All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day
I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreamin’, on such a winter’s day
The year was 1965 and The Mamas and the Papas were on to something. California Dreamin was a national hit and it seemed like the entire nation was heading west. The romantic idea of grabbing a friend and getting into your car for an adventure infected the nation. Feeling free, discovering the unknown and no restrictive schedule explain the road trip phenomenon. It may have started in the 60’s but it lives on today and no one is safe from the bug.
When it comes to driving the vast expanse of the U.S., it’s hard to ignore the siren call of California. In size it ranks as the third largest state right after Alaska and Texas. Its majestic coastline, beautiful woodlands and mind blowing desert all combine to create a hybrid that’s ripe for exploration. Fantasizing about this wondrous state is common practice and the images on Google alone help explain why one out of every eight Americans calls California home. Navigating the many miles and various terrains by car can be a daunting task, so where do you look for help and how do you decide where you want to concentrate your time?
DK Guides’ Back Roads California helps road trippers plan their itineraries to catch the “must see” destinations throughout the state. Detailed with 24 drives with what to see and do along each one, recommendations for places to stay and eat, detailed maps and practical information, it makes for an exceptional reference tool that will last a lifetime (or at least until the next edition is released!).
If you have a time constraint, choosing two or three drives and sticking to a schedule is probably best. Or just pick one and commit to a full three days to indulge in the scenic beauty that is California. Here are a few gems we found:
Drive 16
Three Rivers to Fresno; Towering Trees and Gaping Gorges.
This drive is in the southern Sierra, home of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National State Parks. Starting at Three Rivers and ending in Fresno, DK Back Roads to California recommends three full days, designating one night each in both parks. Highlights include the famous General Sherman Tree, which is enormous and quite a spectacle! It stands at a humbling 275 ft. (84m). Kings Canyon drops 8,200 ft. (2,499-m) and lies between the Spanish Mountains and the Kings River. Make sure to schedule time to stop for lunch at Anne Lang’s Emporium. It’s a local favorite and sandwiches are made to order. Best time to take this drive is summer through October when the roads are in peak condition.
Ann Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Drive; 559-561-4937
Drive 17
Lone Pine to Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve; Rugged Owens Valley.
This might be one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in California. Snow-capped mountains surround a flat 4,000 ft. (1,200 m) valley creating a scene one can only appreciate in person. It’s an inspiring vista that brings you back to a child-like curiosity when you were hungry for exploration and adventure. During rest stops enjoy hiking the trails to the summit of Mt Whitney, fish for trout in the waters of Twin Lakes or go kite sailing across beautiful June Lake. Total distance is 258 miles and it will take you two to three days minimum.
Drive 18
Mojave to Badwater Basin; Desert Desiderata.
Take this tour in late fall through early spring. The visitors center is open daily but most of the museums operate exclusively during the peak winter months. Schedule three to four days to experience Death Valley National Park, a one of a kind wonder where big-horn sheep roam freely. You may recognize it from a few Hollywood Westerns and the opening scene of Jurassic Park. Gold, brown, pink, red and yellow hues stand out during sunrise and ancient black lava deposits line the hiking trails. Just remember, you’ll get thirsty so stay hydrated! They don’t call it Death Valley for nothing. And Red Rock Canyon State Park is fun to catch along the way.
If you’re still dreaming and not doing like many of us who are unable to carve out time from our hectic schedules, you can still enjoy this book. An afternoon is all you need to peruse the pages and escape to wine country, the Tahoe loop, scenic San Diego or spectacular Yosemite. But if you’re like many of us “dreamin” to spend time in California and ready to roll, DK Guides Back Roads California should be in your hands before you hit the road.
