Embark on the ultimate California road trip from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park to Morro Rock in Morro Bay. This 3-day itinerary includes sunrise hikes among giant sequoias, exploring the General Sherman Tree, kayaking on Lake Kaweah, shopping & dining in Visalia & the Embarcadero, scenic drives across the Central Valley, coastal adventures, and wildlife viewing of sea otters, seals & birds.
Read MoreDrive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway in the Sierra National Forest near Yosemite National Park for breathtaking mountain views, granite domes, wildflower meadows, and historic stops. This 100-mile California scenic drive includes highlights like Fresno Dome, Globe Rock, Mile High Vista & Jones Store. A must-do mountain road trip adventure near Yosemite's southern gateway, Oakhurst & Bass Lake.
Read MorePlanning a road trip to Bass Lake, California? This travel guide covers everything you need to know—top resorts & cabins (like The Pines Resort), lakeside dining, water sports, hiking trails, off-road driving adventures, and scenic byways near Yosemite National Park. Discover wildlife, family-friendly activities, and insider tips to make the most of your Bass Lake vacation in the Sierra Nevada.
Read MoreExplore Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park on a guided tour along the Majestic Mountain Loop. A short drive from Visalia, this reopened marble cave features stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and stunning rooms like Marble Hall and the Dome Room. Learn how to get there, hike the trail, reserve tickets, and plan your visit to this unique underground adventure in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Read MoreExplore the ultimate Hwy 41 hotel guide for Yosemite National Park’s southern gateway, featuring luxury retreats, historic inns, lakeside resorts, family-friendly stays, boutique hotels, and unique vacation rentals & airbnbs. Discover top lodging in Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and beyond, plus amenities, dining, and tips for your perfect Yosemite getaway. Featuring Chateau du Sureau, The Inelle & more!
Read MoreExperience Yosemite National Park like never before with an unforgettable aerial tour from Mariposa, CA. Fly with Airborrn Aviation & Yosemite Airways over Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Mariposa Grove, Merced River Gorge, and more. Learn what to expect, how to book your flight, and why this scenic Yosemite plane tour is a must-do on your Sierra Nevada Mountain road trip itinerary.
Read MoreJoin me on a hike up to the summit of Fresno Dome in Sierra National Forest. Just south of Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, this easy to moderate hike provides panoramic views with no crowds near Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's the perfect easy alternative to Yosemite's Half Dome hike...no permits or reservations needed!
Read MoreSaddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience near Yosemite National Park with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. This family-owned ranch in Fish Camp, CA offers guided trail rides on gentle quarter horses through scenic Sierra National Forest terrain. This top rated activity near Oakhurst & Bass lake is perfect for beginners, families, and outdoor lovers visiting Yosemite.
Read MoreExplore Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, an easy yet breathtaking hike to a thundering waterfall. Walk the short paved trail for close-up views or venture onto a hidden dirt path for a unique elevated perspective. Perfect for families, photographers, and travelers on the Majestic Mountain Loop, this Cedar Grove gem is a must-see stop on your next Sequoia & Kings Canyon trip.
Read MoreDiscover California's Majestic Mountain Loop, a 3-park epic road trip through Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite National Parks. Explore giant sequoia trees, thundering waterfalls, scenic drives, iconic viewpoints & top hotels. Base yourself in Visalia & Oakhurst for easy access to these Sierra Nevada Mountain wonders. This is the perfect travel guide for first-time visitors & national park lovers.
Read MorePlanning a trip to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks? Discover why Visalia, California is the perfect home base with this first-timer’s guide. Find the best hotels in Visalia (like The Darling), top things to do downtown, where to eat, shop, and explore nearby. Learn about Sequoia highlights like the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crystal Cave & more—all just a short drive from Visalia, CA.
Read MorePlanning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer? Get insider tips from longtime park Ranger Scott Gediman on navigating Yosemite’s 2025 reservation system, avoiding crowds, popular hiking trails, staying safe around wildlife (like black bear), and being a responsible visitor. Learn what to expect in summer conditions and how to make the most of your Yosemite Valley road trip adventure.
Read MoreExplore Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site near Bishop, CA—a top Eastern Sierra attraction featuring historic trains, pioneer-era buildings & hands-on exhibits. Perfect for families, history buffs & road trippers, this museum offers a deep dive into Owens Valley railroad history & early California life. Don’t miss this unique stop just minutes from downtown Bishop on your LA to Mammoth trip.
Read MoreExplore Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon, a stunning marble cave in Sequoia National Forest. Learn about cave tours, unique geology, CCC history and how it compares to Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. A top spot on the Majestic Mountain Loop road trip and a must-see family-friendly adventure along Highway 180, perfect for travelers seeking hidden gems in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Read MoreThe Tioga Pass Entrance is open for the 2025 Summer season in Yosemite National Park. Connecting Mono Lake, Lee Vining, and US-395 with Big Oak Flat Road, Tioga Road features some of the best views and things to do in and around Yosemite, and is a great way avoid the busy Yosemite Valley crowds. Join me for a live update of what the waterfalls, meadows, lakes & wildlife is currently looking like.
Read MoreDiscover the rich history and stunning wildlife of Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Simeon, CA just north of Hearst Castle. From elephant seals and whale sightings to coastal views and a storied lighthouse dating back to 1875, this scenic stop along Highway 1 is a must-visit. Learn what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit to this historic California coast gem.
Read MoreLooking for the best hiking near Fresno, CA? Hike to Stevenson Creek Falls in Sierra National Forest—an epic 7-mile trail featuring waterfalls, tunnels and rich hydroelectric history. Best in spring for roaring falls, this hidden gem near Shaver Lake offers scenic views of the San Joaquin River Gorge, massive granite peaks, spring wildflowers, and a moderate challenge for hikers & nature lovers.
Read MoreGlacier Point Road is open for the 2025 season in Yosemite National Park! See what it looked like on opening day (May 10). Get the full report on road conditions, crowd levels, weather, waterfalls, parking, and tips for visiting early in the season. Includes updates from Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point trailhead, Summit Meadow, and more—perfect for planning your spring trip to Yosemite.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite trip this spring? Here’s what the park looks like right now—May 2025 updates on waterfall flow (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall & more), Merced River levels, blooming dogwoods, meadow conditions, wildflowers, and current road closures. Read this current conditions travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting Yosemite National Park during peak spring runoff.
Read MoreDo I need a reservation to enter Yosemite this summer? Yes! The NPS just announced a peak-hours reservation system for the 2025 summer season to help with park crowds & wait times. Read this travel guide to help you prepare for your road trip vacation to Yosemite National Park and learn everything you need to know about who needs reservations, as well as how and when to get reservations.
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