The first in this new series was released on June 22, 2006. Entitled Exploring The Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway, this 160-page book describes a 100-mile long (mostly paved) scenic byway that starts at North Fork, near the exact geographical center of California, making a loop up to the southern boundary of Yosemite National Park, and ending at Oakhurst. Along the way, the reader will drive through deep forests of fir and pine to see the deep gorges of the San Joaquin River, the magnificent crest of the Sierra Nevada, and Yosemite-like granite domes rounded by glaciation and weathering. There are geologic oddities, such as a natural arch and Globe Rock, an immense perfectly rounded sphere resting on a bedrock outcrop. There are also historic stone and log cabins for the visitor to explore. The guide also includes a dozen short side trips off the byway, where easy hiking trails lead through groves of mighty sequoia trees, to the top of Fresno Dome, and to the crash site of a World War II fighter aircraft. The four-wheeler need not despair, for we have also included two 4-WD side trips, one to Iron Lakes, the other to Rock Creek Falls. |
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