Kirkwood Mountain Resort

California Gold Country holds an incredible amount of history, beautiful outdoor activities, alpine lakes, hiking, food, wine, & more. In my opinion, this section of Highway 49 is the best road trip in the West. The entire 49 is amazing, but in case you're short on time, this guide focuses on my favorite section of it. This guide holds everything you need for a 3-5 day trip in this region. It includes information on hikes, swimming spots, small towns, wine, food, history, accommodation, camping, and more. That amount of time will leave you space to have at least one full outdoors day, one full wine & food day, and some other activities in between. It's a great trip for someone like me who likes getting dirty & spending time outside and in the backcountry, but also likes really good food and some of the best wine California has to offer. There's something for everyone on this trip. You can walk on a dirt trail for an hour and a half, see wildflowers, swim, go wine tasting, learn about history, and more. This trip can be done any time of year. If you visit in the winter, you may want to sub out some skiing for swimming & some of the hikes might be inaccessible without snowshoes or XC skis. If you go in the middle of summer, it will be hot at lower elevations, but still amazing. Spring will give you some incredible wildflowers. ‌This area is less frequented & should be appreciated. It's a great trip if you're looking to escape the crowds. This trip can easily be done as an add-on to Lake Tahoe or Sacramento. Use this guide as a set itinerary, or draw from it to create your own trip!

Winter in California’s Eastern Sierras is a wonderland of snowy peaks, natural hot springs, scenic viewpoints, and cozy mountain towns perfect for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. This itinerary (with 100+ spots) takes you through some of the region’s best highlights, from breathtaking viewpoints like Mono Lake’s surreal formations & snowy Convict Lake, to soothing hot springs tucked in peaceful valleys. Enjoy exhilarating days on the slopes at Mammoth Mountain and Heavenly, then unwind at charming lodges and savor hearty meals in rustic eateries. Whether you're here to ski, soak, sightsee, or savor local flavors, this Eastern Sierras winter itinerary promises a memorable alpine escape. Unlock this guide for access to: ❄️ Viewpoints & Points of Interest ♨️ Hot Springs ⛷️ Ski Resorts 🛌 Accommodations 🍽 Places to eat (breakfast, lunch + dinner options) ❗️ Complimentary future updates *Please Note: Make the most of your road trip by planning accordingly for snowy weather so you can focus on having fun. Carry chains & a winter weather kit in your vehicle to remove snow, stay warm, and have plenty of extra food & water. And, of course, always plan your trip around clear weather and driving conditions.

Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of Lake Tahoe! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things Lake Tahoe for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of: ☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries 🌮 Local cuisine 🏛️ Museums of all kinds 🌳 Gardens & parks 🛏️ Boutique hotels 🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access! Notes: Best to visit June & July (weather in 70s), winter better for skiing.