The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is an 82.7-mile (133.1 km) route through the Sierra National Forest in the U.S. state of California. Many examples of the Sierra’s most distinctive granite domes, meadows and glacial valleys can be seen along the way. The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway begins two miles (3 km) north of the foothill community of North Fork, climbing the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range until its crest, and finally dropping back down into the foothills near Oakhurst.
 Sierra Vista National Forest Scenic Byway National Forest Scenic Byway | |
|---|---|
 Map of the Sierra National Forest with the Sierra Vista NFSB highlighted in blue | |
| Route information | |
| Maintained by U.S. Forest Service | |
| Length | 82.7 mi[1] (133.1 km) |
| Existed | July 14, 1989 [2]–present |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Highway system | |
The byway is currently closed because of damage from fires and storms. The US Forest Service anticipates completing repairs by the end of summer 2024.[3]
Route description
editThe byway begins on Forest Service Road 81 (FS 81) and continues north, loosely paralleling the San Joaquin River. The designation continues west on FS 7; the initial part of it is a dirt road. FS 7 eventually becomes paved again; however, the byway continues southwest onto Sky Ranch Road, which is FS 10 and is initially unpaved. The byway ends at SR 41.[4][5]
The route is generally open June through October and takes approximately 5 hours to drive.[1]
History
editIt was designated a National Forest Scenic Byway on July 14, 1989.[2]
Points of interest
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Globe Rock
editGlobe Rock is a large granodiorite, semispherical boulder resting atop a small granodiorite perch. It once served as a gathering place of the Mono Indians as seen by the many acorn grinding mortars in the surrounding granite. Theodore Roosevelt was once photographed here. Globe Rock is a corestone that was formed in place by spheroidal weathering and later exposed by the erosion of the saprolite that once enclosed it.
Jones Store
editJones Store is a historic, seasonal country store in the Sierra Nevada, located 14 miles from Bass Lake along Beasore Road, at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet. Established in 1936, the store originated to cater to the needs of cattle drivers during their seasonal migrations between valley and mountain grasslands.
Fresno Dome
editFresno Dome is a large granite dome that rises from the forest above Soquel Meadow. It is the last designated landmark on the route.
See also
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References
edit- ^ a b "Sierra Vista Scenic Byway". American's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ^ a b "Sierra Vista Scenic Byway: Official Designations". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ^ Hussain, Judi (February 16, 2024). "Scenic Byway Association Holds Status Meeting". Sierra News Online. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Exploring the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ^ "Sierra Vista Scenic Byway: Map". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
External links
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- The Grizzly Century Bicycle Rally is an annual charity event that climbs over 10,000 vertical feet of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- USDA Forest Service Guide to the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway