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| Welcome to American
Scenic Highways |
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National Scenic
Byways and All-Americans Roads so designed by our
government. Federal Highway Administration
California highway number one beauty spot Big Sur area on the coast
just a few miles south of San Francisco. If you have the
time or do not have the time, take the time and have an
experience of a life time and see the beauty of California
coast, Do not hurry, take your time, visit the beaches.
Americanscenichighways.com
Follow Route One through the Big Sur area and take in the
California coast the way it is meant to be experienced. From
rocky embankments jutting into the clear blue waters of the
Pacific to sea lions and other marine life playing in the
coves and on the beaches, Big Sur is arguably the best way
to appreciate the natural wonders of the western coast.
While Big Sur's beaches hardly resemble the vast stretches
of sun-baked sand that dot Southern California's easily
accessible coastline, they do offer the visitor a wide
variety of recreational possibilities. Even during the
summer, Big Sur's beaches are subject to generally cool
weather. Sunny days are sporadic as a blanket of seasonal
fog often hugs the coastline, dropping the temperature in
the process. To be prepared, bring a change of warm clothes.
Also, bring a pair of sturdy shoes -- Big Sur's beaches
require at least a short hike.
Private property and Big Sur's steep terrain make most of
its coastline inaccessible to the public. Fortunately for
the visitor, however, several State Park and US Forest
Service beaches are open to the public all year. These
beaches are recommended due to easy access and
spine-tingling scenery. Located 23 miles south of Carmel,
Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park on the
Big Sur Coast. A wide, scenic, mile-long path leads to a
sandy beach that is sheltered from the wind by a large bluff
to the north. The path itself is as much a delight as the
beach, taking you through a meadow filled with wildflowers
and sycamore trees and offering fine views of the coastal
mountain range to the east. The path parallels the Big Sur
River, which enters the sea adjacent to Molera's beach.
Although Pfeiffer Beach is Big Sur's most popular coastal
access point, this beach is hard to find if you've never
been to it before. The trick is locating unmarked Sycamore
Canyon Road. Here's a tip: Sycamore Canyon Road is the only
paved, ungated road west of Highway One between the Big Sur
post office and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Once you find
the turnout, make a very sharp turn. Then follow the road
for about two miles until it ends. Drive carefully -- this
is a narrow and winding road and is unsuitable for trailer
traffic. From a large parking area at the end of the road, a
short, well-marked path leads to the beach. Cliffs tower
above this stretch of sand, and a large arch-shaped rock
formation just offshore makes for some dazzling sunsets.
Just a mile south of the US Forest Service Station in
Pacific Valley and 14 miles north of the San Luis Obispo
County line is Sand Dollar Beach. From a large parking lot
across Highway One from Plaskett Creek Campground, a
well-built stairway leads to a crescent-shaped beach that is
protected from the wind by bluffs. Sand Dollar offers
visitors the widest expanse of sand along the Big Sur Coast,
and possibly the mildest weather. Standing on the beach and
looking northeast, towering 5,155-foot Cone Peak is visible.
For an interesting side-trip, visit Jade Cove, which is
located two miles south of Sand Dollar Beach. Big Sur's
south coast is famous for its jade reserves, and Jade Cove
is a popular spot for beachcombers and rockhounds
Big Sur is known for its peaceful atmosphere and tranquil
setting. This makes it the perfect camping destination. Kirk
Creek and Plasket Creek are two of the most beautiful spots
on the entire coastline, and both are prime RV or tent
camping locations. For those who want to get away from the
road, Andrew Molera Campground offers hike-in campsites.
Mild climate and diverse terrain make hiking in Big Sur
another popular activity. Whether you are looking for an
exciting outing for the family, an escape from the daily
grind, or a romantic trip overlooking beautiful landscapes,
you will find it while hiking Big Sur.
With views of rugged canyons and steep sea cliffs, granite
shorelines and windswept cypress trees, majestic redwood
forests and pristine coastline, you will feel the urge do
nothing but sit back and relax. Find yourself rejuvenated by
the warm breeze and romantic views. Play on the patches of
sandy beach that dot the coastline, or swim in one of the
secluded coves. Relax at a fine restaurant with a delicious
meal, or picnic on one of the beaches. No matter what you
choose to do in Big Sur, you will be sure to have a relaxing
getaway that you will never forget.
Now when I heard about this, what a name, this can not be
much, Boy! was I mistaken.
Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road takes you on a potentially epic
journey through the nation's first federally protected area.
Traveling through the home of the largest living beings, the
tallest exposed chunk of granite, and some of the most
spectacular scenery in the world, a trip down the Byway
should reside near the top of every US traveler's must-do
list. Originally set aside by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and
later named the second National Park in 1872, Yosemite
National Park boasts rich historical value in addition to
the obvious scenic values and recreation opportunities in
the valley. Bring your camera, bike, climbing gear,
snowboard, or kayak, because whatever your outdoor passion,
you'll find the perfect place along the Byway to indulge;
regardless of the season.
A casual explorer discovers countless wonders within minutes
of the Byway. Stroll among the giant sequoias in Toulumne
Grove. These 30-foot thick monoliths testify to thousands of
years worth of experience. In the springtime, cool off in
the spray created by countless roadside waterfalls or take
one of the quick half-mile hikes to Bridal Veil Falls or
Yosemite Falls. Go on a rafting trip down the gentle Merced
River and see the valley from a fresh perspective or spend
the afternoon on one of the river's sandy beaches while the
kids play in a swimming hole. If that's not enough, stop in
at Yosemite Village and participate in mule rides, art
classes, campfire programs, live shows, and countless other
historical and cultural activities for everyone in your
family.
Though the views of massive spring waterfalls and soaring
granite cliffs from Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road never fail
to inspire awe, the busy season often finds the sites
closest to the Byway crowded with tourists. The majority of
visitors rarely stray from the road, however, so a
half-hour's hike down any trail results in quiet communion
with nature; and trails abound. For the adventurous, take
the 14-mile round trip hike to Cloud's Rest. The trail
begins at the midpoint of the Byway at Tenaya Lake and ends
on a tiny precipice with sheer cliffs on three sides. Stand
atop Cloud's Rest and take in the awe-inspiring views of
Yosemite's iconic granite domes and dense conifer forests
surrounding you.
Many travelers head to Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road seeking
a more strenuous vacation, following a philosophy that a
true retreat from the office requires epic forays in wild
areas, tempting danger and risking injury while pushing
their own limits. These explorers find a surplus of
opportunities along the Byway. Rock climbers from all over
the world converge on Camp 4 near the base of El Capitan to
tackle the massive granite face of the tallest piece of
granite on earth. Snowboarders and downhill skiers enjoy
mild temperatures and pristine snow at Badger Pass Ski
Resort, the first ski resort in the Sierras. A few visitors
tackle all 211 miles of the John Muir Trail, ending at the
top of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48
states.
Regardless of your motivation, a trip along Tioga Road/Big
Oak Flat road takes you through sixty-four miles of
consistently inspiring beauty, culturally significant sites,
and a bounty of recreational opportunity.
Who would really think that sand some brush and being hotter
than Hadies would be a place of interest, but it is and has
an awesome beauty that is difficult to describe, so
different and change, you wouldn’t belive that from morning
to night the changes that comes over this great land.
Many visitors to Death Valley have tried to capture its
unique landscape and eerie beauty through words and
pictures, but you have to go there to truly experience it.
At first glance, the valley may appear forsaken and
desolate, but you will soon discover that spending time in
this completely unusual landscape will inspire you to
appreciate its rugged, natural beauty.
Aptly named stops along this Byway will get the best of your
curiosity. Dante's View is arguably the most magnificent
panorama in Death Valley. From this peak in the Black
Mountains, but still a mere mile above sea level, you will
see an expansive valley before you to the west, all the way
to Telescope Peak. Below the peak is Badwater, the lowest
point on the entire continent at 282 feet below sea level.
The salt pans below are one of the most eerily fascinating
places. The uninterrupted space of white dried salt crystals
create erratic geometric patterns on the valley floor, which
can be best captured in their entirety from Dante's View.
Another curious name is Devil's Golf Course. You will notice
that the peculiar jagged peaks and crevices comprised almost
completely of sodium chloride would hardly prove adequate
topography for a golf course at all! The name, however,
comes from a quote in a 1934 travel guidebook of the region,
which said "only the devil could play golf on such a
surface."
You'll find out why Artist Drive is named such as you come
upon the view from the highway through the Black Mountains.
As reds, golds, lavenders, and greens appear in the
distance, you will see why this palette of colors fascinates
new and frequent visitors alike. The colored landscape is
actually chemically altered ash deposits from volcanoes that
erupted millions of years ago. The drive will inspire wonder
as you take in this painted landscape of color and shape.
Landscapes of parched salt flats, colored volcanic deposits,
wind-blown sand dunes and expansive vistas of wind and rain
marked rock crevices may not be your initial ideal of a
beautiful California vacation, but wait until you see it for
yourself.
The only Irish State in the Union, My father used to say.
When you ask, Dad, what State is that? With that mischief
grin he would reply why O’Ooregeen son, well all of us would
laugh, even though we had heard a hundred times.
But Oregon Is a beautiful State, one that you must see
Soar along the rugged Pacific coastline on Oregon's Pacific
Coast Highway. At the northern end of the Byway, start in
the shadow of the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge, where
the mouth of the Columbia River gapes wide. Travel past
shining beaches and hushed temperate rain forests for dozens
of miles. Stop by attractive places such as the resort town
of Seaside, famous for its two-mile beachfront promenade,
and the busy Garibaldi fishing port on Tillamook Bay.
The southern portion of the Byway changes a little, as it is
dominated by rugged cliffs, farms, and sandy beaches. This
segment boasts some of the most photographed areas in
Oregon. Be sure to snap a shot of Siletz and Depoe Bays, the
colorful Oregon skies, the beautiful dairy land, and the
city of Tillamook, where a famous brand of cheese is
produced.
Pounding surf, endless beaches, mature forests and fish
filled lakes provide a multitude of recreational activities
for any visitor of the byway. The Bay Area is home to a
remarkable botanical gardens on a cliff overlooking the
dunes and beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The Byway offers a
wide variety of wildlife activities, including clamming,
fishing, bird, sea lion and whale watching.
When I first came to the west coast dragging my family
along, One of the places I wanted to show my German bride,
was the most beautiful Columbia River Drive, She was
impressed. I think that the best time to make this drive is
in the spring or early fall
Description
Words fail many travelers who drive the exquisite Historic
Columbia River Highway. Every twist and turn brings a new
treasure, from majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah
Falls, the most visited natural site in Oregon, to
astounding views from the tops of cliffs over 900 feet above
the river. During the spring, the Gorge area erupts into
magnificent wildflower displays, including many plants that
only exist in this area.
This is the first scenic highway in the US to gain the
distinction of National Historic Landmark. Just to give you
an idea of what this means, less than 3 percent of the sites
on the National Register of Historic Places become
Landmarks. The construction of this Highway was considered
one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern age. Its
engineer, Samuel C. Lancaster, did not [want] to mar what
God had put there. It was designed in 1913 to take advantage
of the many waterfalls and other "beauty spots."
Make sure you travel both the well-known western section of
the Byway from Troutdale to Dodson, as well as the
less-traveled eastern section from Mosier to The Dalles. The
difference in vegetation zones and views between the two
sections will amaze you.
Since the Byway passes through some areas that are sparsely
populated and other areas that are quite crowded, the Oregon
Department of Transportation recommends that you contact
regional visitor associations and chambers of commerce to
obtain maps, get acquainted with services, and make lodging
reservations in advance. Please keep in mind that services
may be several miles apart or closed at night. Also, be
prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
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