California's Most Scenic Trail For Beer Lovers Explores A Mountainous Paradise

Soaring slopes. Evergreen forests. Snow-capped peaks. It's hard to beat the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the sky-piercing range that dominates the eastern half of California. This region feels wild and remote, closer in spirit to the deserts of Nevada than the carefree beaches of Malibu. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are home to 13 of California's "Fourteeners" — summits higher than 14,000 feet above sea level — including Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. If you love the outdoors, you're almost certain to love the Sierra Nevadas, just like naturalist John Muir, literary giant Mark Twain, and landscape photographer Ansel Adams before you.

What's the best way to celebrate a thigh-straining hike in the High Sierras? A cold beer, of course. Or maybe a tumbler of whiskey? Hard to choose — but that's why the Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail was created, to welcome travelers with quality beers and spirits crafted by local artisans. The trail's itinerary makes a great stop on this gorgeous national park road trip across California.

When you download the map of the Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail, you'll see five breweries and three distilleries scattered among four towns — Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bridgeport. In this case, "ale" refers to any kind of beer, and "trail" is a little misleading, especially in a region known for its hiking; the vast majority of visitors will drive along Route 395 — a major highway through the region — for a total distance of about 90 miles. Most of this drive is flat and arid, but the Sierra Nevadas rise dramatically in the distance, accompanying travelers the whole way.

Once you arrive at each location, you can order samples in the tasting room. Each spot has its specialty: Owens Valley Distilling Co. makes whiskey, but also vodka, gin, and rum. Mountain Rambler Brewery makes an award-winning Scotch Ale (among others), plus there's a full pub menu. Mammoth Brewing makes a Kölsch, a Double-Nut Brown, and an IPA, as well as its own root beer, and patrons can hang out on a large patio in the warmer months. While you're in the area, consider a stop in Lone Pine, a small town gem and gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail is special, of course, but the backdrop is unparalleled. If you have a taste for the outdoors, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are rich in day hikes, overnights, and scenic drives. The most famous route is the John Muir Trail, a network of alpine paths that span 211 miles through the range; this segment is part of the larger Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile journey that was already well-known among hikers before Cheryl Strayed's memoir "Wild" made it a household name.

Be aware that large swathes of the Sierra Nevadas are designated wilderness areas, and hikers are subject to special rules and permits. This is serious backcountry, with high elevations, extreme climactic conditions, and a decent number of bears, so even day-trippers should read up on the area and come prepared. While you're prepping, consult these hiking safety tips everyone should know.