Planning your trip to California’s potential monuments

THE BEST WAY TO BODIE HILLS

From Los Angeles drive about 350 miles north on U.S. 395 to California 270 and turn east toward Bodie State Historic Park.

WHERE TO STAY

El Mono Motel, 51 U.S. Highway 395, Lee Vining; (760) 647-6310, https://www.elmonomotel.com. Open May 1-Nov. 1, this 11-room hotel features a summertime garden, coffee shop, free wireless and local artwork in each room. Rates from $67.

There are no dedicated campsites in Bodie State Historic Park, so plan on camping at Oh Ridge Campground about 45 miles southwest of Bodie. Running water, large spots and proximity to June Lake mean sites go fast, so plan on reserving one early. Info: https://www.lat.ms/9FWRcG

WHERE TO EAT

Bodie Mike’s Barbeque, U.S. Highway 395 and 4th Street, Lee Vining; (760) 647-6432, https://www.yelp.com/biz/bodie-mikes-barbeque-lee-vining. Open during summer. The atmosphere is laid back and friendly. Favorites include beer-battered onion rings and tri-tip sandwiches. Seating is indoors and out, with views of Mono Lake to the east if you sit outside.

TO LEARN MORE

Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce, https://www.leevining.com.

Bodie State Historic Park, https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509

Mono Lake Committee, https://www.monolake.org.

THE BEST WAY TO BERRYESSA-SNOW MOUNTAIN

Southern boundary: Lake Berryessa

From LAX, fly into Sacramento International Airport (United, US Airways and Southwest offer nonstop service; restricted round-trip fares begin at $223) and head 34 miles southwest to Winters, just east of Lake Berryessa.

Northern boundary: Mendocino National Forest

From LAX, fly into Sacramento International Airport and head 80 miles north to Willows. From Willows, turn west onto California 162 and continue 45 miles to Stonyford. Grab a map at the Mendocino National Forest office and continue about an hour into Mendocino National Forest.

WHERE TO STAY

Southern boundary

Abbey House, 101 Abbey St., Winters; (530) 795-5870, https://www.abbeyhouseinn.com. This 1905 house offers several restored rooms, each with its own distinct design. Rates from $100.

Northern boundary

Letts Lake Campground, in the southern third of Mendocino National Forest south of the Berryessa Snow Mountain Wilderness, is a prime family campground with lakeside camping, swimming and shade. Campsites are $12, and the campground currently has limited water. If the campground is full, dispersed camping can be found in many places in the forest:. https://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pacficsw/mendcmp.htm

WHERE TO EAT

Southern boundary

Steady Eddy’s Coffee House & Roastery, 5 E. Main St., Winters; (530) 795-3588, https://www.steadyeddys.com. Popular with local bike riders and residents. Steady Eddy’s serves items as diverse as a signature Berryessa Coffee Drink (tastes like strawberries and cream), $3.25 for 12 ounces, and a San Francisco Panini ($6.49). The atmosphere is friendly, and if you’re looking for something don’t hesitate to ask a local.

Northern boundary

Since there are no restaurants or concessions inside the forest, plan on cooking out at the campground. If you need to buy food, plan on doing so in Willows at the local Willows Market, 156 S. Butte St., Willows, (530) 934-8999.

TO LEARN MORE

Winters Chamber of Commerce, https://www.winterschamber.com

Tuleyome Environmental Group, https://www.tuleyome.org

Hiking maps, https://www.yolohiker.org

Mendocino National Forest, https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/

THE BEST WAY TO CASCADE-SISKIYOU CREST

From LAX to Ashland, Ore., American and Alaska offer nonstop service (operated by Horizon Air) and United and Delta offer connecting (change of plane) service. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $198.

Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is about 15 miles from Ashland. Several car rental agencies are at the airport including Budget and Hertz.

WHERE TO STAY

Ashland Springs Hotel, 212 E. Main St.; (888) 795-4545, https://www.ashlandspringshotel.com. Originally built in 1925, this 70-room hotel is in downtown Ashland and includes complimentary parking and Internet. Rates begin at $129 in high season (May 29 to Oct. 10), $79 in off season.

Free camping is about one mile from the Mount Ashland parking lot on Access Road 20. If campsites are full, continue along Road 20 to several dispersed campsites found intermittently along the roadway.

WHERE TO EAT

Standing Stone Brewing Co., 101 Oak St., Ashland, Ore.; (541) 482-2448, https://www.standingstonebrewing.com. This low-key brewery has indoor and shaded outdoor seating and is known for its limited edition specialty beers brewed throughout the year. Starters range from $4 to $11 and the kitchen serves up wood fired pizzas, burgers, salads and an array of dinner entrées for well under $20.

TO LEARN MORE

Ashland Chamber of Commerce, https://www.ashlandchamber.com

Klamath National Forest (California side), https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath

Rogue River National Forest ( Oregon side), https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue/

THE BEST WAY TO MODOC

Alturas is 682 miles north on Interstate 5 and California 299 and the closest airport is in Redding, Calif., about three hours away. (From LAX, United and Alaska offer connecting service with restricted round-trip fares starting at $268.) This is extremely remote country, and if you plan on exploring the plateau beyond paved roads, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.

WHERE TO STAY

Best Western Trailside Inn, 343 N. Main St., Alturas; (530) 233-4111, https://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-trailside-inn-alturas. Within walking distance of various eateries and has a pool to cool off in during hot summer months. Rates begin at $82 ($74 with Auto Club discount).

Cedar Pass Campground, 16 miles from Alturas on California 299, is an ideal spot to explore the Warner Mountains and easily access Alturas and Cedarville. There is no water at the campsite so come prepared with your own and stock up on food in Alturas.

WHERE TO EAT

Antonio’s Pizza, 202 S. Main St., Alturas; (530) 233-5600, https://www.antonioscucinaitaliana.com. Good for a carbo-load before a big day of hiking, or a restful dinner before hitting the road back to Los Angeles, this small-town restaurant offers a wide selection of Italian cuisine including pasta, sandwiches, pizza and beer.

TO LEARN MORE

Alturas Chamber of Commerce, https://www.alturaschamber.org/

Modoc National Forest, https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc/