One of the best ways to beat the heat in the middle of summer is take a day trip up Beasore Road. Beasore Road is a part of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and is conveniently located almost directly across Road 274 from the Pines Resort. It is one of the local favorite ways to escape the sometimes-sweltering heat that mid to late summer brings.
You do not need a DeLorean or flux capacitor to turn back time for a chance to revisit spring in the Sierra. You just have to take Beasore Road to Cold Spring Summit.
The almost 4000 ft. change in elevation will transport you to spring again, complete with cooler temps as well as lush green meadows filled with wildflowers. Beasore Road bisects the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway and being paved for the first 14 miles makes it a great way to see the high Sierras without needing a 4X4 or a horse.
3 WAYS TO ENJOY BEASORE ROAD
Scenic – Pictureque Meadows and View Points
Whether you are looking to commune with nature, get away from the city (and heat), or looking for a location for a photo shoot – take a drive up Beasore Road. You will find some great opportunities there and will be able to see the natural beauty of the Sierra. While there are plenty of smaller meadows along the way, your first stop should be Cold Spring Meadow.
Source: Visit Yosemite Madera County
Roughly 11.5 miles up Beasore and at an elevation of 7,308 ft., Cold Springs Summit is a great place to park and take the short stroll to Cold Springs Meadow. Even though most of the meadow is closed off with barbed wire, take a short hiking path from the parking lot. It will take you to a platform that make enjoying this high sierra meadow a breeze. Enjoy the view of a lush meadow, covered with wild flowers and if the sky is clear, you will even spot some snowcapped mountains.
If you continue driving straight, past Cold Springs Summit for 2 miles, you will find Beasore Meadow on your left. This high-country meadow is a great place to enjoy wildflowers, snowcapped mountain vistas, and even Homemade burgers and Pies!
Other Scenic activities up Beasore:
- Great photo location for wedding, engagement, family pictures
- Perfect for a road trip
- Stopping by the Globe Rock
- Walk around Beasore Meadow
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Historical – Jones Store
The Jones Store is a one-of-a-kind reminder of days past when cowboys would drive their cattle up in the Sierra to escape the summer heat in the cooler green pastures. The Jones Store has been run by the same family since the late 1800s and anyone that has discovered this hidden gem knows exactly why.
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From the homemade pie and burgers to the last hand operated visible gas pump in the state of California. This off-grid respite should be on your central Sierra travel itinerary. The opening dates for the store changes from year to year depending on the rate of snow melt and amount of snowpack.
The dates range from mid-June to the Fourth of July. The remote nature of the Jones Store make service unpredictable. It is not uncommon to find the store closed for a supply run or from selling out for the day so be sure to have a backup plan ready before you head up.
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Recreation
Beasore Road is an outdoorsman’s paradise with miles of hiking trails, pristine creeks for trout fishing, as well as some of the best 4×4 trails in the state. If you have ever wondered where the water that fills Bass Lake originates than the short hike to Chilkoot Lake from Cold Springs Summit is a must.
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Park in the lot near the Restrooms on the right at Cold Springs Summit and follow the dirt road leaving the parking lot (6S26X), opposite from Beasore. Take the first right, less than a quarter mile from where you parked (6S62XA). Follow this Fire Road to the end, about another quarter mile, and look for the trail heading up the hill.
A short but steep hike will lead you right up to Chilkoot Lake. The lake was made by Damming up Chilkoot Creek to help provide more flow into Willow Creek downstream which is the main feeding point for Bass Lake. Chilkoot Lake and Creek also happen to be great locations to throw in a rod and catch some fish! If crawling over rocks in a lifted Jeep with 33 inch tires is more your pace than check out the Shuteye Peak Trail.
Beasore is also a popular place to go “experience snow”. Thanks to a quick climb in the elevation, you do not need to drive far to find some snow, sometimes even as late as into June. There are no designated places or organized snow play areas. You will often find many local residents coming up to enjoy snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
WHEN TO VISIT?
While making your plans to visit, keep in mind that these roads are not plowed. Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is best to explore in late spring until late fall. It closes each year in winter, until the maintenance crews can clear the snow and make it accessible again.
With that said, do not feel like summer is the only time to visit. As soon as the snow is removed in the spring, you will get to enjoy lush meadows covered with wildflowers, blooming dogwoods, rushing creeks and waterfalls. Visit in fall to see the seasons changing, colorful trees, enjoy mild weather and abundance of wildlife.
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