Drive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Drive this 100-mile stretch of road and you immediately get a feel for what California looked like about as many years ago. The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway sits between Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and passes by granite domes, glaciated peaks, and high mountain meadows. To embrace the time-machine theme, stop at the Jesse Ross Cabin from the 1860s and Jones’ Store, which still doesn’t have electricity (but does have great pie). Take the drive when you go see the Sierra’s summer wildflowers, or to embark on a classic California rafting adventure.