Sierras
12 Best Ghost Towns To Visit In California
California is home to many historical towns that thrived in the 1800s, thanks to the abundance of gold, silver, and oil that was mined in the State. Over time, these towns were abandoned, leaving behind empty houses, streets, and decay. Many of them have since been restored and are open to the public for visitation. If you feel like stepping back in time, I cover 12 of the best ghost towns to visit in California. Whether you’re a history buff or looking for unique stops to see on a road trip, add these ghost towns to your California bucket list! Tip: Be sure to check out my interactive Google Map…
15 Amazing Places To Enjoy Fall Colors In California
Fall is one of my favorite seasons for hiking, going on road trips in California, and getting cozy in a mountain cabin. As a travel photographer, I have been on a mission for years to find all of the best locations for fall colors in our Golden State. There is just something magical about the crisp fall air, changing leaves, moody weather, and fewer crowds. If that sounds like a dream come true, here are 15 of the best places to see fall colors in California! Pssst! Be sure to check out my custom Google Map at the end of this post to see which of these locations is closest…
15 Top Cheap Places To Visit In California
California is one of the most expensive places to live and visit in the United States. There is so much to do here, but certain locations can put a big dent in your vacation budget. If you can, it’s always best to travel in California in the shoulder season from fall to spring. Personally, I prefer traveling in the off-peak times to avoid big crowds, and you’re much more likely to find good deals on accommodations and activities. If that’s not always an option, in this post, I have compiled a list of the best cheap places to visit in California. This list includes charming mountain destinations, low-key beach cities,…
15 Incredible Hot Springs To Visit In California
Soaking at a natural hot spring is the perfect way to recover after a long road trip or outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and camping. In this post, I share some of the most popular hot springs in California where you can go for a relaxing soak! Most of these are free natural hot springs, but I have included a few entrance-fee-based hot spring pools as well. Visitor Tip: When visiting natural hot springs, please be mindful of these places and pack out everything that you bring so we can all enjoy them for years to come. Pssst! Be sure to check out the interactive Google Map at the end…
12 Best Places To Visit Sequoia Trees In California
It is estimated that California is home to over 80,000 giant sequoias. So where can you see these enormous trees in person? In this post, I cover all the best places for visiting giant sequoia trees in California! While some of these locations are well-known and quite popular, I have included a few hidden gems that not many people know exist. Pssst! Be sure to check out my custom Google Map at the end of the post to see which of these locations are close to you. 1. Sequoia National Park Sequoia National Park is by far one of the most popular places to see giant sequoia trees in California.…
20 Charming Mountain Towns To Visit In California
California is home to many charming and delightful mountain towns that attract visitors year-round. Many of these mountain towns have historical downtowns, museums, eclectic shops, and fun outdoor activities that make them very special. In this post, I share all of the best mountain towns to visit in California, what to do in each, and the best times to travel there. Scroll through this list and discover a few new mountain destinations for your next road trip! Pssst! Be sure to check out the interactive Google Map at the end of the post to see which of these towns is closest to you. 1. Mammoth Lakes Mammoth Lakes is…
10 Best Hotels In Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful town nestled within the Inyo National Forest at the base of Mammoth Mountain. It’s a four-season resort area known for incredible day hikes in the summer and exciting ski runs in the winter. While hiking and skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains are some of the most popular things to do in Mammoth Lakes, that’s not all this lovely little town has to offer. Mammoth also boasts noteworthy golf courses, mountain biking, and fun water activities like kayaking and canoeing. Before you embark on your upcoming mountain adventure, these 10 best hotels in Mammoth Lakes will ensure you’ll have a great trip! Some of the…
How To Hike Skelton Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes
If you’re looking for excellent day hikes in Mammoth, the Skelton Lake Trail is a moderate 3.4-mile-long hike that leads to a pristine alpine lake. You also have the option to do this trail as a loop and visit three different lakes along the way (which I highly recommend doing). This is a trail that I’ve hiked several times, including an overnight camping trip next to Skelton Lake. It’s an incredibly rewarding hike that is great for beginner hikers, families, and dogs. In this post, I share what you can expect if you plan to hike the Skelton Lake Trail, including where to park, trail difficulty, what route to take,…
How To Hike Horseshoe Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes
Horseshoe Lake Trail is a beautiful day hike in Mammoth Lakes, California. This lake is located within the Inyo National Forest and is part of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Horseshoe Lake Trail is an easy loop that is popular for hiking and mountain biking. Here you can explore Mars-like landscapes with many fallen, dead trees from past earthquakes and high amounts of carbon dioxide gases that were released from the ground. In this post, I cover details for where to park, trail difficulty, and what you should know before you head out to visit Horseshoe Lake! Horseshoe Lake Trail Highlights Here are a few quick trail highlights before I dive…
20 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit In Mammoth, California
In this post, I cover all of the best lakes to visit in Mammoth and the surrounding area. I love visiting Mammoth year-round, and these are some of my favorites that I have discovered over the years! Some of the lakes are very easy to access, while others require a hike to reach them. Most of these lakes are located within Mammoth Lakes Basin, but a few require a longer drive to get there. Pssst! Be sure to check out my custom Google Map at the end of this post with the specific locations of each lake! 1. McLeod Lake Trail Highlights: If you’re looking for an easy lake…
