Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe in California's High Sierra

Sierra Nevada & National Parks

Majestic Mountains, Alpine Lakes, and Natural Wonders

From soaring granite peaks and ancient forests to alpine lakes and volcanic landscapes, California’s Sierra Nevada and northern mountains offer extraordinary natural beauty and year-round adventure. Lake Tahoe beckons with crystal-clear waters and world-class skiing, while Yosemite National Park captivates with towering cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Farther north, Mount Shasta & Trinity Alps Wilderness reveals rugged peaks, pristine rivers, and historic mountain towns. Discover steaming geothermal wonders in Lassen Volcanic National Park, or venture off the beaten path for High Sierra escapes filled with alpine lakes and outdoor adventures. In the southern Sierra, the Sequoia & Kings Canyon Gateway leads to ancient groves of giant sequoias and breathtaking mountain wilderness.

Where to Stay in California's Sierra Nevada

12 Hotels

Fireplace at Black Bear Lodge

Rustic cabins at Black Bear Lodge with river rock stonework, wood railings and landscaped grounds surrounded by tall pine trees.

Main lobby at Black Bear Lodge with leather seating, a stone fireplace, exposed wood beams and large windows overlooking the surrounding pine trees.

Studio guest room at Black Bear Lodge with river rock fireplace, leather armchairs, wood floors and blue mountain mural behind the bed.

Guest suite at Black Bear Lodge with a teal kitchenette and doorway leading to a bedroom with a king bed and blue accent wall.

Black Bear Lodge

South Lake Tahoe$$$

Set among the pines near Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Mountain, this modern alpine lodge pairs cozy guest rooms and cabins with fireside appeal.

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Charming brick cottage at The Cottage Inn illuminated at dusk, featuring dormer windows, wooden shutters, outdoor seating and towering pine trees.

Rustic guest room at The Cottage Inn featuring a bed with a colorful patchwork quilt, stone fireplace, wooden walls, nautical decorations and striped armchair.

Cozy guest room at The Cottage Inn featuring a king bed with blue patterned bedding, stone fireplace, striped armchair, wood-paneled walls and hardwood floors.

Rustic cottages at The Cottage Inn surrounded by tall pine trees, featuring warm exterior lighting, wooden entry doors, stone chimneys and private porch seating.

Breakfast spread with fresh fruit, yogurt and pastries beside a vase of flowers in The Cottage Inn lounge, overlooking snow-covered grounds through large windows.

The Cottage Inn at Lake Tahoe

Tahoe City$$$

Beneath the pines on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, a charming collection of historic cottages offers cozy fireplaces, breakfast, and private beach access.

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Donner Lake Inn-Front exterior

Guest room at Donner Lake Inn

Guest Room_Bathroom at the Donner Lake Inn

Guest room at Donner Lake Inn

Great room at Donner Lake Inn

Donner Lake Inn

Truckee$$

Nestled in the pines just steps from Donner Lake, this cozy, family-friendly lodge provides easy access to year-round Sierra adventures.

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McCloud Mercantile Hotel

Shasta Wintu Suite at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel

Rustic sitting area at McCloud Mercantile with wood-paneled walls, a wicker loveseat with fur pillows, wooden daybed and glass-top coffee table.

Shasta Wintu Suite Bath

Shasta Wintu Suite at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel

McCloud Mercantile Hotel

McCloud$$$

History-themed rooms, soaring ceilings, and inviting shops downstairs create a distinctive mountain stay in McCloud’s 1895 mercantile building.

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The Groveland Hotel at Sunrise

Outdoor patio at The Groveland Hotel with dining tables and chairs beneath string lights, surrounded by mature trees and garden greenery.

Groveland Hotel Outdoor Patio in the Evening with Guests enjoying music

Groveland Hotel Wine + Appetizers

The Groveland Hotel

Groveland$$$

This authentic Gold Rush-era hotel—one of California’s oldest—blends historic character with modern comfort near Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance.

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McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast Inn

McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn Exterior

Fireplace at McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn

The living room of the McCaffrey House

Dining Room at the McCaffrey House

McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Twain Harte$$

Nestled among towering pines near Twain Harte, this intimate mountain inn offers forest-view rooms, warm hospitality, and hearty homemade breakfasts.

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Special Offers & Experiences in California's Sierra Nevada

Fall into Yosemite

The Groveland Hotel

Fall into Yosemite offers 15% off a two-night stay at the historic Groveland Hotel, plus a $25 dining or gift-shop credit. The hotel is in downtown Groveland, approximately a 30- minute scenic drive from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, giving travelers a character-rich base for fall color, hiking, and mountain-town dining.

Expires: November 30, 2026

Sunset in Yosemite Valley with a rock-strewn creek in the foreground and towering granite cliffs in the background

Sierra Nevada & National Parks

Discover Destinations in California's Sierra Nevada