California Official Visitor's Guide 2022 - 60

Coachella Valley Vista Point,
overlooking Palm Springs
Scenic Byways
Admire stunning landscapes and explore
historic towns on these roads less traveled
113 TRINITY SCENIC BYWAY
From Redding's grassy valleys to Arcata's
RI
Y S
C B
From Redding's grassy valleys to Arcata's
redwood-lined coast, this route traverses a
landscape that radiates a time-is-irrelevant
vibe. Highway 299 parallels the Wild and
Scenic Trinity River past evergreen forests,
hilltop prairies, and fascinating Gold Rush remains.
You could complete the 140-mile drive
in one day, but why rush? Spend the night in
Weaverville, a town founded on 49ers' golden
dreams, and play around on the sparkling
clear Trinity, where fl y-fi shing, swimming,
kayaking, and rafting opportunities await.
DON'T MISS: Bigfoot ephemera at the
Willow Creek China Flat Museum
114 YUBA-DONNER
SCENIC BYWAY
While the Sierra Nevada high country shows
off epic vistas of towering peaks, the range's
lower elevations exude a more intimate
charm. This 160-mile Scenic Byway takes
you across three forks of the Yuba River and
into friendly, one-stoplight towns-Downieville,
Sierra City, Bassetts, and Sierraville. Stop at
roadside exhibits to learn about the lives of gold
miners, railroad builders, and daring pioneers.
Picnic by an 1860 covered bridge at Freeman's
Crossing. Admire historic barns that dot the
meadows and ranchlands. And allow plenty of
time to explore the towns of Nevada City and
Truckee, both rich with boutiques and eateries.
DON'T MISS: Emigrant Experience exhibits at
into friendly one-s oplight t wns-D wnieville
Sierra Cit
as ett
and Sierr ville Stop at
adside exhibits to learn about the liv s of gold
Donner Memorial State Park
115 CARSON
PASS SCENIC BYWAY
Mother Nature's artwork forms the backdrop
for this 58-mile drive through the Sierra Nevada
Mountains south of Lake Tahoe, a land of
volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, aspen groves, and
river-cut meadows. Get out of the car to hike a
section of the Pacifi c Crest Trail, paddle a kayak
around Silver Lake or Caples Lake, admire
summer wildfl owers and autumn quaking
aspen groves, or stop at the log-cabin visitor
center at Highway 88's summit (8,600 feet).
This region off ers endless opportunities for
hiking, mountain biking, and world-class fi shing,
so plan to stay a few nights at campgrounds or
lodgings near Kirkwood or Hope Valley.
DON'T MISS: Freshly baked cookies at Hope
Valley Cafe
y a f w nights at campgrounds or
116 RIVER ROAD/ROUTE 160
No major highways cross the Sacramento and
San Joaquin River Delta, a web of waterways,
canals, levees, and wetlands that's anchored by
two-block towns, bountiful farms, and yesteryear
saloons. See this laid-back waterworld by
driving the 45-mile Scenic Byway that heads
north from Antioch, ending at Freeport's 1929
drawbridge. Taste fresh tomatoes and peaches
grown in the Delta's rich soil. Visit the all-wooden
city of Locke, built by Chinese immigrants in
1915, and the Dai Loy Museum, once a gambling
house. Peek into the art deco Ryde Hotel, or
reserve a spot for Sunday brunch at the Grand
Island Mansion.
DON'T MISS: Dollar bills tacked to the ceiling
at Al's Place in Locke
This region off ers endle s opportunities f
hiking, mountain biking, and world-class fi shing,
o plan to s
60 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM
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California Official Visitor's Guide 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of California Official Visitor's Guide 2022
