Geotourism Mapguide: A travel guide to the places most respected and recommended by locals.
(
 
)
 
  Scenic Byways or Routes
Share |
Add to My Favorites
Share a Comment

Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway

A lightly clouded blue sky peaks over the heavily forested banks of Huntington Lake.

Photo © Sue Exline, USDA FS

The Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway (California Route 168) features a range of recreation opportunities, historic tours, and scenic views of mountains and valleys.

The Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway was designated a Forest Service Scenic Byway in 1992.

From resort towns to recreation areas, historic tours to impressive views, the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway is a drive that includes recreation for every personality. This 70-mile byway is as fun-filled as it is beautiful, offering views of mountain and valley as you drive the route.

The Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway begins in the town of Clovis, a suburb of Fresno. All the excitement of a city vacation is offered in Clovis, where you can go antiquing, shopping, and take historic walking tours. Continue your journey on Highway 168 to the border of the Sierra National Forest. Explore Shaver Lake, and enjoy the great outdoors. This area will provide lodging, horseback riding, skiing, camping, fishing, and mountain biking to name a few.

Farther east on the byway, find Huntington Lake, where boating, fishing, camping, skiing, and snowboarding make up the area's four-season recreation. This area nestled in the Sierras is comprised of beautiful alpine views and abundant wildlife.

The route ends in the Kaiser Wilderness in Sierra Canyon. From here, end your journey by checking out the region's famed hiking trails. From each trail, adventure is just around the corner. Do a little research beforehand, and be armed with fishing gear or picnic supplies and make the most of your day's climb.

Length of Byway or Route: 70.0 miles

Driving Directions

This byway is located in the Central Valley and High Sierra Regions of California, beginning northwest of Fresno at the junction of Highway 145 and Highway 168. Follow 168 north past Clovis, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake. The byway ends at the Kaiser Wilderness Area.

Allow 4 hours to drive the byway.

Highlights and Key Points Along the Route

The Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway begins in Old Town Clovis, a suburb of Fresno. Clovis, the "gateway to the Sierras," offers shopping, antique stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. During the holiday season, one can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride.

The byway leaves Clovis and travels up the western slope of the Sierras, through the Sierra National Forest. Shaver Lake offers lodging, horseback riding, skiing, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.

Enjoy boating, fishing, camping, skiing, wildlife viewing, and alpine views in the Huntington Lake area. Sailboat races are held throughout the summer.

The byway ends at 9,000 feet at Kaiser Pass Meadow and the Kaiser Wilderness Area. This area is known for hiking trails and rock climbing. White Bark Vista has a half mile nature trail.

For More Information, Contact:

High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/recreation/
29688 Auberry Rd , Prather, CA 93651
559-855-5360

No comments have been made about this nomination. Be the first to add a comment!

We encourage healthy dialogue and interaction. Please include your first and last name. Comments must be accurate, family-friendly, based on personal experience and relevant to all travelers. Comments with profanity, threats, personal insults, or commercialized content will be deleted. Thank you.

Sierra Nevada MapGuide Sponsor >
Northern Sierra Partnership

Boundaries and names shown do not necessarily reflect the map policy of the National Geographic Society.

Longitude: -119.700636900
Latitude: 36.826496900
Elevation: 362 FT (110 M)
Meet the Contributor:
Kristen Thrall
_
 
49 Miles Along Highway 49 - A Historic Driving Tour: Yuba Pass to Oregon Creek
The 49 Miles Along Highway 49 Historic Driving Tour guides you along one of the most scenic and...
 
Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway
The Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway follows California State Route 168 and Forest Service Road...
 
Buffalo Soldiers Scenic Route
The Buffalo Soldiers Scenic Route in Sequoia National Park takes you through the edge of one of...
 
California U.S. Highway 40, Truckee
Old U.S. Highway 40 stretches from New Jersey to California, and with Route 66, was one of...
 
Deer View
If you love exploring and history, you must experience this scenic drive and hike through the...
Download the Mobile MapGuide