15 Greatest Mountain Cities in California, Based on a Native

Idyllwild

Set at 5,400 toes in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild charms guests with its artwork galleries, retailers (pottery, glasswork, jewellery, and extra), and walkable fundamental avenue, North Circle Drive. Make sure you spend time beneath the cedar, pine, and fir timber right here, both through the Idyllwild Nature Middle or the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Path, and cease in for a pie at Idyllwild Pizza Firm or at Pink Kettle for a diner breakfast.

Julian

It’s all about apples in Julian, a small city in San Diego County at simply over 4,000 toes in elevation. Come for pick-your-own apple experiences, apple pie (Julian Pie Firm is a high decide), and cider (strive Julian Exhausting Cider). Harvest season is mid- to late August by way of early fall. Hikers ought to take into account taking the Three Sisters Fall path for fairly views, rock scrambling, and a seasonal waterfall.

Murphys

Foothill cities with a number of gold rush historical past are a dime a dozen in California. Murphys was a kind of growth cities within the mid-1800s, but it surely’s higher identified for its wine scene in the present day — there are greater than a dozen tasting rooms to think about right here, together with the beautiful Ironstone Vineyards. You may also use Murphys as a house base for exploring the close by Calaveras Huge Bushes State Park and spectacular cave programs like Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns.

Huge Bear Lake

The roughly two-hour drive to Huge Bear Lake from Los Angeles is an element freeway and half serpentine mountain freeway; I like leaving the smog within the valley under and respiratory the recent air up right here. Huge Bear Mountain Resort provides enjoyable year-round (assume: mountain tubing and zip lining in the summertime, and seasonal snow sports activities). Hire a cabin that fits your group, then go kayaking or paddleboarding, or take a water sports activities class on the lake.

Alternatively, you possibly can discover on land through an tour with Huge Bear Off-Highway Expertise. Once you’re hungry, head to Tropicali (for glorious poke and rice bowls), Himalayan Restaurant (for Nepalese delicacies), Pickle’s Pie Store (for freshly baked treats), and the newer Stella Luna (for any meal of the day).

Ojai

Bear with me right here: Ojai could also be simply 745 toes above sea stage, but it surely rests proper on the base of the Topatopa Mountains, and the peaks are a quintessential a part of the city’s id. Numerous vacationers come to witness a “pink second” — when the already reddish mountains glow pink and orange, due to refracting mild from the solar setting on the horizon of the Pacific Ocean (simply 15 miles from city). Take a stroll within the Ojai Meadows Protect for a pure respite.

Truckee

Not that way back, I knew Truckee as that place close to Lake Tahoe with good fly fishing. That is still true, however you don’t should fish to take pleasure in the great thing about this (rising) mountain city with a inhabitants of about 17,000. Stroll the historic downtown for antiques, artwork, and extra, all whereas the adjoining Truckee River supplies a pure soundtrack. For peak and lake views, head to Donner Memorial State Park. Within the winter, ski or snowboard on the close by Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is essentially the most built-up city on this record, with Starbucks areas, a restaurant by the Voltaggio brothers, a seven-story Westin, and extra. And but the vacation spot retains loads of magic. It’s a ski lover’s paradise within the winter, with miles of epic terrain; go to in the summertime or early fall to hike a number of of its lakes (the 5 lakes inside its bounds give it its title). It doesn’t matter what time of yr you come, a dip in a pure scorching spring is essential — ask a neighborhood for his or her favourite and head that means.

Oak Glen

One other California mountain city identified for apples? Set within the San Bernardino Mountains (like Huge Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead), Oak Glen is dwelling to acres of apple orchards, bed-and-breakfasts, and a household enjoyable park. Head to Los Rios Rancho for seasonal pick-your-own experiences and have a slice of pie at Apple Annie’s — big and domed like a mountain itself, Apple Annie’s signature pie may feed a dozen diners.

Bishop

A excessive desert city at simply over 4,000 toes, Bishop has an unbeatable backdrop within the Japanese Sierras, a veritable playground for out of doors adventurers. As such, Bishop is usually used as a recreation hub. See what Muir himself liked about this area by trekking half or the entire beautiful Bishop Cross Path (about 11 miles out and again) or Little Lakes Valley Path. Different must-sees embody the Historic Bristlecone Pine Forest and the boulder-filled and otherworldly panorama that’s Alabama Hills, each inside driving distance.

Grass Valley

Step again in time with a go to to this historic gold rush city, which you’ll discover about one hour northeast of Sacramento. There’s extra wine than gold to be discovered right here in the present day, however remnants of its mining historical past abound, from Empire Mine State Historic Park to the superbly restored Holbrooke Lodge. Go wine tasting proper on the town or do your analysis and drive the Nevada County foothill roads to a couple native wineries with fairly tasting rooms.

Wrightwood

The San Gabriel Mountains cross Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and Wrightwood — at 6,200 toes in elevation and about 80 miles from L.A. — is a small mountain city Angelenos usually select for a straightforward snow day. Ski or snowboard at Mountain Excessive Resort within the winter, go to Grizzly Cafe anytime of yr for a hearty breakfast, and hunt for treasure at Alice’s Classic Cottage.

Mount Shasta

At 14,179 toes, Mount Shasta is the fifth-tallest peak within the Golden State, and the eponymous city 9 miles from it makes for an important mountain escape. Hike in pristine wilderness, go for a dip in Lake Siskiyou or Fort Lake, or get on a speeding river with a native clothes shop. Caffeinate at Principle Espresso, and take into account Summit Lofts for those who’re staying in a single day on the town.

Bridgeport

Roughly a midpoint between the aforementioned Truckee and Bishop, Bridgeport is off the overwhelmed California path for certain — it’s the Mono County seat and boasts a inhabitants of about 500 individuals. Soak within the mineral-rich waters of close by Travertine Scorching Springs and observe a decaying mining city at Bodie State Historic Park. This area is especially lovely within the fall, when the leaves of willow, cottonwood, and aspen timber change coloration.

Lake Arrowhead

Nearly 80 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is yet one more straightforward mountain getaway for residents of SoCal’s largest metropolis. There are many cabin leases accessible, together with many proper on the lake. Wander Lake Arrowhead Village — Jetties is a high decide for waterfront eating and drinks — and for those who’ve bought youngsters with you, SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a blast year-round; there’s a seasonal curler/ice rink, zip lining, axe throwing, archery, and extra at this mountain leisure park.

Felton

Although it’s nearly 20 minutes from seaside Santa Cruz, the city of Felton offers off robust mountain vibes. When you arrive within the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, stroll in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or journey a historic practice beneath the boughs of those beautiful timber. Redwood Grove Loop Path is one other must-do tour; after trekking, go wine tasting at Hallcrest Vineyards and discover the lovable retailers and eateries close by.