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Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

· North Fork, CA

Why you should go…

The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a roughly 100-mile route through the Sierra National Forest, climbing the western slope of the Sierra Nevada from North Fork to a mountain crest before descending near Oakhurst. It passes granite peaks, meadows and historic sites, and is maintained by the nonprofit Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Association based in North Fork. The byway is best driven from July through October, weather permitting.

  • #scenic drive
  • #mountains
  • #hiking
  • #views
  • #road trip

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

    $25–$50

    Ride a historic narrow-gauge steam train through the Sierra National Forest just outside Yosemite's south entrance.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Mono County

    Free

    California's Eastern Sierra region of alpine lakes, national forest and mountain towns from Mono Lake to Mammoth Lakes.

    38 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Mammoth Mountain

    $50+

    Major Sierra Nevada ski resort near Mammoth Lakes with 3,500 acres of terrain, a bike park and summer activities.

    40 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Mammoth Lakes

    Free

    Official guide to summer recreation in Mammoth Lakes, California, a High Sierra mountain town known for hiking and fishing.

    41 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Quirky Fun

    The Psychic Gallery

    $25–$50

    A Mammoth Lakes storefront offering tarot, palmistry and psychic readings.

    41 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Stay
    Outdoor Adventure

    Empeiria High Sierra Hotel

    $50+

    Mammoth Lakes hotel serving as a basecamp for High Sierra skiing, hiking and mountain adventures.

    41 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay