Sierra National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of California, Sierra National Forest is a natural paradise that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences. Spanning over 1.3 million acres, this national forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

One of the main attractions of Sierra National Forest is its stunning landscapes. From majestic mountains to picturesque lakes and cascading waterfalls, the scenery here is truly awe-inspiring. Hikers and backpackers can explore a vast network of trails that wind through the forest, leading to hidden gems such as the iconic Yosemite Valley and the pristine Ansel Adams Wilderness.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Sierra National Forest provides ample opportunities for solitude and tranquility. Remote camping spots are scattered throughout the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. The peacefulness of the forest is further enhanced by the soothing sounds of wildlife, including the melodious songs of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.

Water lovers will find their paradise in Sierra National Forest, as it is home to numerous lakes and rivers. Bass Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. The nearby Kings River offers thrilling whitewater rafting experiences, while the tranquil San Joaquin River is perfect for kayaking and canoeing.

Sierra National Forest is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts; it is also a sanctuary for wildlife. The forest is home to a diverse range of species, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on guided tours or simply keep a keen eye out for these magnificent creatures while exploring the forest.

In addition to its natural wonders, Sierra National Forest also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The forest is dotted with historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of California's past. From Native American petroglyphs to old logging towns, there is a wealth of history waiting to be discovered.

Alternative names: Established: 1893 (131 years ago)Elevation: 4603 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°14'52"N, 119°20'53"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Sierra National Forest Top Attractions

Sierra National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sierra National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Courtright Reservoir, Fresno Dome, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Courtright Reservoir
Courtright Reservoir is a reservoir in Fresno County, California. The reservoir is at an elevation of 8,170 feet in the Sierra National Forest, in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, bordering the John Muir Wilderness.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Fresno Dome
Fresno Dome is a dominant granite dome rising in isolation above the forest of Soquel Meadow in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County, California. The dome as known to the Mono Indians as "the greeting place".
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake is an artificial lake on Stevenson Creek, in the Sierra National Forest of Fresno County, California. At elevation 5,500 ft, several smaller streams also flow into the lake, and it receives water from the tunnels of Southern California Edison's Big Creek Hydroelectric Project.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Huntington Lake
Huntington Lake is a reservoir in Fresno County, California on Big Creek, located in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 7000 ft.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Peak
Chinese Peak is a summit in Fresno County, California, in the United States. With an elevation of 8,705 feet, Chinese Peak is the 842nd highest summit in the state of California. China Peak ski area is situated on the mountain.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest, of Madera County, California, approximately 14 mi south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The lake is approximately four miles long and one-half mile wide.
Dam
Florence Lake Dam
Florence Lake Dam is a concrete multiple-arch dam on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River, in Fresno County, California in the United States. The 171-foot high dam was designed by John S.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Thomas A Edison
Lake Thomas A Edison is a reservoir in the Sierra National Forest and in Fresno County, California. It is in the Sierra Nevada, and near the Pacific Crest Trail. The reservoir's waters are impounded by Vermilion Valley Dam, which was completed in 1954. The reservoir and dam are part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project.
Bridge
Dinkey Creek Bridge
The Dinkey Creek Bridge, also known as Fresno County Bridge No. 42C-04, is a single-span, timber bowstring arch truss bridge that crosses Dinkey Creek in Fresno County, California, within Sierra National Forest. Built in 1938, it closed to automobile traffic in 1965 and was renovated in 1988 to replace rotting timbers. Designed by T.K.
Dam
Mammoth Pool Dam
Mammoth Pool Dam is a hydroelectric dam located on the San Joaquin River in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, about 45 miles northeast of Fresno. It forms Mammoth Pool Reservoir and lies within the Sierra National Forest.
Park
Nelder Grove
Nelder Grove, formerly known as Fresno Grove when it was within a much larger 19th-century Fresno County, is a Giant sequoia grove located in the western Sierra Nevada within the Sierra National Forest, in Madera County, California.
Dam
Redinger Dam
Redinger Dam is a dam in Fresno County, California. The concrete gravity dam was completed in 1951 as one component of Southern California Edison's Big Creek Hydroelectric Project, a system of 25 dams, nine power plants and supporting tunnels and diversion channels in the upper...
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Teakettle Experimental Forest
The Teakettle Experimental Forest is a part of the Sierra National Forest that is set aside for research into forest ecology. The forest is located 80 kilometres east of Fresno, California, between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks.
37°19'40"N • 119°1'5"W
Mono Hot Springs
Mono Hot Springs is a summer resort and campground at a group of hot springs in Fresno County, central California. It is located within the Sierra National Forest, 70 miles northeast of Fresno via California State Route 168.
37°39'24"N • 119°54'4"W
Ferguson landslide
The Ferguson landslide, also commonly called the Ferguson Slide, is an active landslide in the Merced River canyon in Mariposa County, California, United States. In 2006, rocks and debris slid off Ferguson Ridge, blocking California State Route 140, a primary access road to Yosemite National Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Balls
The Balls are a mountain range within the Sierra Nevada, in Madera County, California. They are "glacier-carved granite domes" and have been described as "looking like smooth scoops of butterscotch ice cream".
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Chowchilla Mountains
The Chowchilla Mountains are a mountain range in Mariposa County, California.
37°15'7"N • 119°10'19"W
Camp Kern
Camp Kern is a Boy Scouts of America summer camp owned and operated by the Southern Sierra Council. Camp Kern is located along the south eastern shore of Huntington Lake in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County, California.
Dam
Wishon Dam
Wishon Dam is a dam in Fresno County, California in the Sierra National Forest, in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It impounds the North Fork Kings River to form Wishon Reservoir.

Day trips

Sierra National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sierra National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Yosemite Valley (Yosemite National Park), Vernal Fall (Yosemite West), Yosemite Falls (Yosemite West).

37 milesNW
National park's iconic glacial valley
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite Valley is a crown jewel of Yosemite National Park, one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the United States. With its dramatic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias...
35 milesN
Cascading waterfall with valley views
Vernal Fall, Yosemite West
Nestled within the majestic landscape of Yosemite National Park, Vernal Fall is a breathtaking waterfall that captivates the hearts of travelers from around the globe. This stunning cascade in California is a powerful testament to the natural beauty that the park has...
38 milesN
Famed, towering mountainside waterfalls
Yosemite Falls, Yosemite West
Yosemite Falls, located in the heart of Yosemite National Park in California, stands as one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. This towering waterfall is one of the tallest in North America and a centerpiece attraction for the millions of...
40 milesSE
Protected area
General Grant Grove
Nestled in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park, General Grant Grove is a majestic testament to the grandeur of nature. This awe-inspiring grove is home to the General Grant Tree, one of the world's largest living trees, and is recognized as the Nation's Christmas...
34 milesN
Cascading waterfall with trails and views
Nevada Fall, Yosemite West
Nevada Fall is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park, near the charming city of Yosemite West, United States. This majestic waterfall is one of California's most spectacular sights, cascading a dramatic 594 feet down into the...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Sierra National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Sierra National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March and June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in January and February.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Sierra National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Sierra National Forest are:

What is the best time to visit Sierra National Forest?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March and June. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.