Scenic Journey from Santa Cruz Mountains to Mammoth Lakes (3/18)
Embark on a breathtaking drive through California’s diverse landscapes, starting in the lush Santa Cruz Mountains and heading inland toward the awe-inspiring Eastern Sierra. This route guides you from rolling coastal hills through the agricultural heartland of the Central Valley, before climbing into the dramatic Sierra Nevada. Highlights include panoramic views near Pacheco Pass, serene Merced River valleys, and unforgettable vistas as you approach Yosemite’s northern entrance. Continue along Tioga Pass Road, where granite domes and alpine meadows offer postcard-perfect moments. The drive then descends past June Lake’s turquoise waters and finishes in the outdoor paradise of Mammoth Lakes, set against the backdrop of towering peaks. This journey is ideal for travelers seeking natural beauty, charming towns, and opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks, view wildlife, and explore hidden gems along the way.
| Author | Travel mode | Distance | Duration | Countries | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Hedges / AH |
Driving | 438km (16đź“Ť) | 5:58 | 🇺🇸 | GPX, KML |
Route photos
Related routes
- Scenic Southern California: From LAX to the Pacific Coast Vistas (1/18)
- Pacific Coast Scenic Drive: Ventura to Watsonville (2/18)
- Scenic Journey from Santa Cruz Mountains to Mammoth Lakes (3/18)
- Sierra to Vegas: The Scenic Desert Drive (4/18)
- Southwest Utah Scenic Wonders Drive (5/18)
- The Scenic Wonders of Utah: From Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley (6/18)
- Four Corners to the San Juan Skyway: A Scenic Southwest Expedition (7/18)
- Scenic Journey Through the San Juan Mountains to Taos (8/18)
- Enchanted Highlands Drive: From Taos to Amarillo (9/18)
- Explore the Heart of the Texas Panhandle: From Amarillo to Oklahoma Scenery (10/18)
- Route 66 Scenic Drive: Oklahoma City to Arkansas Border (11/18)
- Ozark Highlands Scenic Drive (12/18)
- Discover the Scenic Arkansas to Memphis Drive (13/18)
- Natchez Trace Parkway: Scenic Journey Through History and Nature (14/18)
- From Nashville to the Blue Ridge Foothills: Scenic Tennessee to Georgia Drive (15/18)
- Scenic North Georgia to Western North Carolina Mountain Drive (16/18)
- Great Smoky Mountains & Cherohala Skyway Scenic Drive (17/18)
- Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive: Smoky Mountains to Blowing Rock (18/18)