Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a U.S. Forest Service scenic byway winding about 100 miles through California's Sierra National Forest near Yosemite. It climbs from the foothill community of North Fork up the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and back down near Oakhurst, just outside Yosemite's south entrance. The mostly paved loop passes granite domes, glacier-carved meadows, and a grove of giant sequoias as it rises from oak woodland into pine and fir forest along the range's crest. Trailheads along the way lead into the John Muir and Ansel Adams wilderness areas, and there are lakes for fishing, historic sites, and campgrounds that draw far fewer crowds than nearby Yosemite. Much of the route sits above 7,000 feet, so it is best driven from late spring through fall once the high sections clear of snow. For travelers looking for Sierra Nevada high country and a quieter alternative to the national park next door, this scenic drive delivers without the traffic.

• North Fork to Oakhurst loop
• ~100 miles through Sierra National Forest
• giant sequoia grove
• granite domes & glacial meadows
• near Yosemite's south entrance
• John Muir & Ansel Adams wilderness access
• best late spring through fall