visitor Center overlooking Mono Lake, north of Lee Vining.
Lundy Canyon - Easy to moderate in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8200'. 1/2 mile or longer. Drive past the lake and the store and take the dirt road beyond the beaver ponds to where it ends at a trailhead. Hike up the trail through the aspen groves, enjoy the abundant display of wildflowers, and revel in the beauty of the cliffs and waterfalls. The trail is steep in places. Wander as far as you wish and return the way you came, or shuttle a car to Saddlebag Lake for a more strenuous 7 mile hike.
Parker Lake/Parker Bench - Moderate in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8000'. 4-10 miles round trip. Turn from Hwy 395 onto the June Lake Loop (Hwy 158) at the north junction. After a mile and a half turn right onto a dirt road signed for Parker Lake. Follow the signs to the Parker Lake Trailhead. Hike past the first steep part to where the trail flattens out next to beautiful Parker Creek as it meanders through meadows and forests. At a junction signed for Silver Lake, continue straight ahead to Parker Lake for a 4 mile round trip, or turn left toward Silver Lake for an up-to-10-mile round trip to Parker Bench. After enjoying the view of Mono Lake, wander back the way you came, or shuttle a second car to Silver lake for a 7 mile hike.
Gibbs Lake/Kidney Lake-- Strenuous in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8000' (Gibbs Lake 9530'). 6-9 miles round trip. On Hwy 395 south of Lee Vining, turn west onto a dirt road signed for Horse Meadows. Follow the road past the lush green meadows as far as you can, since most passenger cars will have to park about a mile from the trailhead. Walk up the road to the trailhead, and follow the incredibly steep old road through the forest. Keep an eye out for a trail on the right that bypasses a steep hill. At the end of the road follow the trail to Gibbs Lake. If you still have boundless energy and are feeling adventurous, wander past Gibbs Lake to Kidney Lake, a mile farther and almost 1000 feet higher. Return the way you came.
See more
California Tour & Travel's Yosemite Pages…
Half-Dome, Glacier Point view
Glacier Point Road leads along the high edge of Yosemite valley below. Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, McGurk Meadow are places to view Yosemite Valley's waterfalls and watershed that fills with snow melt from upper elevations. Glacier Point highlights include Inspiration Point at the road's end, Badger Ski Area at the beginning. Trails for hiking abound with easy jaunts along the upper edge just perfect for photographers and trekkers alike.
John Olmstead, park activist
Ancient Bristle Cone Pine Forest
28,000 acres in the White Mountains, The Ancient Bristle Cone Pines Forest contains the oldest living things on the planet, gnarled pine trees over 4,000 years old. The National Park may be accessed from Hwy 395. A southwest view provides a spectacular panorama of the Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney. Located near Mono County in Inyo County, south of Bishop from Hwy 168 west, at the Death Valley Rd. turnoff.
Ancient Brisle Cone Tree, White Mtns
Bodie State Historic Park
South of Bridgeport, CA in the Carson Valley, this park is the remaining buildings of an abandoned mining town famous in its heyday. Bodie is much like it was during yesteryear’s silver and gold boom, when stiking it rich was the biggest attraction to travel west. Now a State Historic Park, Bodie portrays the feeling of the real west, as it was then.
Bodie sawmill
Kings Canyon National Park
Driving through both National Parks is the ultimate experience for what remains a real jewel of the High Sierra. Granite domes,
vistas, caverns surround the Kings Conyon and River, while swirling its way through picturesque scenery. Accessed from Fresno and
Clovis area, west on Hwy 168 to Shaver Lake. Or, Hwy 198 north of Three Rivers.
Sequoia Nat'l Park, California & Oregon trees
Mt. Whitney
The tallest mountain in the Sierra Nevada Range and the 48 states. The Whitney Portal is 13 miles west of Lone Pine, trail head for hikers. 619/876-6200.
Mono Lake
Perhaps the oldest lake in the Sierra Range, a serene sense and surreal overview of an ecosystem that once in peril, now on its return. Located in California's spectacular Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake is an oasis in the dry Great Basin and a vital habitat for millions of migratory and nesting birds. For twenty years the Mono Lake Committee has been working to protect Mono Lake from destruction, to heal the damage done in the Mono Basin, and to educate the public about the natural environment and wise water use. Yosemite Park access opens in May each year at Tioga Pass and Hwy 395, near Mono Lake.
Hike or Bike?
The Eastern edge of the Sierra provides year ‘round access from Hwy 395. Snow skiing is
the wintertime destination, but other activities abound. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and pack trips are just a few. Mono Lake Committee has published nearby possibilities.
HIKING TRAILS
Lee Vining Creek Trail - Easy in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 6780". 1.6 miles each way. Take a respite from the road and heat by discovering Lee Vining Creek. The trail begins 50 yards south of the Best Western Motel units on the east side of Highway 395. Follow the trail past the vegetable garden and down into the shady streamside area. Experience the difference between a healthy riparian forest and a riparian area devastated by 45 years of water diversions. A leisurely walk on the creek trail takes 1-2 hours, or less if you walk only a portion of the trail. The trail ends at the Forest Service Visitor Center overlooking Mono Lake, north of Lee Vining.
Lundy Canyon - Easy to moderate in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8200'. 1/2 mile or longer. Drive past the lake and the store and take the dirt road beyond the beaver ponds to where it ends at a trailhead. Hike up the trail through the aspen groves, enjoy the abundant display of wildflowers, and revel in the beauty of the cliffs and waterfalls. The trail is steep in places. Wander as far as you wish and return the way you came, or shuttle a car to Saddlebag Lake for a more strenuous 7 mile hike.
Parker Lake/Parker Bench - Moderate in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8000'. 4-10 miles round trip. Turn from Hwy 395 onto the June Lake Loop (Hwy 158) at the north junction. After a mile and a half turn right onto a dirt road signed for Parker Lake. Follow the signs to the Parker Lake Trailhead. Hike past the first steep part to where the trail flattens out next to beautiful Parker Creek as it meanders through meadows and forests. At a junction signed for Silver Lake, continue straight ahead to Parker Lake for a 4 mile round trip, or turn left toward Silver Lake for an up-to-10-mile round trip to Parker Bench. After enjoying the view of Mono Lake, wander back the way you came, or shuttle a second car to Silver lake for a 7 mile hike.
Gibbs Lake/Kidney Lake-- Strenuous in difficulty. Trailhead elevation 8000' (Gibbs Lake 9530'). 6-9 miles round trip. On Hwy 395 south of Lee Vining, turn west onto a dirt road signed for Horse Meadows. Follow the road past the lush green meadows as far as you can, since most passenger cars will have to park about a mile from the trailhead. Walk up the road to the trailhead, and follow the incredibly steep old road through the forest. Keep an eye out for a trail on the right that bypasses a steep hill. At the end of the road follow the trail to Gibbs Lake. If you still have boundless energy and are feeling adventurous, wander past Gibbs Lake to Kidney Lake, a mile farther and almost 1000 feet higher. Return the way you came.
See more
California Tour & Travel's Yosemite Pages…
Renowned for its magnificent valley, great
granite domes and peaks, waterfalls, giant sequoias and spectacular
high country, Yosemite Park is a national treasure. Comprising
roughly 1200 square miles, the park includes 250 miles of roads, 800
miles of hiking trails and about 250 species of birds, 78 species of
mammals, and 1,400 species of flowering plants 37 of which are trees.
Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 13,00 feet. 94.5 percent
of the park is officially designated as wilderness.
Open year-round, Yosemite may be accessed through four entrances-
West Entrances: Big Oak Flat Entrance, 88 miles east of Manteca on Rte. 120, and Arch Rock Entrance, 75 miles northeast of Merced via Rte. 140.
South Entrance: Wawona, 64 miles north of Fresno via Rte. 41.
East Entrance: Tioga Pass Entrance (summer only), 10 miles west of Lee Vining via Rte. 41.
Yosemite Valley, seven miles long and one mile wide (at its widest), is the most visited section of the park with fields of flowers and waterfalls running full in the spring. The valley offers lodging, dining, tours, hiking trails, bicycle paths and rentals, nature walks, winter/spring sports, and interpretive programs. Next to the visitor center is the Yosemite Museum’s Indian Cultural Exhibit and the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee.
Wawona is the historical center of the park with the 19th century Wawona Hotel and Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Nearby is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite’s largest of three stands. Native Americans called these trees wawona after the call of the owl (the guardian spirit of the big trees).
Hetch Hetchy, once a valley on the Tuolumne River, now a reservoir, is a popular hiking area from Spring to Fall.
High country exploration can be done best on foot or horseback. Accessible by car during the summer only, it has numerous waterfalls, brilliant blue lakes, huge granite domes, and extensive hiking trails. Five High Sierra Camps are located along a loop trail in spectacular settings.
Tuolumne Meadows, the heart of the high country at 8,600 feet, is a popular spot for High Sierra walks and day hikes. To access this spectacular country take the Tioga Road, which opens in late May and closes with first snowfall. The visitor center has exhibits reflecting the history and ecology of Yosemite.
General park information :
209/372-0200 (recording)
Hotel reservations:
209/252-4848
Campground reservations:
800/365-2267
Road and weather
information:
209/372-0200
Sightseeing tours:
209/372-1240
Badger Pass:
209/372-1445
Snow phone:
209/372-1000
Yosemite Holiday Hotline
209/454-0555
Yosemite Vintners’ Hotline
209/454-0555
Yosemite Sightseeing Tours
209/372-1240
Ahwahnee Dining Room
209/372-1489
Yosemite High Sierra Camps
209/454-2002
Yosemite Concession Services
209/372-1445
YOSEMITE LODGING
In Yosemite Valley:
The Ahwahnee: 123 rooms
Yosemite Lodge: 495 rooms and cabins
Curry Village: 628 rooms and cabins
Housekeeping Camp: 282 units
Wawona:
Wawona Hotel: 104 rooms Housekeeping Camp: 282 camping units
High Sierra Camps:
White Wolf : 28 cabins and tent cabins
Tuolumne Meadows: 69 tent cabins
High Sierra Camps: 204 beds in 56 tent cabins
Reservations made by lottery application, accepted Oct. 15 to Nov. 30.
Yosemite Reservations
5410 East Home Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
Two High Sierra Lodges and Tent Cabins with wood stoves, Breakfast, dinners with amenities provided. 5 High Sierra Camps are situated on a loop trail approximately 8 miles apart to 11,516 feet elevation. Guided and independent hikes. Saddle and pack trips. 209/454-2002.
Mono County, eastern edge of the Sierra
Mono Lake, Sierra mountains and tufa towers at lake's edge
ROAD BIKE RIDES
Lee Vining Canyon-- Easy to moderate in difficulty. Below 7800' elevation. 6-24 miles round trip. This one is a mixture of on and off road, with parts of it suitable for either road bikes or mountain bikes. Ride up Hwy 120 west from Lee Vining, and turn left onto a side road at Cattleguard Campground. Start here if you want to avoid highway traffic. Ride up the paved road along the bottom of Lee Vining Canyon, and enjoy views of the occasional waterfalls along Lee Vining Creek. If you wish, continue past the point where the road becomes dirt, and you'll soon arrive at the Poole Hydroelectric Plant, where the road ends. Enjoy the ride back down.
Twin Lakes-- Moderate in difficulty. Below 7500' elevation. 25-30 miles round trip. From Bridgeport, 25 miles north of Lee Vining, take County Road 420 signed for Twin Lakes as it winds through the Bridgeport Valley. You'll reach Twin Lakes in about 12 miles.
Tioga Pass-- Strenuous in difficulty. Pass is almost 10,000' elevation. 25-40 miles round trip. Ride up Hwy 120 west from Lee Vining 12 miles to the entrance of Yosemite National Park at Tioga Pass. Road is narrow and steep, watch for rocks on the road and traffic. Pay the entrance fee and ride another 7 miles downhill to Tuolumne Meadows, if you don't mind riding back uphill. Coming back down to Lee Vining is a blast - wear your helmet!
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
Horse Meadows/Bohler Canyon-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 8000' elevation. 11.3 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the "Moraines and Meadows" route in detail.
Hartley Springs-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 9000' elevation. 9.1 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the route in detail.
Aeolian Buttes-- Moderate in difficulty. 7000'-8000' elevation. 11 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the "Panorama" route in detail.
Bodie-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 8300' elevation. 22 miles round trip. There are numerous dirt roads on which to ride in the Bodie Hills near Bodie State Historic Park. One of these is the Cottonwood Canyon Road, which leaves Hwy 167 about 7 miles east of Hwy 395. Follow it 11 miles until you reach Bodie State Park. Return the way you came.
Chidago Petrogylphs and White Mtns. in background taken from Owens River Valley.
West Entrances: Big Oak Flat Entrance, 88 miles east of Manteca on Rte. 120, and Arch Rock Entrance, 75 miles northeast of Merced via Rte. 140.
South Entrance: Wawona, 64 miles north of Fresno via Rte. 41.
East Entrance: Tioga Pass Entrance (summer only), 10 miles west of Lee Vining via Rte. 41.
Yosemite Valley, seven miles long and one mile wide (at its widest), is the most visited section of the park with fields of flowers and waterfalls running full in the spring. The valley offers lodging, dining, tours, hiking trails, bicycle paths and rentals, nature walks, winter/spring sports, and interpretive programs. Next to the visitor center is the Yosemite Museum’s Indian Cultural Exhibit and the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee.
Wawona is the historical center of the park with the 19th century Wawona Hotel and Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Nearby is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite’s largest of three stands. Native Americans called these trees wawona after the call of the owl (the guardian spirit of the big trees).
Hetch Hetchy, once a valley on the Tuolumne River, now a reservoir, is a popular hiking area from Spring to Fall.
High country exploration can be done best on foot or horseback. Accessible by car during the summer only, it has numerous waterfalls, brilliant blue lakes, huge granite domes, and extensive hiking trails. Five High Sierra Camps are located along a loop trail in spectacular settings.
Tuolumne Meadows, the heart of the high country at 8,600 feet, is a popular spot for High Sierra walks and day hikes. To access this spectacular country take the Tioga Road, which opens in late May and closes with first snowfall. The visitor center has exhibits reflecting the history and ecology of Yosemite.
General park information :
209/372-0200 (recording)
Hotel reservations:
209/252-4848
Campground reservations:
800/365-2267
Road and weather
information:
209/372-0200
Sightseeing tours:
209/372-1240
Badger Pass:
209/372-1445
Snow phone:
209/372-1000
Yosemite Holiday Hotline
209/454-0555
Yosemite Vintners’ Hotline
209/454-0555
Yosemite Sightseeing Tours
209/372-1240
Ahwahnee Dining Room
209/372-1489
Yosemite High Sierra Camps
209/454-2002
Yosemite Concession Services
209/372-1445
YOSEMITE LODGING
In Yosemite Valley:
The Ahwahnee: 123 rooms
Yosemite Lodge: 495 rooms and cabins
Curry Village: 628 rooms and cabins
Housekeeping Camp: 282 units
Wawona:
Wawona Hotel: 104 rooms Housekeeping Camp: 282 camping units
High Sierra Camps:
White Wolf : 28 cabins and tent cabins
Tuolumne Meadows: 69 tent cabins
High Sierra Camps: 204 beds in 56 tent cabins
Reservations made by lottery application, accepted Oct. 15 to Nov. 30.
Yosemite Reservations
5410 East Home Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
Two High Sierra Lodges and Tent Cabins with wood stoves, Breakfast, dinners with amenities provided. 5 High Sierra Camps are situated on a loop trail approximately 8 miles apart to 11,516 feet elevation. Guided and independent hikes. Saddle and pack trips. 209/454-2002.
Mono County, eastern edge of the Sierra
Mono Lake, Sierra mountains and tufa towers at lake's edge
ROAD BIKE RIDES
Lee Vining Canyon-- Easy to moderate in difficulty. Below 7800' elevation. 6-24 miles round trip. This one is a mixture of on and off road, with parts of it suitable for either road bikes or mountain bikes. Ride up Hwy 120 west from Lee Vining, and turn left onto a side road at Cattleguard Campground. Start here if you want to avoid highway traffic. Ride up the paved road along the bottom of Lee Vining Canyon, and enjoy views of the occasional waterfalls along Lee Vining Creek. If you wish, continue past the point where the road becomes dirt, and you'll soon arrive at the Poole Hydroelectric Plant, where the road ends. Enjoy the ride back down.
Twin Lakes-- Moderate in difficulty. Below 7500' elevation. 25-30 miles round trip. From Bridgeport, 25 miles north of Lee Vining, take County Road 420 signed for Twin Lakes as it winds through the Bridgeport Valley. You'll reach Twin Lakes in about 12 miles.
Tioga Pass-- Strenuous in difficulty. Pass is almost 10,000' elevation. 25-40 miles round trip. Ride up Hwy 120 west from Lee Vining 12 miles to the entrance of Yosemite National Park at Tioga Pass. Road is narrow and steep, watch for rocks on the road and traffic. Pay the entrance fee and ride another 7 miles downhill to Tuolumne Meadows, if you don't mind riding back uphill. Coming back down to Lee Vining is a blast - wear your helmet!
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
Horse Meadows/Bohler Canyon-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 8000' elevation. 11.3 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the "Moraines and Meadows" route in detail.
Hartley Springs-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 9000' elevation. 9.1 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the route in detail.
Aeolian Buttes-- Moderate in difficulty. 7000'-8000' elevation. 11 miles round trip. Pick up a "Mountain Bike Trails" handout at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, which describes the "Panorama" route in detail.
Bodie-- Moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Below 8300' elevation. 22 miles round trip. There are numerous dirt roads on which to ride in the Bodie Hills near Bodie State Historic Park. One of these is the Cottonwood Canyon Road, which leaves Hwy 167 about 7 miles east of Hwy 395. Follow it 11 miles until you reach Bodie State Park. Return the way you came.
Chidago Petrogylphs and White Mtns. in background taken from Owens River Valley.
Public Transportation:
A greener choice when traveling to Yosemite by YARTS BUS. Watch the scenery - not the road! www.Yarts.com or 877-989-2787
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