Sierra Scenic Byway ~ It was a fine road trip in mid June of 2016 along California's Sierra Scenic Byway. Our route traversed 100 miles of back roads in the foothills below Yosemite. Along the way we viewed abundant wildflowers, splendid meadows in floral excellence, majestic granite domes, glacial valleys, historic cabins, and Giant Sequoia redwoods at the Nelder Grove, a place where we stretched our legs and craned our necks viewing skyward at ancient 1000+ year old trees. Along the way we enjoyed a lovely meadow lunch among abundant wildflowers and the perfume of blooming azalea, its locale at GPS(N37.4143,W119.4115) is identified on the map along Grizzly Meadow Road. It was a fun few days enjoying Mother Nature's finest.

Photos L->R: (1) Washington Lily, (2) Arch Rock, (3) Old Barn, (4) Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily, (5) Violet Clay Mariposa Lily, (6) White Clay Mariposa Lily.

Route: North Fork to Redinger Overlook to Ross Cabin to Mile High Overlook to Arch Rock, return lovely Grizzly Meadow Rd. Next full day Nelder Grove Sequoias.

Violet Clay Mariposa Lily ~ Along the east side of the Sierra Byway were these beautiful Mariposa Lilies. The stems were 18 inches long with large flowers in both violet and white. These were the tallest Mariposa Lilies I have ever seen.

White Clay Mariposa Lily ~ Blooming nearby the violet Clay Mariposa lilies were white versions of these tall elegant flowers.

Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily ~ We found this Mariposa Lily along our walk of the Nelder Grove. Whereas the white and violet Clay Mariposa Lilies were tall with large shapely flowers, the Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily was short and squat, but nonetheless still elegant. I am always amazed at Mother Nature's variety, especially when creating Mariposa Lilies. The Calflora website identifies 50+ Mariposa Lily varieties.

Jesse Ross Cabin ~ The cabin was built in the late 1860s by Jesse Blakey Ross. Its traditional log cabin design shows the pioneer spirit and technology of the mid nineteenth century. It is the oldest known residence still standing in the foothills of the Sierra's. For more information see Forest Service description.

Washington Lily

Chiquito Creek

Arch Rock

Darn Barn ~ Located in a meadow along forest road 6S10.

Native Sierra Thistle