HGTV has named California’s U.S. 395 east of Stockton in the Sierra as one of the most popular road trips in the united States,and fall is a stunning time to take in its breathtaking beauty and outdoor recreation.
HGTV, the media network focused on home and life topics, had this to say about the road:
“If you love the great outdoors, US Route 395 is the perfect drive. The California stretch may not get as much hype as the famed Pacific Coast Highway, but it’s a gateway to bucket-list scenic destinations such as Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe,” HGTV saeid.
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Fall color map: California’s best leaf peeping destinations
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The Sierra foothills are always popular road trip destinations, from Highway 88, 41, 108 and 120. Using the two forecasting sites, as example, take a drive east up Highway 108; 30 miles east of Sonora, stop at Pinecrest Lake, grab a bite at the Steam Donkey Restaurant and admire the always lovely lake.
Dodge Ridge Ski Resort is just 3 miles above the lake, with fall activities and good food, readying for the coming ski season. Continue up 108; you’ll pass through the 2018 Donnell Fire area, which scorched both sides of the highway, leaving only the sign of the historic Dardanelle Resort, and, using the fall color sites, locate areas where aspen, poison oak and other high mountain trees and shrubs are painting the valley sides with yellow, red and fuchsia colors.
Stop for wine tasting in historic gold rush Murphys
On Highway 4,stop at Murphys for its always quaint and historic gold rush downtown,with plenty of wine tasting options. Just above Murphys, visit Ironstone Vineyards, where you’ll discover the vineyard was formerly Kramer Ranch, a 1,500-acre cattle ranch owned by John Kautz’s spouse’s family.
Kautz, a second generation Lodian with several thousand acres of vineyards in the valley, aimed to make a showplace vineyard and winery in the foothills. The winery began construction in 1990, opened in 1994, and is one of the grandest of wineries.
With 100 acres devoted to vineyards,and 14 acres maintained as gorgeous gardens (a wedding favorite),a year ago we found Ironstone’s trees surrounding the winery’s small lake awash in fall colors. Visit Ironstone’s museum and find artifacts, pictures and good explanation of early Native American culture in the area and the early prospectors – visitors will also gaze in awe at the 44 pound specimen of crystalline gold.
Higher on Highway 4, find both Bear Valley Resort and Silver Lake, some of the top fall color destinations; Bear Valley offers overnight lodging, fall activities and fine food.
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HGTV’s Most Popular road Trips in the US
Jobs Peak towers above the scenic valley that’s home to Minden and Gardnerville in Nevada and is traversed by U.S. 395.
What are HGTV’s most popular road trips in the United States?
HGTV named 25 Most Popular Road Trips in the US:
- California’s Pacific Coast Highway: This iconic drive offers stunning ocean views. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Route 66: Experience a slice of Americana. you’ll find quirky roadside attractions.
- blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery. it’s perfect for a relaxing escape.
- Overseas Highway (Florida Keys): Drive over the water! It’s an unforgettable experience.
- Great River Road: Follow the Mississippi River. You’ll discover charming towns along the way.
- Oregon Coast Highway: Rugged coastline and charming towns await. Don’t forget your camera.
- New England Fall Foliage Route: See vibrant autumn colors. It’s best enjoyed in September and October.
- Texas Hill Country Trail: explore wineries and scenic landscapes. It’s a great getaway.
- Arizona’s Apache Trail: A rugged and historic route. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- Utah’s Scenic Byway 12: Red rock canyons and stunning vistas. It’s