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Welcome to the soaring Sierra Mountains of California



Snow Boarder Cabin in the woods
View of the peaks in Summer


The Sierra Mountains of California are ruggedly beautiful and a nature lover's paradise. There are a few pass roads over the top which are usually closed in winter. The Sierras offer wonderful kiking, skiing, rock climbing and campling is certain designated places. But not much fine food or upscale hostelries. Rustic facilities are the norm keeping man close to nature and regulating man's impact upon nature or dreary motels.

But there are a few high end places not all of which are co-operative in allowing our coverages.

We will divide the Sierras into the East and West sides for simplicity. The West side is reached via US 99 while the East side is reached mainly by US 395. Both are fairly fast roads. The two can be spanned by US 58 between Bakersfield and Mojave on the southern part of the range. To the North, US 50 runs from Sacramento to US 395 at Carson City.

On the East side, Mammoth Lakes in the high California Sierras is one of the loveliest mountain districts in the world whether you are there in the winter or summer. About 5 hours driving north of Los Angles, it has fantastic down hill and cross country skiing in the winter and wonderful hiking, back packing, trail riding, fishing, boating and much more in the summer.

Mono Lake is also on the East side.

Yosemite National Part is a tourist and naturalist destination famous for its falls. There is a camp site but be sure to book well in advance. Access is on either side.
Peaks above the Lakes

To read a full review, click on either the photo, the name or the pot below-

Eastern Sierra

Mammoth Lakes

Go To Alpenrose

"The Lakefront Restaurant" of Tamarack Lodge , Mammoth Lakes, California, USA

Really fine cuisine of French chef Frederic Pierrel in this rustic lodge at the feet of some of the lovliest of mountain terrain in California. Sort of a mix of modern Californian with that of Provence. Some dishes rich while others are light and delicately balanced. Some guild the lilly; others do not. Deserves a visit. Desserts less than overwhelming.
Three Chef Rating.

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Go To Alpenrose

The Alpen Rose Restaurant, Mammoth, California, USA

New young Chef Brian Bryan Doi is working "Fusion" magic with a twist in the kitchens of this long established restaurant in Mammoth Lakes. Some new renditions of classic dishes with some entirely new dishes straight from the fertile imagination of this talented chef. A "must visit" for any trip to Mammoth.
Two and a half Chef Rating.

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Lee Vining - Mono Lake

Mono Inn

The Mono Inn & Ansel Adams Gallery, Lee Vining, California, USA

Good food, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, GREAT view of Mono Lake at sunset and home of the Ansel Adams Gallery. Both gallery and restaurant owned and run by the grand daughter of Ansel Adams, Sarah Adams. Worth a stop for all the reasons above.
One Chef Rating.

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Western Sierra

Oakhurst (nr. Fresno)

Go To Alpenrose

Le Château du Sureau****, Oakhurst, California, USA

A stay at Le Château du Sureau is to experience the closest thing to a stay at a deluxe country Château hotel in rural France but with the treasures of the glorious Sierras at your feet and no air flights necessary. Old world French interiors, large comfy beds many 4 posters, rooms with fireplaces, superb food, peaceful, lovely gardens and wooded hillside retreats. Fabulous new Art Deco spa with every amenity. Separate private mini-château set in the woods for total privacy.
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Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant, Oakhurst, California, USA

The restaurant is part of Le Château du Sureau (above) and was established first. Erna is a fine chef who handed over her kitchens to the fine chef Overbaugh. In business since 1984, Erna has put world class cuisine on the map high in the Wester Sierras where you can stay the night after a fine meal.
Three and a half Chef Rating
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No copying, reuse or partial reproduction permitted without written permission by the authors, Peter and Linda D'Aprix.

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