The phrase ‘High Sierra’ commonly refers to the highest mountain peaks in the U.S.  Located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, as seen all along US Highway 395. The tallest granite ranges protected by Wilderness Areas. No roads, no building, no development.

various types of Sierra lodging

wilderness camps – hike-in access
rustic cabins – big snow country
fishing lodges – river front
historic forest lodges, inns & resorts
lakeside resorts – often closed in winter
tent cabins – summer months only

Listed below is a small selection of Sierra lodges in Calif. The list will grow over time as we add more recommended stays. Follow the links and call ahead for reservations, cuz some of these remote places close seasonally, or they can get damaged during winter storms.

Vaulted ceilings, large windows, huge wooden beams and granite rock fireplaces are typical of interiors inside the large, historic lodges. Hotel rooms, log cabins, maybe a huge dining room and even a bar. Usually no swimming pools; since alpine lakes and rivers abound.

Sierra Lodges can be found on paved access roads, along busy highways or interstates, near railroads, in neighboring small towns, close to hiking trailheads, and always near mountain destinations. Often open during winter months, but not always.

Lodging is super scarce in the wilderness high country. Rustic cabins, community dorms, bunk houses or tent cabins are typical overnight shelter. Daily meals may be provided (when requested in advance). Much desired time frame: June through September, wilderness accommodations can be reserved up to a year in advance, with a hefty fee, of course.

Most popular mountain areas could have seasonal outfitters that provide access to the remote backcountry; usually by horseback, snowmobile, or cross-country skiing. Reservations are needed for such services.

High Elevation Lodges & Cabins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

elevation: 4000′ – 9000′

Overnight lodging in California; alpine country, located high in elevation. Mountain peaks, fire lookouts, cabins, historic inns, guard stations.

The highest of elevations – cabins, lodges, small inns, all in perfect locations, totally immersed in alpine wilderness. Many of these are accessible only half the year, due to deep snow. A few can be reached by snowmobile or snowshoe in winter months. Some also have snow ski resorts nearby.

Lodging in Aspendell, California
elevation 8500′
Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra
Highway CA SR 168
West of Bishop, CA

Lodging in Lone Pine, CA
elevation near 4000′
Mount Whitney Motels
Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra

Lodging in Mammoth Lakes, CA
elevation 7860′
Mammoth Mountain ski resort
Mono Divide, Ansel Adams Wilderness
Eastern Sierra

Lodging in Bucks Lake, CA
Bucks Lake Resorts
Plumas National Forest

Chalet View Lodge
Highway 70 @ Graeagle, CA
Plumas National Forest
East of Quincy, CA

Gray Eagle Lodge
5000 Gold Lake Road
Graeagle, CA

Kit Carson Resort
Silver Lake CA
Carson Pass, Hwy 88
(closes for winter)

Tioga Pass Resort (TPR)
elevation 9000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
East Yosemite NP

High Sierra Camp (HSC)
(horseback or hike-in only)
Giant hiking loop in high country = Tuloumne Meadows, Vogelsang, Lake Merced, Sunrise Camp, May Lake
elevation 9000′ – 12,000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
Within Yosemite NP

Rainbow Tavern & Lodge @ Royal Gorge
Interstate 80 @ Old Route 40
West of Donner Pass
Soda Springs, CA

Lodging in Sierra City, California
elevation 4187′
North Yuba River
Northern Gold Country, Hwy 49

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
elevation 6400′
(closed in winter, sno mo ok)
Gold Lake, CA
Packer Lake Lodge
Sardine Lake
Elwell Lakes Lodge
Bassetts Station
North Gold Country, Hwy 49

Lodging in June Lake Loop, Hwy 158
June Mountain ski resort
Double Eagle Resort, Whispering Pines
N of Mammoth Lakes, CA

Lodging in La Porte, California
elevation 5000′
La Porte Road
East of Yuba City, CA

Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Montecito Lake Resort & Cabins
open year round
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia High Sierra Camp
elevation 8282′
(hike-in only)
Sequoia National Park

Wylder Hope Valley
formerly Sorensen’s Resort Cabins & Cafe
elevation 6000′
South of Lake Tahoe
Hope Valley, CA

Lodging in LAKE TAHOE, California
elevation 6229′
many lodges, inns, condos and resorts
located at Calif & Nevada state border

Truckee Hotel
Donner Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast
Donner Pass I-80
Truckee, CA

Twin Lakes
elevation 7092′
Eastern Sierra @ Bridgeport, CA
Hoover Wilderness access
Toiyabe National Forest

Vermilion Valley Resort
elevation 7643′
(closes for winter)
John Muir Wilderness
JMT = John Muir Trail access
Sierra National Forest
Lake Edison, CA

Washington Hotel
15432 Washington Rd
Washington, CA
530-265-4364
W of Donner Pass
established 1857

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Resort
Vacation Rentals
Plumas National Forest
Graeagle, CA

National Forest Cabins & Fire Lookout Towers

Snow melts from MAY into JUNE. Expect closure or mud on dirt back roads. Wildflowers bloom APRIL through AUGUST in the Sierra Nevada, above 3000′. Autumn arrives with aspens and fall colors in the Eastern Sierra, through OCTOBER.