Many roads wind up and through the Sierra Nevada, a number of them very scenic (though not all have been officially so designated). Weave around Lake Tahoe, follow the Feather River or surge up and over high wind-swept passes as you explore some of the region's loveliest byways. Lakes are often close to the road (good for a range of water-based activities) no matter what part of the mountains you explore, and national forests are everywhere throughout (think hiking, mountain biking, camping and more), from the Sierra National Forest to the Stanislaus National Forest with frothing rivers, ski slopes and national parks for filler.
Be sure to check weather conditions before starting out, and keep your gas tank full - storms can move in quickly even late spring, and gas stations are surprisingly far apart through certain stretches.
Byways to consider in the Sierra Nevada are listed below.
Sierra Nevada Scenic Drives
Search Sierra Nevada Scenic Drives
26 scenic drive Results
More Info Route 395--Mono County
- 20 minutes
- 20 miles (32 km)
More Info Route 50--El Dorado County
- 2 hours
- 58 miles (93 km)
More Info Route 89--Monitor Pass & Luther Pass Highways & Lake Tahoe Road
- 2 hours
- 56 miles (90 km)
More Info Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Paved and maintained gravel
- Allow about 5 hours to travel this byway.
- 82.7 miles (133 km)
More Info Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road
- Paved
- 1.5 hours to drive or three hours to visit places along the way.
- 64 miles (103 km)
More Info Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway
- Paved
- 5-6 hours
- 175 miles (281 km)
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