12-15 day itinerary from Lone Pine

Question

Starting tomorrow, have seen this region already. Back and forth from Lone Pine. Have to pick up my brother here in about 2 weeks. Do not mind distances, and I like nature, culture, adventure and just being a tourist. I have seen the coast north of San Francisco already. Suggestions?

Answer

Starting from Lone Pine and planning a 12-15 day loop focused on nature, culture, adventure, and tourism gives you a lot of flexibility. Since you’ve already covered the northern California coast, I’ll focus on inland routes, national parks, cultural sites, and some unique adventures. I’ll assume you’re open to long drives and backtracking to Lone Pine at the end.

Days 1–3: Eastern Sierra & Mammoth Lakes

Start by exploring the high Sierra near Lone Pine:

Alabama Hills: Iconic rock formations with short hikes; great for sunrise or sunset photography.
Mount Whitney Portal: Even if not hiking to the summit, you can enjoy shorter trails and scenic views.
Mammoth Lakes: Visit Mono Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Hot Creek Geological Site, and take a gondola ride for panoramic mountain views.
Adventure: Kayaking, fishing, or rock climbing options in the area.

Days 4–6: Yosemite National Park

Drive west into Yosemite, taking the Tioga Pass (if open, check seasonal closures). This is an iconic area offering both nature and adventure:

Tuolumne Meadows: Hike to Cathedral Lakes or enjoy scenic drives.
Yosemite Valley: Explore famous spots like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome viewpoints.
Adventure: Consider rock climbing lessons, guided hikes, or even a rafting trip on the Merced River if flows allow.

Days 7–9: Central Sierra & Gold Country

Head northeast to the Sierra Nevada foothills and historic Gold Rush towns:

Columbia State Historic Park or Jamestown: Step back in time with restored buildings and old-time demonstrations.
Historic towns: Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Auburn offer museums, art galleries, and gold rush history.
Nature: Explore Lake Tahoe (west shore for hiking, east shore for less crowded spots) or nearby state parks like Donner Memorial State Park.

Days 10–12: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Head north to Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is less crowded than the Sierra Nevada parks and offers fascinating geothermal features:

Bumpass Hell Trail: Active geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steam vents.
Manzanita Lake: Excellent for easy walks and photography of Lassen Peak.
Adventure: Canoeing or kayaking on the park’s lakes, and moderate hikes to viewpoints of volcanoes and crater lakes.

Days 13–15: Return via Shasta & Northern Adventure

On your way back to Lone Pine, explore the Shasta Cascade region:

Mount Shasta: Hike short trails, explore waterfalls, or just enjoy scenic drives.
Shasta Lake: Boating, kayaking, or even a short cruise to see the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Cultural stops: Visit small towns like Dunsmuir or Redding, check out art galleries and local history museums.

Optional adjustments:

If you want more desert adventure, consider a detour to Bodie State Historic Park, an authentic ghost town east of Yosemite.
If you prefer more coast experience, stop at Mono Lake or the Eastern Sierra fishing spots for a day before looping back.
Depending on energy and pace, you can adjust days in Lassen or Yosemite to allow for more hiking or guided tours.

This itinerary gives a mix of high mountains, volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and outdoor adventure, all while returning to Lone Pine in two weeks. It balances sightseeing, hiking, and some cultural exploration without relying on areas you’ve already visited.

12-15 day itinerary from Lone Pine

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