SIERRA HERITAGE SCENIC BYWAY -
The Sierra Heritage National Scenic Byway is a member of the National Scenic Byway System. This designated route ties the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the eight foothill and mountain communities. The route climbs to 9,000 feet in elevation from the San Joaquin Valley to within viewing distance of Kaiser, Dink Lakes, Ansel Adams and the John Muir Wilderness Areas. The Byway is approximately 70 miles long and takes about 4 hours to drive.
The Byway is open year round from Old Town Clovis to the Huntington Lake Recreation Area. During the winter season, the portion from Huntington Lake to White Bark Vista is closed due to the snow. Always check on road and weather conditions before leaving.
Prather (1500') -
Up Highway 168 is the small community of Prather. This is a nice stop to get refreshments and stretch. It has several restaurants and shops to browse through. Prather has special events throughout the year such as craft fairs and sidewalk sales. Stop in at the Forest Service Office as they have maps, information and a wonderful book selection.
Pineridge (4500') -
Stopping at Vista Point you can look out over the San Joaquin Valley where once there were logging mills and apple orchards. In the spring the hills are covered with Wildflowers. If you look uphill towards Pineridge School, you are looking at part of the 40 mile route of the Shaver Flume, which once transported logs from Shaver to the mills in Clovis.
Shaver Lake (5600') -
Shaver has a historical museum telling about the logging activities and how the dam was built back in 1927. Fishing is always good at Shaver, catching Rainbow Trout and Kokanee.
Huntington Lake (7000') -
Huntington Lake is ranked as one of the top sailing lakes int he state of California. During the summer months the lake has several sailboat races and many more water activities. Fishing, canoeing and even water skiing are done on this alpine lake. There are numerous hiking trails in the area. The Forest Service offers guided nature walks and campfire programs during the summer.
Kaiser Pass Road (9200') -
About 1 mile before the White Bark Vista turnoff, Kaiser Pass Road turns into a one lane very narrow road. It is suitable for passenger car. Note the sign of the sled dogs graves at the turnoff. The views are spectacular, from forested timber areas to alpine meadows to granite peaks of the Pacific Crest. From White Bark Vista you are able to see the John Muir, Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas.
